Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Overview

Milwaukee faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (39.5/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Wisconsin. Even so, the city scores 77/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 20/100.

Income & Employment in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s median income of $52,992 is 27% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.1% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Safety in Milwaukee

With a violent crime rate of 1501.7 per 100,000, Milwaukee exceeds the Wisconsin average of 295. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2818.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95.5 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $172,000. Median monthly rent is $1,033. Renters spend 23.4% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Milwaukee

The adult obesity rate in Milwaukee is 41.8%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 14.7%. Residents report an average of 19.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Wisconsin ranks #25 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Milwaukee

The high school graduation rate in Milwaukee is 67.7%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio is 18.2:1. Local districts invest $18,802 per student, well above the national median. The city has 165 public schools serving 74,922 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Milwaukee

The annual average temperature in Milwaukee is 51.3°F. Summers average 70.3°F. Winters average 33.3°F. Annual precipitation is 39.8 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions