CountyScore

Milwaukee County

Wisconsin · WI

#71 in Wisconsin
53.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Milwaukee slightly above the national median

Milwaukee County scores 53.7 out of 100 on livability, just above the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the 51st percentile nationally, indicating it performs better than half of U.S. counties but faces room for improvement compared to top performers.

Below average for Wisconsin standards

Milwaukee scores 53.7 compared to Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, placing it in the lower half of the state's county rankings. The county trails most of its peers, suggesting livability challenges specific to the Milwaukee metro area.

Health and affordability lead the way

Milwaukee County's strongest dimension is health at 69.6, paired with solid housing affordability at 68.7. Median rent of $1,069 per month keeps housing costs reasonable compared to national standards, supporting families and individuals seeking urban density without extreme expense.

Income and tax burden pull the score down

The county struggles with income levels, scoring just 23.9 with a median household income of $62,118—well below state peers. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 2.035% ranks among the highest measured, reducing household purchasing power and contributing to the lower overall livability score.

Best for urban professionals prioritizing health

Milwaukee County suits individuals and families drawn to urban amenities and strong healthcare access who can manage higher tax burdens and moderate incomes. The county works well for renters and first-time homebuyers seeking affordability without sacrificing city walkability and cultural institutions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax45Cost68.7SafetyComing SoonHealth69.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.9Risk1.6WaterComing Soon
🏛45
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Milwaukee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Orange County
California
53.8
Median income: $113,702
New York County
New York
53.8
Median income: $104,553
Onondaga County
New York
53.6
Median income: $74,740
Potter County
Texas
53.9
Median income: $50,448
Contra Costa County
California
53.5
Median income: $125,727

Deep Dives

Milwaukee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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