Waukesha, WI Census Data
The 7th largest city in Wisconsin by population · 12 cities ranked
Waukesha is the 7th largest city in Wisconsin by population and ranks 1st of 12 for median household income. With 70,779 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 9 other Wisconsin cities. 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
70,779
48.7% male · 51.3% female
Median Age
36.4
2.3 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$81,651
$3,113 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
40.7%
5.7% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.5%
Poverty Rate
10.3%
2.1% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.9%
Broadband Access
96.4%
6.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$286,600
Median rent: $1,183 · 59% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
Labor force participation: 69.6%
Per Capita Income
$46,763
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.6%
Disability rate: 10.7%
How Waukesha Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities
Rankings among all 12 Wisconsin cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 7th of 12 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 1st of 12 | Top 10% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 3rd of 12 | Top 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 2nd of 12 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 2nd of 12 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Waukesha, WI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Waukesha, WI?
The population of Waukesha, WI is 70,779 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.4 years.
What is the median household income in Waukesha?
The median household income in Waukesha, WI is $81,651, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $46,763.
What is the poverty rate in Waukesha?
The poverty rate in Waukesha, WI is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Waukesha residents have a college degree?
40.7% of adults (25+) in Waukesha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.5% 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 Waukesha?
The median home value in Waukesha, WI is $286,600. Median rent is $1,183 per month, with 59% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Waukesha?
Waukesha's population is 83.0% White, 3.4% Black, 12.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Waukesha rank among Wisconsin cities?
Waukesha is the 7th largest city in Wisconsin by population, the 1st highest for median household income, the 3rd lowest for poverty rate, the 2nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 12 ranked Wisconsin cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Waukesha?
The unemployment rate in Waukesha, WI is 2.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 69.6%. Per capita income is $46,763.
Cities Similar to Waukesha
Other Wisconsin cities with comparable population and income levels.