Waukesha, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
79,747
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,408/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
34,713
1.3% year-over-year change

Waukesha population

How many people live in Waukesha

Waukesha is home to 79,747 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Waukesha locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
79,747
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
38,883
Female
51.2%
40,864
Value Percent YoY change
Male 38,883 48.8% 1.0%
Female 40,864 51.2% 0.3%
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 Waukesha is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.2% are children under 15, then 15.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.9% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.2%
15 to 24
15.6%
25 to 44
27.9%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,083 15.2% -1.2%
15 to 24 12,417 15.6% 0.3%
25 to 44 22,278 27.9% 1.5%
45 to 64 20,271 25.4% -1.6%
Over 65 12,698 15.9% 5.0%
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 Waukesha, 92.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.9% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.1%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 73,570 92.2% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,274 4.1% 2.5%
Non-citizens 2,903 3.6% 6.3%
Racial breakdown
White
82.9%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
3.1%
Value Percent
White 66,087 82.9%
Black or African American 2,006 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 447 0.6%
Asian 2,051 2.6%
Two or more races 6,670 8.4%
Other 2,486 3.1%

Households in Waukesha

A peek inside Waukesha households

Waukesha has 33,755 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.5% are families, while the remaining 39.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
33,755
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,328
Family households
20,427
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,328 39.5% 3.8%
Family households 20,427 60.5% -0.4%
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 Waukesha

The housing landscape of Waukesha

Waukesha's housing consists of 34,713 units, with 54.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
34,713
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,013 54.8%
1 unit, attached 2,640 7.6%
2 units 1,567 4.5%
3 or 4 units 2,188 6.3%
5 to 9 units 1,398 4%
10 to 19 units 1,686 4.9%
20 to 49 units 3,406 9.8%
50 or more units 2,586 7.4%
Mobile home 229 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
379
62.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waukesha

In Waukesha, the median construction year is 1978. About 10.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% 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, 5.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,696 10.6% -2.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 793 2.3% 6.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,844 8.2% -2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,490 10% -4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,071 20.4% 4.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,554 13.1% 6.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,139 17.7% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,926 11.3% 1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,821 5.2% 4.7%
Built in 2020 or later 379 1.1% 62.0%
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.

Waukesha occupancy rates

Out of the 33,755 occupied housing units in Waukesha, 62% are owner-occupied, while 38% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
33,755
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,828
Owner occupied
20,927
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,828 38% 2.8%
Owner occupied 20,927 62% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
2.8%
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.

Waukesha housing costs

Housing costs in Waukesha come to a median of $1,494 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,256.

Median housing costs per month
$1,494/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 Waukesha
$1,256/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 Waukesha

Waukesha education at a glance

About 26.4% of the population in Waukesha went to high school, while 23.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 28% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 948 1.5% -16.1%
High school diploma 16,986 26.4% 1.4%
College diploma 15,019 23.3% 0.4%
Associate degree 6,310 9.8% -1.3%
Bachelor's degree 18,053 28% 3.1%
Graduate degree 7,078 11% 5.2%
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 Waukesha

How much people earn in Waukesha

The average annual household income in Waukesha was $120,957 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $107,408, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waukesha
$120,957/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waukesha
$107,408/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Waukesha income by age

In Waukesha, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $122,281. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $129,133 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,548, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,865 in earnings. Overall, 91% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,548 5.3%
25 - 44 $122,281 6.2%
45 - 64 $129,133 4.3%
Over 65 $68,865 3.0%
Above poverty level
70,268
Below poverty level
6,948
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 70,268 91% 1.3%
Below poverty level 6,948 9% -2.4%

Average renter income in Waukesha

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waukesha, their median household income was $46,569 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,569
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Waukesha

Workforce and job types in Waukesha

The job market in Waukesha is powered by 45,902 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 73.9% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
45,902
0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
36,765
Blue collar
9,137
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 36,765 80.1% 0.9%
Blue collar 9,137 19.9% -2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
73.9%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,150 6.9% 1.3%
Private companies 33,926 73.9% 0.6%
Governmental workers 4,876 10.6% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 3,950 8.6% -7.5%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-10.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waukesha stands at 2.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Waukesha

How people get around in Waukesha

Commuting methods vary: 97.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 37,611 97.2% 0.4%
Bus or trolleybus 168 0.4% 1.2%
Ferryboat 17 0% 13.3%
Motorcycle 7 0% -63.2%
Bicycle 16 0% N/A
Walk 870 2.2% -28.2%
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 Waukesha by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53186 33,374 14,758 $74,588 $92,850
53188 34,892 14,693 $92,409 $110,066
53189 26,855 10,334 $117,008 $143,209

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FAQs about Waukesha demographics 

What is the total population of Waukesha?

Waukesha has a total population of 79,747 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waukesha?

The gender ratio in Waukesha is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (38,883 residents)
  • 51.2% females (40,864 residents)

What is the median age in Waukesha?

The median age in Waukesha is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waukesha?

The age distribution in Waukesha is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.2% (12,083 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.6% (12,417 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.9% (22,278 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (20,271 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (12,698 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waukesha?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waukesha is as follows:
  • White: 82.9% (66,087 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (2,006 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (447 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (2,051 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (6,670 residents)
  • Other: 3.1% (2,486 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.2% of the population in Waukesha.

How many housing units are there in Waukesha?

There are 34,713 housing units in Waukesha, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waukesha has a total of 33,755 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waukesha?

Waukesha has a median household income of $107,408, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Waukesha?

The employment rate is 97.5% in Waukesha, with a workforce of 45,902 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.1% (36,765 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.9% (9,137 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (3,150 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.9% (33,926 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (4,876 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (3,950 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