Milwaukee
Investment Analysis

Milwaukee, WI
Investor Report

Comprehensive real estate investment analysis with cap rates, rental yields, and risk assessment.

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53
Investment Score
Buy
Cap Rate (Est.)
3.0%
Gross Yield
5.0%
P/R Ratio
15.1x
YoY Growth
+4.3%
Median Home Price
$233,000
Average Rent (1BR)
$979/mo
Median Income
$52,992
Population
561,369

Investment Breakdown

55
Value Score
93
Growth Score
0
Safety Score
55
Afford Score

Milwaukee has a price-to-rent ratio of 15.1x, which indicates buying is moderately favorable.

The estimated cap rate of 3.0% is below average, typical of appreciation-focused markets.

Year-over-year price growth of +4.3% indicates stable market conditions.

Rental Cash Flow Analysis

Monthly Income

Gross Rent $979
Annual Gross $11,748

Est. Monthly Expenses

Property Tax (~1.5%) -$291
Insurance (~0.5%) -$97
Maintenance (~1%) -$194
Est. Net Cash Flow $397/mo

Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

๐Ÿ”ฎ Milwaukee Price Forecast 2026โ€“2028

Based on 5-year Zillow ZHVI trend analysis ยท Statistical projection
๐Ÿ“ˆ Upward Trend
PROJECTEDNOW$212K2027$228Kโ–ฒ 7.8%2028$242Kโ–ฒ 14.0%20232024Now
$254K$166K
Current
$233K
2026
Projected
$228K
โ†‘ 7.8% by 2027
Projected
$242K
โ†‘ 14.0% by 2028
5yr CAGR:+7.6%
Confidence:High
Rยฒ:0.99
โ–ผ

When analyzing the Milwaukee housing market forecast for 2026-2028, the data suggests a period of stabilization rather than the rapid acceleration seen in the previous five years. With a current median home price of $211,873 and a price-to-rent ratio of 16.4x, the city remains more affordable than the national average, which should support baseline demand. However, the explosive 47.5% five-year price change indicates the market has already absorbed significant equity. Investors and prospective homeowners asking "will Milwaukee home prices drop" should note the YoY change has cooled to 3.1%, signaling a return to a more sustainable growth trajectory rather than a correction.

The local economic landscape in Milwaukee 2027 and beyond will likely hinge on the continued strength of the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, alongside the ongoing revitalization of the downtown corridor. A low Days on Market of 31 days and a "Market Temperature" score of 66/100 still indicate seller leverage, but the "Neutral" buy/rent verdict suggests that the wind is shifting. Affordability will be the defining narrative; while the risk grade remains an A for stability, prices are approaching a ceiling relative to local income levels. Without a sharp uptick in wages, the 7.9% five-year CAGR is unlikely to repeat.

Ultimately, the Milwaukee real estate Milwaukee 2027 outlook is one of measured stability. While a crash is improbable given the solid fundamentals and affordability buffer, the double-digit appreciation days are likely behind us. Buyers should expect a balanced environment where negotiation power gradually shifts from sellers to buyers, particularly if interest rates remain elevated. For long-term holders, the fundamentals remain sound, but those seeking quick flips may find the next few years less forgiving.

Projected Cap Rate (2027)
3.2%
5yr CAGR
+7.6%

Job Market

Unemployment 2.9%
National avg: 3.7%
Job Growth (YoY) +1.2%

Healthcare

78
Score
Good

Risk Factors

High Crime Area

Market Activity

Source: Redfin ยท 2026-01-31
Sale-to-List 98.1%
Months Supply 3.8
Price Drops 19%
Gone in 2 Wks 40%

Market Position

Affordability Below Avg
Safety Higher Risk

ROI Projector Estimate your total return

Adjust the sliders to model different investment scenarios for Milwaukee.

Total ROI
17%
on $46,600 invested
Annual ROI
3.1%
compounded
Total Return
$7,762
appreciation + cashflow
Mo. Cash Flow
-$868
year 1 estimate
Equity Growth Over 5 Years
Y159kY271kY384kY498kY5112k
Appreciation
$54,592
Cash Flow
-$46,831
Final Equity
$112,116

* Estimates based on 4.3% annual appreciation, 3% rent growth, 5% vacancy. Does not include closing costs, tax benefits, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.

Rental Investment Calculator Estimate your monthly cashflow

Rental Income Estimator

Pre-filled for Milwaukee

Property

Purchase Price$233,000
Monthly Rent$979
Down Payment20%

Financing

Interest Rate6.5%

Expenses

Property Tax1.2%
Insurance (Annual)$1,500
Maintenance Reserve1%
Vacancy Rate5%
Property Management0%
HOA (Monthly)$0
-$800
Monthly Cash Flow
-$9,603/ year
-20.6%
Cash-on-Cash
1.9%
Cap Rate

Monthly Breakdown

+ Rental Income$979
โˆ’ Mortgage (P&I)$1,178
โˆ’ Property Tax$233
โˆ’ Insurance$125
โˆ’ Maintenance$194
โˆ’ Vacancy Loss$49
= Net Cash Flow-$800

Investment Summary

Down Payment
$46,600
Loan Amount
$186,400
Total Monthly Expenses
$1,779
Gross Yield
5.0%

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Data sources include Zillow, Census Bureau, and BLS. Cap rates and yields are estimates based on available data.

Last updated: March 2026