countyscore
24.7
County Score
Soil Quality 78.4Lawn Care 78.4Water Quality 71.5

County Report Card

About Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Milwaukee trails national livability standards

With a composite score of 24.7, Milwaukee County sits well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant regional pressures compared to peer urban centers across the country.

Falling behind the Wisconsin state average

Milwaukee County's 24.7 score lags significantly behind the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. While it serves as the state's economic engine, its overall ranking is dampened by high tax and safety pressures.

Strong water quality and healthcare access

The county excels in resource management with a water score of 71.5 and a health score of 52.7. These assets provide a stable foundation for urban living despite other challenges.

Heavy tax burden and safety concerns

Milwaukee faces stiff headwinds with a tax score of 2.9 and a risk score of 1.6. The effective tax rate of 2.035% represents one of the most significant financial hurdles for local residents.

A choice for resource-focused urbanites

This county best suits individuals who prioritize access to Great Lakes water and healthcare over low taxes. It appeals most to those committed to urban revival who can navigate higher living costs.

Score breakdown

Tax2.9Cost17.9Safety3.3Health52.7Schools40.7Income45.5Risk1.6Water71.5Weather52
🏛2.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨78.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Waukesha County
Wisconsin
51.9
Racine County
Wisconsin
38.7
Ozaukee County
Wisconsin
56.1
Kenosha County
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39.9
Washington County
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Walworth County
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Jefferson County
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Dodge County
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Deep Dives

Milwaukee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Milwaukee County

via TaxByCounty

Milwaukee taxes rank among nation's highest

Milwaukee County's effective tax rate of 2.035% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.036%, placing it in the 85th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $4,406 annually versus the national median of $2,690—a difference of $1,716 per year on comparable properties.

Highest tax burden in Wisconsin

Milwaukee County ranks as Wisconsin's most expensive county by effective tax rate, at 2.035% compared to the state average of 1.436%. Its median tax bill of $4,406 outpaces every other Wisconsin county and nearly matches the state average median of $3,081.

Double the rate of surrounding counties

Milwaukee's 2.035% effective rate dwarfs nearby Ozaukee County (1.255%) and Outagamie County (1.467%). A homeowner with a $216,500 property in Milwaukee pays roughly $1,100 more annually than an identical property in Ozaukee County.

What Milwaukee homeowners actually pay

The median Milwaukee home valued at $216,500 carries an annual property tax of $4,406. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $4,483, while those who own outright pay $4,252.

Know your assessment rights

Many Milwaukee County homeowners are overassessed relative to market value and have grounds to appeal their tax bills. Filing a formal assessment appeal or seeking a professional revaluation can recover hundreds of dollars annually for eligible properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Milwaukee County

via CostByCounty

Milwaukee's rent burden exceeds national norms

Milwaukee County residents spend 20.6% of their income on rent, well above the national benchmark where housing should consume no more than 30% of income. However, Milwaukee's median household income of $62,118 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $13,000, making every housing dollar feel heavier.

Least affordable rentals in Wisconsin

Milwaukee County ranks among the least affordable counties in Wisconsin for renters, with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio that significantly exceeds the state average of 14.9%. At $1,069 per month, median rent is $178 higher than Wisconsin's typical rent of $891.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Milwaukee County's $1,069 median rent substantially outpaces nearby Monroe County ($920) and Ozaukee County to the north ($1,112). Renters in Milwaukee pay roughly $150 more monthly than those in comparable Outagamie County ($998), adding up to nearly $1,800 annually.

Rent and ownership costs squeeze budgets

With median gross rent at $1,069 and median owner costs at $1,332 monthly, Milwaukee County households dedicate a substantial share to housing. The typical renter spends over $12,800 annually on housing alone, leaving less for savings, childcare, and other essentials.

Considering a move? Compare your options

If housing costs are straining your Milwaukee County budget, neighboring Oconto or Pepin counties offer significantly lower rents ($796 and $860 respectively) while maintaining similar median home values. Running the numbers before relocating could free up hundreds of dollars monthly for your family's priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Milwaukee County

via IncomeByCounty

Milwaukee lags behind national income

Milwaukee County's median household income of $62,118 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $12,600 annually. This gap places Milwaukee in the lower half nationally, signaling that county households earn roughly 17% less than their American counterparts.

Below Wisconsin's income average

At $62,118, Milwaukee County ranks below Wisconsin's state median of $71,715, putting it in the lower tier among Wisconsin's 72 counties. The county's per capita income of $36,955 also falls short of the state average of $38,794.

Compared to surrounding counties

Milwaukee's median income sits notably lower than nearby Ozaukee County ($96,734) and Outagamie County ($82,857), though it edges ahead of Monroe County ($68,213). Neighboring disparities suggest economic opportunities concentrate in outer suburbs and smaller regional centers.

Housing affordability remains tight

Milwaukee's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the healthy benchmark of 15%, indicating renters spend a larger share of earnings on shelter than recommended. With median home values at $216,500 and household incomes below state average, both renting and homeownership demand careful budgeting.

Building financial stability starts now

Milwaukee residents earning $62,118 can build wealth through consistent saving and investment, even small monthly contributions compound over time. Consider speaking with a financial advisor about employer retirement plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and affordable diversified investing options suited to your timeline and goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Milwaukee County

via CrimeByCounty

Milwaukee's Crime Rates Exceed National Averages

Milwaukee County reports a total crime rate of 3,958.9 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, the county maintains a safety score of 93.7, reflecting ongoing public safety initiatives across its 23 reporting agencies.

Regional Safety vs Wisconsin State Averages

The county's safety score of 93.7 falls below the Wisconsin state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate is also nearly four times higher than the state average of 1,103.1 per 100,000 residents.

Contrasting Figures with Neighboring Ozaukee

Milwaukee's crime rate of 3,958.9 is much higher than neighboring Ozaukee County, which sits at just 733.6 per 100,000. This disparity highlights the specific challenges faced by Wisconsin's most populous urban hub.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime in Milwaukee reaches 1,011.6 per 100,000, nearly triple the national average of 369.8. Property crime remains the primary concern, accounting for 2,947.3 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Security in the Milwaukee Area

With property crime rates well above the national average, home security awareness is vital for residents. Installing visible cameras and reinforcing entry points can significantly deter local theft and burglary attempts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Milwaukee County

via HealthByCounty

Milwaukee's health lags national averages

At 74.3 years, Milwaukee County's life expectancy falls 5.2 years below the U.S. average of 79.5 years, signaling significant health challenges in the county. Nearly one in five residents report poor or fair health status (18.6%), nearly double the national average of 10%. These disparities point to underlying issues in healthcare access and chronic disease management.

Among Wisconsin's lowest life expectancies

Milwaukee County residents live 3.5 years less than the state average of 77.8 years, placing the county in the bottom tier of Wisconsin's health rankings. The 18.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Wisconsin's typical performance, suggesting concentrated health inequities within the county. This gap widened considerably compared to peer counties across the state.

Urban health challenges vs. suburban neighbors

Milwaukee County's 74.3-year life expectancy trails nearby Ozaukee County (81.0 years) by nearly seven years, despite being in the same metropolitan region. The county has more mental health providers (390 per 100K) than most neighbors but only 77 primary care providers per 100K, compared to Ozaukee's 150. This imbalance suggests people struggle to access the frontline care needed to prevent serious illness.

Higher uninsured rates complicate daily care

At 7.7%, Milwaukee County's uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.0%, meaning roughly one in 13 residents lack health insurance coverage. With 77 primary care providers per 100K population, access is stretched thin compared to better-resourced counties, forcing many to delay preventive visits. Mental health providers are more available than primary care, yet gaps in basic medical access drive higher rates of preventable illness.

Finding affordable coverage in Milwaukee County

If you're among the 7.7% of uninsured Milwaukee County residents, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion programs offer pathways to coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact local community health centers to explore options that fit your income and family size. Getting insured connects you to preventive care, prescription coverage, and primary providers who can help you avoid costly emergency visits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Milwaukee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network of Urban and Suburban Schools

Milwaukee County maintains a massive educational infrastructure of 281 public schools serving 123,255 students across 34 districts. The landscape includes 178 elementary schools, 28 middle schools, and 62 high schools to support its large population. This diverse network represents the highest concentration of schools in the state.

Evaluating Investment and Educational Outcomes

The county spends $8,594 per pupil, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of $8,113 but well below the national average of $13,000. While the graduation rate of 78.5% trails the state's 91.8% average, the county's school score of 50.9 remains in line with the national median. These figures reflect the unique challenges and resource needs of a large urban center.

Major Districts and Diverse Learning Options

Milwaukee School District is the region's largest, overseeing 156 schools and 67,500 students. Charter schools are a significant part of the ecosystem, with 45 institutions representing 16% of all public schools. Other major districts include West Allis-West Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, serving roughly 7,000 students each.

Sizable Schools in Vibrant Urban Settings

Most students attend school in city or suburban locales, where the average school size is 440 students. Oak Creek High is the county's largest school with 2,168 students, while the Hmong American Peace Academy serves 1,828 students as a major charter option. This environment offers students a high-energy, populous educational experience.

Finding a Home Near Milwaukee Schools

Families can choose between large city districts and high-performing suburban schools when looking for a home in the Milwaukee area. The wide variety of charter and traditional options makes school quality a vital factor in any local home search. Explore the diverse neighborhoods to find the right educational fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Milwaukee County

via RiskByCounty

Milwaukee faces relatively high disaster risk

Milwaukee County's composite risk score of 98.38 places it well above the national average, reflecting genuine exposure to multiple hazard types. This rating signals that residents should take natural disaster preparedness seriously, particularly for the dominant threats in the region.

Highest-risk county in Wisconsin

Milwaukee County ranks as the riskiest in Wisconsin with a score of 98.38—far exceeding the state average of 59.08. This distinction reflects the county's large urban population and proximity to Lake Michigan, both factors that amplify exposure to flooding and severe weather.

Significantly riskier than nearby counties

Milwaukee's risk score of 98.38 towers over its neighbors: Ozaukee County scores 50.32 and Outagamie County scores 79.68. The Milwaukee urban corridor faces unique vulnerabilities that set it apart from the surrounding rural and suburban communities.

Tornadoes and flooding lead threats

Tornado risk reaches 98.95 in Milwaukee County—nearly the highest possible score—while flood risk sits at 97.04, both driven by the county's location in Tornado Alley and proximity to the Great Lakes. Earthquake risk of 80.76 is also notably elevated compared to most Wisconsin counties, making structural resilience important.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover tornado or flood damage, so Milwaukee residents should secure both separate flood insurance and verify their wind coverage. With tornado risk exceeding 98, reinforcing safe rooms and staying alert to warnings can mean the difference between property loss and safety.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Milwaukee County

via WeatherByCounty

Wisconsin's Warmest Urban Climate

Milwaukee County is one of Wisconsin's warmest spots with a 48.5°F annual average, though it remains below the national median. The urban heat island and Lake Michigan proximity create a unique local climate.

Leading the State in Temperature

Milwaukee far exceeds the state average temperature of 44.4°F. It is also one of the state's wetter counties, recording 36.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Hotter and More Urbanized

Milwaukee is much warmer than Manitowoc to the north, which averages 44.7°F. It also records 13 extreme heat days, more than double the count of most surrounding counties.

Significant Heat and Moderate Winters

The county sees a warm 72.9°F July and a relatively mild 22.6°F January compared to the rest of the state. It still receives 46.8 inches of snow, though its 25.4°F winter average is Wisconsin's highest.

Cooling is Essential for Milwaukee

Cooling systems are a must here, as the 13 extreme heat days lead the region. Winter gear is still essential for the 47 inches of snow, but the cold is less biting than in inland Wisconsin.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Milwaukee County

via SoilByCounty

Milwaukee's Rich Mollisol Identity

Milwaukee's silty clay loam belongs to the Mollisols taxonomic order, which is typically found under grassland ecosystems. The county's average pH of 6.13 is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but stays well above the Wisconsin average of 5.63.

Silty Clay Loam Textures

This soil contains 29.8% sand, 45.5% silt, and 16.2% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-rich profile. The high silt content ensures decent workability, though the clay requires careful management to avoid compaction.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter reaches 5.83%, nearly tripling the national average of 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.204 in/in, the soil matches the state average for keeping plants hydrated through dry spells.

Managing Poor Drainage

Classified as very poorly drained with a C/D hydrologic group, this soil holds onto water stubbornly. Urban gardeners should utilize raised beds or drainage tile to prevent root rot during wet Wisconsin springs.

Urban Gardening in Zone 6a

Milwaukee's 6a hardiness zone and high soil score of 78.4 make it a powerhouse for urban agriculture. The temperate climate and rich soil are perfect for growing heavy-feeders like tomatoes and leafy greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Milwaukee County

via LawnByCounty

Milwaukee's High Score for Easy Lawn Growth

Milwaukee County earns a lawn difficulty score of 78.4, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the state average of 64.4. Situated in hardiness zone 6a, the local climate is more forgiving for a wide variety of grass species than most of Wisconsin.

Warmer Summers and Ample Rainfall

The county receives 36.6 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal threshold for lush turf. While 13 extreme heat days per year require extra watering, the 2,812 growing degree days provide a robust window for development between the April 26 and October 22 frost dates.

Managing Dense Silty Clay Loam Soils

With a near-ideal soil pH of 6.13, local nutrients are readily available for grass roots. However, the silty clay loam texture and very poor drainage class mean homeowners should prioritize core aeration to prevent soil compaction and water pooling.

Short-Term Dry Spells in the Urban Core

Milwaukee faced only four weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. To maintain this resilience, focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles that encourage roots to reach deeper than the top layer of soil.

Start Your Lawn After the April Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in zone 6a and make the most of the long growing season. Aim to seed or sod shortly after the final spring frost on April 26 to establish roots before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milwaukee County's county score?
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 24.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Milwaukee County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Milwaukee County ranks #72 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Milwaukee County is $4,406, with an effective tax rate of 2.04%. This earns Milwaukee County a tax score of 2.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Milwaukee County?
The median household income in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is $62,118 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Milwaukee County earns an income score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Milwaukee County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Milwaukee County scores 24.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Milwaukee County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Milwaukee County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.