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Population Review

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Wisconsin

The population of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is 927,656 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $62,118, the median home value is $216,500, and the median age is 35.4.

The population of Milwaukee County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (948,289 → 924,740), a -0.18% annualized rate.

Milwaukee County within Wisconsin · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

927,656

Population

-0.18%

Annual growth

3842

People / sq mi

$62,118

Median Income

$216,500

Median Home Value

Milwaukee County covers 241 sq mi of land at 3841.9 people per square mile.

About Milwaukee County, WI

Milwaukee County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 927,656. It ranks #1 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 35.4, younger than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

The median household income in Milwaukee County is $62,118, below the US median of $74,580. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $216,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,069. The homeownership rate of 49.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Milwaukee County reflects 33.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.3 minutes each way.

Milwaukee County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Milwaukee County had a population of 948,289 in 2010 and 924,740 in 2024, a -2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 958,639 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.18%.

2014 · 959K20102024

924,740

Population (2024)

948,289

Population (2010)

958,639

Peak (2014)

-0.18%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010948,289
2011951,376
2012954,672
2013957,557
2014958,639
2015958,606
2016955,121
2017950,843
2018947,908
2019947,011
2020938,609
2021924,469
2022921,977
2023921,860
2024924,740

Race & Ethnicity

White52.4%
Black or African American26.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

35.4

Median Age

51.4%

Female

48.6%

Male

14.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.5%
5–9
6.5%
10–14
6.9%
15–19
6.7%
20–24
6.7%
25–34
16.1%
35–44
13.3%
45–54
11.2%
55–59
6.0%
60–64
5.7%
65–74
8.8%
75–84
3.7%
85+
1.8%

Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 14.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$62,118$-13,552 vs state
Mean household income$86,052
Per-capita income$36,955
Poverty rate12.9%+6.3% vs state
Unemployment rate3.0%
Employment-to-population61.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
26.2%
Manufacturing
15.4%
Finance & real estate
11.4%
Education & health care
8.5%
Information
6.5%
Retail trade
5.6%
Construction
4.4%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.3%

The largest employment sector in Milwaukee County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.

How residents commute

3.7%

Drive alone

3.0%

Carpool

70.8%

Public transit

12.7%

Work from home

22.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$216,500$-30,900 vs state

Median home value

$1,069

Median rent

49.8%

Homeownership rate

423,838

Total housing units

91.8%

Occupied

8.2%

Vacant

50.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

92.9%

With health insurance

93.5%

With broadband internet

20.2%

Foreign-born

4.5%

Veterans (18+)

12.6%

With a disability

81.8%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

89.6%

High School+

33.9%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Other counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

County rankings

Common questions about Milwaukee County, WI

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin has a population of 927,656 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 3842 people per square mile.

The population of Milwaukee County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (948,289 → 924,740), a -0.18% annualized rate.

The median household income in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is $62,118, with mean (average) household income of $86,052 and per-capita income of $36,955. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Milwaukee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.4%), Black or African American (26.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is 35.4 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.

The median home value in Milwaukee County is $216,500 and median monthly rent is $1,069. 49.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 423,838 total housing units, 8.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.

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

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