Waukesha
Wisconsin

What stands out

If you had to describe Waukesha County in numbers, start here: violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.7 per 1,000), the uninsured rate is among the lowest in America (3.9%), and high-school completion is among the highest in America (97%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 2nd of 72 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. 407,290 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,785).

Wisconsin has a graduated income tax reaching 7.65%, does not tax Social Security, and exempts some retirement income for residents 65 and over. Property taxes are high, largely for schools and local services, with a state lottery credit offsetting part of the bill. Milwaukee and Madison drive most job growth; the northern half of the state is lakes, forests and second homes.

Money

The typical household here brings in $101,639 a year, higher than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $69,989. Unemployment runs 2.5%, lower than 83% of American counties. 13% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.7% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,783 a year.

Home

The median home costs $507K, pricier than 94% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,299 a month. Property tax is 1.27% of home value, roughly $4,487 a year on that median home, higher than 76% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 80.7 years, longer than 94% of American counties. There are 2,158 active physicians in the county, about 53.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.5 of 5 stars. 3.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.49 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 98% of American counties. 97% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 21 points. 87% of eligible voters turned out. Under Wisconsin law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 47°F, highs near 57 and lows near 37, colder than 83% of American counties. About 36 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 86 out of 100, riskier than 86% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 257 Mbps down, faster than 77% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 breweries, 4 museums.