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Is Waukesha a Good Place to Live? Waukesha, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Waukesha ranks #197 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #98 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and low violent crime (115 per 100,000, #70 of 444), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #393 of 468).
Waukesha by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Waukesha's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Waukesha?
Waukesha's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,219/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $423,254, 25% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Waukesha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 96.9#538 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $423,254#678 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,481/mo#319 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $315,500#575 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,219/mo#456 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.4%#191 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Waukesha housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Waukesha is in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Waukesha safe?
Waukesha recorded 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #163 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #70 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waukesha Police Department. Property crime runs 917 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Waukesha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 115#163 of 1,085 | 240 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 917#181 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Waukesha?
The median household in Waukesha earns $83,837, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Waukesha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $83,837#553 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.8%#482 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Waukesha?
The median resident of Waukesha is 36.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Waukesha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 41.7%#424 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Waukesha's schools and health?
Waukesha's 19 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $12,969 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Waukesha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.7#249 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,969#832 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.6%#822 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8%#372 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,761 students are enrolled in Waukesha's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Waukesha?
The average commute in Waukesha is 21.3 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 12.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Waukesha scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.9°F and winters 22.7°F, with 36 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Waukesha | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.3 min#448 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.1% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.1% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.9% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27.7 | 11.6 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 31.5 | 14.6 | 1.7 |
| Mar | 43 | 24 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 34.8 | 3.7 |
| May | 67.3 | 45.8 | 4 |
| Jun | 77.4 | 55.6 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 81.4 | 60.3 | 4 |
| Aug | 79.8 | 58.9 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 72.9 | 51.1 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 60 | 39.8 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 45 | 28.3 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 33 | 18.1 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waukesha Wwtp.
| Measure | Waukesha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 46.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 68.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 36 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Waukesha Wwtp.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Waukesha?
Waukesha County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Waukesha County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Waukesha | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 10#859 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#118 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Waukesha County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Waukesha County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0053% | 71% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0095% | 53% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Waukesha compare with similar-size cities?
Waukesha is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #98 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,233.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #197 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Dothan, ALPop. 71,514 | #1134 | 47.2 | $55,792 | $960/mo | 801 | 20.4 min |
| Camden, NJPop. 71,496 | #1292 | 38.0 | $40,546 | $1,226/mo | 1,312 | 23.8 min |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 min |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #1106 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 | 17 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #75 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Waukesha compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Waukesha ranks #6 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 64.5 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 8% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 25% above the typical Wisconsin home.
| City | Rank in WI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #1 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #2 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #3 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #4 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #5 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #6 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #7 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #8 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #9 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #10 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #11 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #12 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #13 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #14 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #15 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #16 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #17 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #18 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #19 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #20 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 |
All 20 Wisconsin cities we track, by overall score. Wisconsin statewide: median income $77,488, violent crime 240.3 per 100,000.
How is Waukesha's score calculated?
Waukesha scores 64.5 out of 100, #197 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wisconsin's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Waukesha. Similar-size median 55.5.
63.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Waukesha's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
92.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Waukesha. Similar-size median 58.9.
59.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Waukesha's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Waukesha's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
71.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Waukesha. Similar-size median 56.1.
58.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Waukesha. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Waukesha. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Waukesha's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
75.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Waukesha's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Waukesha has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Waukesha
Is Waukesha, WI a good place to live?
Waukesha ranks #197 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #98 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and low violent crime (115 per 100,000, #70 of 444), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.5%, #393 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Waukesha?
Waukesha's cost of living index is 96.9, 3% below the US level of 100 and #538 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,219/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $423,254, 25% above the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Waukesha?
Waukesha recorded 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #163 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #70 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Waukesha Police Department. Property crime runs 917 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Waukesha?
The median household in Waukesha earns $83,837, 1% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Waukesha?
Median rent in Waukesha is $1,219/mo (Census), #456 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,481/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Waukesha?
The typical home value in Waukesha is $423,254, up 6.5% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $315,500.
How are the public schools in Waukesha?
Waukesha's 19 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 13.7 students per teacher and $12,969 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Waukesha?
The average commute is 21.3 minutes, #448 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Waukesha?
Waukesha averages 46.6°F over the year, 68.9°F in summer and 22.7°F in winter, with 36 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Waukesha walkable?
Waukesha scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Waukesha at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Waukesha County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Waukesha?
Waukesha County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Waukesha?
Waukesha has 71,233 residents. The median resident of Waukesha is 36.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Waukesha compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Waukesha ranks #6 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 64.5 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 8% above the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 25% above the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Waukesha?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Waukesha's population of 71,233 are Dothan, AL (#1134 overall), Camden, NJ (#1292 overall), Jacksonville, NC (#794 overall), St. Joseph, MO (#1106 overall), and Maple Grove, MN (#75 overall). Waukesha is #197.