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Population Review

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is 569,756 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 31st-largest city in the United States and the 1st-largest in Wisconsin. The median household income is $51,888, the median home value is $172,000, and the median age is 32.2.

The population has declined 5.3% since 2010 (594,865 → 563,531).

569,756

Population

5924

People / sq mi

$51,888

Median Income

$172,000

Median Home Value

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Milwaukee covers 96.2 sq mi of land at 5924 people per square mile.

About Milwaukee, WI

Homeownership is the standout figure in Milwaukee: 41.5% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Milwaukee is a city in Wisconsin with a population of 569,756. It is the #1-largest of all cities in Wisconsin nationally.

The typical household earns $51,888, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.6%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $172,000, with typical rent around $1,033.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 26.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 11.2% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.

Milwaukee city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Milwaukee city had a population of 594,865 in 2010 and 563,531 in 2024, a -5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 600,664 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.38%.

2014 · 601K20102024
Milwaukee city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

563,531

Population (2024)

594,865

Population (2010)

600,664

Peak (2014)

-0.38%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010594,865
2011597,086
2012598,569
2013599,916
2014600,664
2015600,477
2016596,996
2017593,725
2018591,375
2019590,157
2020577,157
2021566,415
2022564,614
2023563,052
2024563,531

Race & Ethnicity

White36.5%
Black or African American38.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$51,888

Median Household Income

$29,679

Per Capita Income

18.6%

Poverty Rate

3.8%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$172,000

Median Home Value

$1,033

Median Rent

41.5%

Owner-Occupied

Education

85.5%

High School+

26.6%

Bachelor's+

Commute

5.4%

Drive Alone

67.8%

Public Transit

11.2%

Work From Home

22.4 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

21.0%

Foreign Born

78.2%

Non-English at Home

3.8%

Veterans

13.2%

With Disability

90.9%

Health Insurance

93.0%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management26.3%
Manufacturing15.2%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate11.3%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.8%
Retail Trade5.8%
Information5.1%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.3%
Construction4.3%
Public Administration3.3%
Transportation & Warehousing1.4%
Agriculture & Mining0.7%

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Largest counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

City rankings

Common questions about Milwaukee, WI

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a population of 569,756 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 31st-largest city in the United States and the 1st-largest in Wisconsin.

The median household income in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $51,888, with 18.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $172,000, with median monthly rent at $1,033 and a homeownership rate of 41.5%.

The median age in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is 32.2 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The population has declined 5.3% since 2010 (594,865 → 563,531).

Where to stay in Milwaukee

Visiting or relocating to Milwaukee, WI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.