Greater Milwaukee, Kenosha County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,583,894
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,354/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
702,411
1.1% year-over-year change

Greater Milwaukee population

How many people live in Greater Milwaukee

Greater Milwaukee is home to 1,583,894 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Greater Milwaukee locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
1,583,894
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
785,480
Female
50.4%
798,415
Value Percent YoY change
Male 785,480 49.6% 0.3%
Female 798,415 50.4% 0.4%
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 Greater Milwaukee is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 12.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
12.1%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 274,734 17.4% -0.8%
15 to 24 191,979 12.1% 0.2%
25 to 44 393,546 24.8% 0.8%
45 to 64 421,608 26.6% -1.2%
Over 65 302,027 19.1% 3.4%
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 Greater Milwaukee, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5.1% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.2%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,473,440 93% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 67,340 4.2% 3.4%
Non-citizens 43,114 2.7% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
80.4%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 1,274,131 80.4%
Black or African American 81,112 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,509 0.4%
Asian 49,326 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 555 0%
Two or more races 132,851 8.4%
Other 40,411 2.6%

Households in Greater Milwaukee

A peek inside Greater Milwaukee households

Greater Milwaukee has 659,530 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
659,530
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
244,284
Family households
415,246
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 244,284 37% 3.2%
Family households 415,246 63% 0.1%
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 Greater Milwaukee

The housing landscape of Greater Milwaukee

Greater Milwaukee's housing consists of 702,411 units, with 64.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.6% 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 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
702,411
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 453,895 64.6%
1 unit, attached 39,130 5.6%
2 units 38,723 5.5%
3 or 4 units 26,314 3.8%
5 to 9 units 42,249 6%
10 to 19 units 26,923 3.8%
20 to 49 units 32,972 4.7%
50 or more units 33,776 4.8%
Mobile home 8,216 1.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 214 0%
Homes built since 2020
9,612
70.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Milwaukee

In Greater Milwaukee, the median construction year is 1976. About 14.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 102,843 14.6% -0.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35,355 5% -1.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 88,769 12.6% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 78,178 11.1% -0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 103,691 14.8% 1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 64,053 9.1% 0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 96,273 13.7% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 79,522 11.3% 2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 44,114 6.3% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 9,612 1.4% 70.6%
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.

Greater Milwaukee occupancy rates

Out of the 659,530 occupied housing units in Greater Milwaukee, 69.9% are owner-occupied, while 30.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
659,530
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
198,772
Owner occupied
460,757
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 198,772 30.1% 2.0%
Owner occupied 460,757 69.9% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.1%
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.

Greater Milwaukee housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Milwaukee come to a median of $1,308 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,152.

Median housing costs per month
$1,308/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 Greater Milwaukee
$1,152/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 Greater Milwaukee

Greater Milwaukee education at a glance

About 30.8% of the population in Greater Milwaukee went to high school, while 21.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 24.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21,413 1.7% -2.3%
High school diploma 383,879 30.8% -0.3%
College diploma 263,554 21.2% -1.2%
Associate degree 119,925 9.6% 2.0%
Bachelor's degree 304,892 24.5% 2.0%
Graduate degree 152,412 12.2% 3.1%
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 Greater Milwaukee

How much people earn in Greater Milwaukee

The average annual household income in Greater Milwaukee was $118,190 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,354, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Milwaukee
$118,190/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Milwaukee
$91,354/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Greater Milwaukee income by age

In Greater Milwaukee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,434. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,263 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,692, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,792 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,692 -2.7%
25 - 44 $107,434 5.8%
45 - 64 $113,263 4.0%
Over 65 $60,792 3.8%
Above poverty level
1,418,059
Below poverty level
123,533
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,418,059 92% 0.3%
Below poverty level 123,533 8% 1.3%

Employment in Greater Milwaukee

Workforce and job types in Greater Milwaukee

77.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 70.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
635,398
Blue collar
188,887
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 635,398 77.1% 0.7%
Blue collar 188,887 22.9% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
70.4%
Governmental workers
11.1%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 67,707 8.2% 1.8%
Private companies 580,623 70.4% 0.0%
Governmental workers 91,608 11.1% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 84,347 10.2% -0.7%

Transportation in Greater Milwaukee

How people get around in Greater Milwaukee

In Greater Milwaukee, the average commute time is 615 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
615 min
-9.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 671,071 96.9% -1.2%
Taxicab 1,232 0.2% 30.5%
Bus or trolleybus 4,559 0.7% -13.1%
Railroad 701 0.1% 17.8%
Ferryboat 106 0% 82.8%
Motorcycle 787 0.1% -4.6%
Bicycle 1,953 0.3% -3.2%
Walk 11,832 1.7% -4.7%
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 Greater Milwaukee by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53001 1,766 737 $92,294 $107,934
53002 2,584 934 $117,500 $122,184
53004 3,475 1,380 $84,821 $103,209
53005 21,675 8,455 $126,739 $157,350
53007 1,859 798 $60,000 $74,091
53011 2,176 890 $90,833 $112,880
53012 19,183 8,002 $96,090 $138,060
53013 3,717 1,389 $84,375 $98,765
53017 5,458 1,868 $153,917 $184,026
53018 8,201 3,401 $124,595 $173,646

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FAQs about Greater Milwaukee demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Milwaukee?

Greater Milwaukee has a total population of 1,583,894 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater Milwaukee?

The gender ratio in Greater Milwaukee is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (785,480 residents)
  • 50.4% females (798,415 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Milwaukee?

The median age in Greater Milwaukee is 43.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Milwaukee?

The age distribution in Greater Milwaukee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (274,734 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.1% (191,979 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (393,546 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (421,608 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (302,027 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Milwaukee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Milwaukee is as follows:
  • White: 80.4% (1,274,131 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (81,112 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (5,509 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (49,326 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (555 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (132,851 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (40,411 residents)

What percentage of the population in Greater Milwaukee are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Greater Milwaukee.

How many housing units are there in Greater Milwaukee?

There are 702,411 housing units in Greater Milwaukee, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Greater Milwaukee and what is the average household size?

Greater Milwaukee has a total of 659,530 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Milwaukee?

Greater Milwaukee has a median household income of $91,354, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Milwaukee?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.1% (635,398 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.9% (188,887 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (67,707 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.4% (580,623 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.1% (91,608 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (84,347 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