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.
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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 3,842 people per square mile. With 927,656 residents, Milwaukee County is a county in Wisconsin. It is the #1-largest of all counties in Wisconsin nationally.
Median household income is $62,118, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $216,500, with typical rent around $1,069.
College attainment is above the local norm at 33.9%, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 12.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Milwaukee County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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%.
924,740
Population (2024)
948,289
Population (2010)
958,639
Peak (2014)
-0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 948,289 |
| 2011 | 951,376 |
| 2012 | 954,672 |
| 2013 | 957,557 |
| 2014 | 958,639 |
| 2015 | 958,606 |
| 2016 | 955,121 |
| 2017 | 950,843 |
| 2018 | 947,908 |
| 2019 | 947,011 |
| 2020 | 938,609 |
| 2021 | 924,469 |
| 2022 | 921,977 |
| 2023 | 921,860 |
| 2024 | 924,740 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.4% |
| Black or African American | 26.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.4
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
14.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 12.9%+6.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
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
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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.
Milwaukee County, WI Climate
Milwaukee County, WI has an average annual temperature of 8.2°C (47°F) and receives about 843 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.2°C
Avg Temp
843
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 42 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 34 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 56 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 90 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 77 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 92 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 90 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 98 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 90 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 60 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 63 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 51 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Milwaukee County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Milwaukee County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Milwaukee County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.