West Milwaukee, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,038
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,128/yr
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,083
-1.2% year-over-year change

West Milwaukee population

How many people live in West Milwaukee

West Milwaukee is home to 4,038 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.9% of West Milwaukee locals are male, and 48.1% are female.

Total population
4,038
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.9%
2,095
Female
48.1%
1,943
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,095 51.9% -0.2%
Female 1,943 48.1% -1.1%
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 West Milwaukee is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 8.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.6% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
8.5%
25 to 44
35.6%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
13.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 805 19.9% 5.9%
15 to 24 342 8.5% 4.9%
25 to 44 1,437 35.6% -1.6%
45 to 64 916 22.7% 5.7%
Over 65 538 13.3% -17.4%
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 West Milwaukee, 87.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.1% of locals are Caucasian, 17.9% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 22% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.8%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,544 87.8% 2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 313 7.8% -5.7%
Non-citizens 181 4.5% -37.1%
Racial breakdown
White
50.1%
Black or African American
17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
22%
Other
7.6%
Value Percent
White 2,022 50.1%
Black or African American 724 17.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 79 2%
Asian 15 0.4%
Two or more races 890 22%
Other 308 7.6%

Households in West Milwaukee

A peek inside West Milwaukee households

West Milwaukee has 1,934 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40.8% are families, while the remaining 59.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,934
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,145
Family households
789
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,145 59.2% -8.7%
Family households 789 40.8% 7.2%
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 West Milwaukee

The housing landscape of West Milwaukee

West Milwaukee's housing consists of 2,083 units, with 26.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,083
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 556 26.7%
1 unit, attached 88 4.2%
2 units 592 28.4%
3 or 4 units 107 5.1%
5 to 9 units 202 9.7%
10 to 19 units 99 4.8%
20 to 49 units 134 6.4%
50 or more units 305 14.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Milwaukee

In West Milwaukee, the median construction year is 1945. About 42% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 874 42% -0.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 306 14.7% 5.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 184 8.8% -25.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 194 9.3% -9.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 203 9.8% 4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 103 4.9% 80.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 219 10.5% -3.5%
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.

West Milwaukee occupancy rates

Out of the 1,934 occupied housing units in West Milwaukee, 33.8% are owner-occupied, while 66.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,934
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,280
Owner occupied
654
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,280 66.2% -4.4%
Owner occupied 654 33.8% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
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.

West Milwaukee housing costs

Housing costs in West Milwaukee come to a median of $1,044 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $920.

Median housing costs per month
$1,044/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 West Milwaukee
$920/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 West Milwaukee

West Milwaukee education at a glance

About 48.7% of the population in West Milwaukee went to high school, while 24.5% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 15% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 39 1.3% -64.5%
High school diploma 1,485 48.7% -1.7%
College diploma 747 24.5% -8.3%
Associate degree 214 7% 10.3%
Bachelor's degree 457 15% 8.0%
Graduate degree 110 3.6% -20.3%
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 West Milwaukee

How much people earn in West Milwaukee

The average annual household income in West Milwaukee was $60,964 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,128, reflecting a +0.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Milwaukee
$60,964/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Milwaukee
$49,128/year
0.3% year-over-year change

West Milwaukee income by age

In West Milwaukee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,471. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,399 overall. Overall, 79.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $49,471 -2.9%
45 - 64 $54,399 0.4%
Over 65 $34,750 3.5%
Above poverty level
3,196
Below poverty level
823
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,196 79.5% -5.8%
Below poverty level 823 20.5% 27.0%

Average renter income in West Milwaukee

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Milwaukee, their median household income was $43,942 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,942
Rent-to-income ratio
25.1%
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 West Milwaukee

Workforce and job types in West Milwaukee

The job market in West Milwaukee is powered by 2,212 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.7% run their own businesses, 76.8% are employed by private companies, and 7.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,212
4.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,487
Blue collar
725
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,487 67.2% 0.3%
Blue collar 725 32.8% 13.8%
Employer type
Self employees
1.7%
Private companies
76.8%
Governmental workers
7.1%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37 1.7% -44.8%
Private companies 1,699 76.8% 7.5%
Governmental workers 158 7.1% 5.3%
Not for profit companies 318 14.4% -1.2%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
-55.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Milwaukee stands at 1.6%, 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 West Milwaukee

How people get around in West Milwaukee

Commuting methods vary: 87.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% 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 1,868 87.2% -0.2%
Bus or trolleybus 26 1.2% 116.7%
Walk 82 3.8% 20.6%
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 West Milwaukee by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53214 34,480 16,192 $60,962 $75,621
53215 58,146 19,328 $54,289 $68,341
53219 34,764 15,157 $70,388 $80,678

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FAQs about West Milwaukee demographics 

What is the total population of West Milwaukee?

West Milwaukee has a total population of 4,038 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 West Milwaukee?

The gender ratio in West Milwaukee is as follows:
  • 51.9% males (2,095 residents)
  • 48.1% females (1,943 residents)

What is the median age in West Milwaukee?

The median age in West Milwaukee is 36.2.

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

The age distribution in West Milwaukee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (805 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.5% (342 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.6% (1,437 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (916 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.3% (538 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Milwaukee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Milwaukee is as follows:
  • White: 50.1% (2,022 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.9% (724 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (79 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (15 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 22% (890 residents)
  • Other: 7.6% (308 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.8% of the population in West Milwaukee.

How many housing units are there in West Milwaukee?

There are 2,083 housing units in West Milwaukee, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Milwaukee has a total of 1,934 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Milwaukee?

West Milwaukee has a median household income of $49,128, representing a +0.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for West Milwaukee?

The employment rate is 98.4% in West Milwaukee, with a workforce of 2,212 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.2% (1,487 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.8% (725 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.7% (37 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.8% (1,699 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.1% (158 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (318 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