Milwaukee

WIMilwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$257,334 (June 2025, city); $268,709 (June 2025, county)
Median Home Price
563,305 (city), 1,574,000 (metro area est.)
Population
$48,000 (city, 2024 est.)
Median Income
Milwaukee Public Schools: 3/10 (GreatSchools, 2024)
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$257,334 (June 2025, city); $268,709 (June 2025, county)
Median Home Price
$195 (city); $197 (county)
Price per Sq Ft
+27.4% (city); +17.4% (county); +5.4% (ZHVI, city)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market17-18 days (ZHVI, July 2025)
Market TypeSeller's market
Months of SupplyNot explicitly stated; inventory up 15.3% MoM to 2,063 homes (June 2025)

Sales Activity

Sales Volume2,063 homes for sale (June 2025, up 15.3% MoM); 606 homes sold in June 2025 (up 10.4% MoM)
Metro AreaMilwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis
Population563,305 (city), 1,574,000 (metro area est.)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate4.1% (Milwaukee metro, May 2025, est.)
Job Growth Rate~1.2% YoY (2025 est.)
Median Household Income$48,000 (city, 2024 est.)

Major Employers

  • Froedtert Health
  • Aurora Health Care
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • Rockwell Automation
  • Harley-Davidson

Demographics

563,305 (city), 1,574,000 (metro area est.)
Population
32.7 years (city, 2024 est.)
Median Age
+0.3% YoY (metro, 2024-2025 est.)
Population Growth
29% bachelor's degree or higher (city, 2024 est.)
Education Level

Family Composition

Average household size: 2.4; 32% families with children

Key Industries

HealthcareManufacturingFinance/InsuranceEducationLogistics

Education

School District

Milwaukee Public Schools: 3/10 (GreatSchools, 2024)
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Golda Meir School
  • Milwaukee School of Languages
  • Rufus King High School

Higher Education

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Marquette University
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Lakefront Gateway Project
  • Downtown streetcar expansion
  • Milwaukee Tool HQ expansion

Transportation

  • BRT (East-West Bus Rapid Transit)
  • I-94 corridor improvements

Planned Developments

  • The Couture (high-rise mixed-use)
  • Iron District (sports/entertainment complex)

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Lake Michigan lakefront
  • Milwaukee County Parks
  • Oak Leaf Trail

Dining & Entertainment

  • Third Ward restaurants
  • Brewery tours
  • Summerfest music festival

Cultural Attractions

  • Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Harley-Davidson Museum
  • Pabst Theater

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong price appreciation (up to 27% YoY in city)
  • Rising rental demand
  • Growing inventory offers more selection

Growth Outlook

Moderate to strong, but with risk of volatility after rapid 2024-2025 gains

Market Risks

  • Affordability pressures from rapid price growth
  • Potential for price correction after sharp run-up
  • Slower sales in some segments

Rental Market

High demand, especially for 2-3 bedroom units; rental yields remain attractive

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Millennials (first-time buyers)
  • Young families
  • Investors (multifamily and SFR)

Marketing Channels

  • Zillow/Realtor.com
  • Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
  • Local real estate events

Pricing Strategies

List slightly below recent comps to drive multiple offers in hot segments; adjust for increased inventory

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Prices have risen too fast—will there be a correction?

Response Strategy:

Highlight Milwaukee's strong job base, continued in-migration, and rental demand as stabilizing factors, but acknowledge the need for careful pricing.

Objection: Interest rates are still high—should I wait?

Response Strategy:

Emphasize that rates may remain elevated and buyers can refinance later; waiting could mean higher prices if trends continue.

Objection: Too much competition from cash buyers.

Response Strategy:

Advise on strong offer strategies (escalation clauses, flexible closing) and highlight segments with less competition.

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on market shifts and realistic expectations.

2

Advise sellers to price aggressively and stage homes for maximum appeal.

3

Leverage digital marketing and social media for lead generation.

4

Monitor inventory and price trends weekly to adjust strategies.

5

Network with local lenders for creative financing solutions.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Cleveland, OH
  • Detroit, MI
  • Minneapolis, MN

Market Positioning

Affordable Midwest metro with strong appreciation and rental demand

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median price than Chicago or Minneapolis
  • Strong rental yields
  • Diverse economy

Price Comparison

Milwaukee's median price ($257k) is below Minneapolis ($350k+) and Chicago ($320k+), but above Detroit ($180k)

Investment Metrics

6.5%-7.5% (multifamily, 2025 est.)
Cap Rates
6.0%-7.0% gross yield (SFR, 2025 est.)
Rental Yields
~13-15x (2025 est.)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible in most neighborhoods with 20% down
Cash Flow
Moderate (3-5% annually) after 2024-2025 surge
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Face affordability challenges but benefit from increased inventory and down payment assistance programs.

Move-Up Buyers

Can leverage equity gains; more selection in higher price brackets.

Downsizers

Strong demand for condos/townhomes near amenities; competition from investors.

Investors

Attractive cap rates and rental yields; focus on 2-4 unit properties and SFRs in appreciating neighborhoods.

Relocators

Drawn by affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life; need guidance on neighborhood selection.

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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