Demographics
As of 2020, Milwaukee County, WI, had a population of about 939,000. The median age is 35.1 years, with 48.7% male and 51.3% female residents. Racially, the county is 49.6% White, 26.9% Black or African American, 15.7% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Asian, and 3.1% identifying as two or more races. This diverse demographic shapes Milwaukee County’s vibrant community.
Elections
Milwaukee County, WI, with over 600,000 registered voters as of 2022, conducts spring and fall elections including local, state, and federal races. In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout topped 75%, with 69% supporting the Democratic candidate. Polling locations span more than 180 sites across 19 municipalities. Major issues include education, public safety, and transportation. Elections are administered by the Milwaukee County Election Commission. The Democratic and Republican parties dominate, with third-party candidates receiving under 3% of votes. Voter access, absentee ballots, and redistricting are frequent election-related debates in the county.
Education, Employment and Housing
Milwaukee County, WI, serves over 150,000 K-12 students across roughly 280 public schools, including 43 high schools. About 89% of adults have a high school diploma, while 33% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools’ average test scores are below the state average, with statewide proficiency rates at 39% for reading and 38% for math. School safety measures include resource officers and security systems, but student incidents mirror national urban rates. The county offers adult education and vocational programs through Milwaukee Area Technical College and UW-Milwaukee. Educational initiatives aim to boost college readiness and career pathways.
As of 2023, Milwaukee County, WI, has an employment rate of approximately 60%. Leading industries include healthcare and social assistance (16%), manufacturing (13%), and retail trade (10%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (14%), sales (9%), and production (8%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. Major employment locations are downtown Milwaukee and the county’s northwestern industrial corridors, with over 25% of residents working outside the county.
Milwaukee County, WI, has a homeownership rate of about 50%, with median home values around $230,000 in 2024. The median gross rent is approximately $1,150 per month. The housing market has seen steady appreciation, with property values rising approximately 5% year-over-year. Housing types range from historic single-family homes in neighborhoods like Bay View and Wauwatosa to modern downtown apartments. Popular areas also include Shorewood and Whitefish Bay. Property tax rates average 2.2%, meaning a $230,000 home pays about $5,060 annually. Diverse communities and revitalized urban spaces make Milwaukee County’s housing market dynamic.
County Crime & Safety
Milwaukee County, WI, has experienced a higher-than-average crime rate compared to national figures. In 2022, the county reported approximately 5,200 violent crimes (including 220 homicides) and over 27,000 property crimes. The crime rate stands at about 720 incidents per 100,000 residents, above the U.S. average of 380. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage public crime reporting, contributing to heightened awareness and preventive initiatives. Efforts like increased patrols and community programs aim to improve overall safety.
Popular names
- John Smith
- James Smith
- James Johnson
- James Williams
- Jose Rodriguez
- Maria Garcia
- Mary Smith
- Maria Rodriguez
- Jose Sanchez
- Jose Hernandez
- Maria Sanchez
- Michael Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Jose Gonzalez
- William Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Mary Johnson
- Michael Williams
- Jose Martinez
- David Johnson
- Robert Smith
- Jose Lopez
- Maria Hernandez
- David Smith
- Jose Garcia
- Michael Brown
- James Jones
- Mai Vang
- Maria Lopez
- Mai Xiong
- Maria Martinez
- Anthony Johnson
- Michael Davis
- John Williams
- Mary Brown
- Mary Williams
- Anthony Jones
- Maria Gonzalez
- Michael Jones
- Juan Garcia
- Robert Williams
- James Brown
- Jennifer Johnson
- Jennifer Smith
- James Davis
- Juan Rodriguez
- Mai Yang
- Jessica Johnson
- James Miller
- John Miller
- Larry Johnson
- Michael Miller
- Patricia Williams
- Maria Ramirez
- James Wilson
- Jose Perez
- William Johnson
- Mary Davis
- Mary Jones
- Charles Smith
Other Counties in Wisconsin
- Adams
- Ashland
- Barron
- Bayfield
- Brown
- Buffalo
- Burnett
- Calumet
- Chippewa
- Clark
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Dane
- Dodge
- Door
- Douglas
- Dunn
- Eau Claire
- Florence
- Fond Du Lac
- Forest
- Grant
- Green
- Green Lake
- Iowa
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Juneau
- Kenosha
- Kewaunee
- La Crosse
- Lafayette
- Langlade
- Lincoln
- Manitowoc
- Marathon
- Marinette
- Marquette
- Menominee
- Monroe
- Oconto
- Oneida
- Outagamie
- Ozaukee
- Pepin
- Pierce
- Polk
- Portage
- Price