North Shore, Greater Milwaukee, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,460
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,839/yr
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,361
-0.3% year-over-year change

North Shore population

How many people live in North Shore

North Shore is home to 71,460 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of North Shore locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
71,460
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
33,865
Female
52.6%
37,594
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,865 47.4% -0.6%
Female 37,594 52.6% -1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in North Shore is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,405 20.2% -0.1%
15 to 24 10,142 14.2% -3.5%
25 to 44 18,736 26.2% -0.0%
45 to 64 15,886 22.2% -2.7%
Over 65 12,291 17.2% 2.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In North Shore, 91.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.6% of locals are Caucasian, 28.6% are African American and 4.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 65,389 91.5% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,114 5.8% 4.3%
Non-citizens 1,957 2.7% 2.2%
Racial breakdown
White
56.6%
Black or African American
28.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.6%
Other
2.3%
Value Percent
White 40,442 56.6%
Black or African American 20,462 28.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 156 0.2%
Asian 3,345 4.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 12 0%
Two or more races 5,396 7.6%
Other 1,647 2.3%

Households in North Shore

A peek inside North Shore households

North Shore has 29,838 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.8% are families, while the remaining 44.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
29,838
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,175
Family households
16,663
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,175 44.2% 2.1%
Family households 16,663 55.8% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in North Shore

The housing landscape of North Shore

North Shore's housing consists of 32,361 units, with 51.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
32,361
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,762 51.8%
1 unit, attached 1,386 4.3%
2 units 3,610 11.2%
3 or 4 units 1,758 5.4%
5 to 9 units 1,416 4.4%
10 to 19 units 1,415 4.4%
20 to 49 units 2,689 8.3%
50 or more units 3,232 10%
Mobile home 90 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
213
62.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Shore

In North Shore, the median construction year is 1955. About 27.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8,809 27.2% -4.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,728 11.5% -0.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,871 21.2% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,691 11.4% -4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,838 11.9% 1.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,837 5.7% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,149 3.6% -8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,151 3.6% 10.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,075 3.3% 6.5%
Built in 2020 or later 213 0.7% 62.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

North Shore occupancy rates

Out of the 29,838 occupied housing units in North Shore, 54.8% are owner-occupied, while 45.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
29,838
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,503
Owner occupied
16,335
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,503 45.2% -1.1%
Owner occupied 16,335 54.8% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

North Shore housing costs

Housing costs in North Shore come to a median of $1,188 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,109.

Median housing costs per month
$1,188/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in North Shore
$1,109/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in North Shore

North Shore education at a glance

About 23.7% of the population in North Shore went to high school, while 18.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 27.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 964 1.8% 5.7%
High school diploma 12,876 23.7% -3.1%
College diploma 10,282 18.9% -5.1%
Associate degree 3,575 6.6% 8.5%
Bachelor's degree 15,029 27.7% 1.9%
Graduate degree 11,595 21.4% -0.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in North Shore

How much people earn in North Shore

The average annual household income in North Shore was $151,347 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,839, reflecting a +0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Shore
$151,347/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Shore
$60,839/year
0.6% year-over-year change

North Shore income by age

In North Shore, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,347. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,483 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,622, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,681 in earnings. Overall, 85.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,622 5.7%
25 - 44 $60,347 2.2%
45 - 64 $75,483 3.3%
Over 65 $48,681 0.6%
Above poverty level
59,106
Below poverty level
9,733
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 59,106 85.9% -0.4%
Below poverty level 9,733 14.1% -2.9%

Employment in North Shore

Workforce and job types in North Shore

85.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 63% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
29,456
Blue collar
5,019
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,456 85.4% -0.0%
Blue collar 5,019 14.6% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
63%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,123 9.1% 2.3%
Private companies 21,723 63% -0.8%
Governmental workers 4,467 13% -2.6%
Not for profit companies 5,162 15% 4.2%

Transportation in North Shore

How people get around in North Shore

In North Shore, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,639 89.2% -2.9%
Taxicab 73 0.3% 204.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1,243 4.7% -15.3%
Railroad 21 0.1% 50.0%
Ferryboat 1 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 30 0.1% 172.7%
Bicycle 261 1% 0.0%
Walk 1,218 4.6% 5.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in North Shore by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53209 45,170 19,518 $48,486 $66,023
53211 34,234 15,146 $75,256 $125,688
53212 28,938 13,613 $47,298 $68,839
53217 29,957 11,605 $133,021 $200,552
53223 28,793 12,006 $60,839 $80,221

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FAQs about North Shore demographics 

What is the total population of North Shore?

North Shore has a total population of 71,460 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Shore?

The gender ratio in North Shore is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (33,865 residents)
  • 52.6% females (37,594 residents)

What is the median age in North Shore?

The median age in North Shore is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in North Shore?

The age distribution in North Shore is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (14,405 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (10,142 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (18,736 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (15,886 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (12,291 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Shore?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Shore is as follows:
  • White: 56.6% (40,442 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.6% (20,462 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (156 residents)
  • Asian: 4.7% (3,345 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (12 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.6% (5,396 residents)
  • Other: 2.3% (1,647 residents)

What percentage of the population in North Shore are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.5% of the population in North Shore.

How many housing units are there in North Shore?

There are 32,361 housing units in North Shore, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in North Shore and what is the average household size?

North Shore has a total of 29,838 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Shore?

North Shore has a median household income of $60,839, representing a +0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for North Shore?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.4% (29,456 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.6% (5,019 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (3,123 residents)
  • Private companies: 63% (21,723 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (4,467 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15% (5,162 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025