Milwaukee, WI Census Data

The largest city in Wisconsin by population · 12 cities ranked

Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin by population and ranks 12th of 12 for median household income. With 569,756 residents, its poverty rate of 23.3% ranks among the higher rates in Wisconsin. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023

Population 569,756
48.4% male · 51.6% female
Median Age 32.2
6.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income $51,888
$26,650 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 26.6%
8.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 85.5%
Poverty Rate 23.3%
10.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.1%
Broadband Access 93.0%
3.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value $172,000
Median rent: $1,033 · 42% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate 5.9%
Labor force participation: 60.2%
Per Capita Income $36,574
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population 3.8%
Disability rate: 13.2%

How Milwaukee Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities

Rankings among all 12 Wisconsin cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.

RankingPositionTier
Largest by Population1st of 12Top 10%
Highest Median Income12th of 12Bottom 25%
Lowest Poverty Rate12th of 12Bottom 25%
Highest Bachelor's Attainment10th of 12Bottom 25%
Highest Home Value10th of 12Bottom 25%

Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

Age Distribution

Commute to Work

Milwaukee, WI Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Milwaukee, WI?
The population of Milwaukee, WI is 569,756 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.2 years.
What is the median household income in Milwaukee?
The median household income in Milwaukee, WI is $51,888, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,574.
What is the poverty rate in Milwaukee?
The poverty rate in Milwaukee, WI is 23.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Milwaukee residents have a college degree?
26.6% of adults (25+) in Milwaukee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 85.5% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Milwaukee?
The median home value in Milwaukee, WI is $172,000. Median rent is $1,033 per month, with 42% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Milwaukee?
Milwaukee's population is 36.5% White, 38.6% Black, 20.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Milwaukee rank among Wisconsin cities?
Milwaukee is the 1st largest city in Wisconsin by population, the 12th highest for median household income, the 12th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 12 ranked Wisconsin cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Milwaukee?
The unemployment rate in Milwaukee, WI is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.2%. Per capita income is $36,574.