Waukesha Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Waukesha: The Data Profile (2026)

Waukesha, Wisconsin, presents a statistical profile of a stable, mid-sized suburban economy with a population of 70,452. The city distinguishes itself through an income-to-cost ratio that favors residents. The median household income stands at $81,480, which is 9.3% higher than the US median of $74,580. This economic advantage is bolstered by an educated workforce; 40.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "value-seeking professional." This profile includes dual-income households or remote-capable workers prioritizing disposable income over coastal urban density. With a Cost of Living Index (COLI) weighted average of approximately 92.7 (roughly 7.3% below the national average), Waukesha attracts individuals looking to leverage high earning potential against lower operational costs.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Waukesha is driven primarily by the 5.9% discount on housing and an 8.5% reduction in healthcare costs. While utilities are a slight outlier—electricity averages 17.18 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh—the aggregate savings in daily expenses neutralize this variance.

Table 1: Monthly Cost of Living Breakdown

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $81,480 (~$6,790 monthly gross) faces a monthly burden of roughly $2,479. After taxes (approx. 22% effective), this leaves a disposable surplus of roughly $2,800 monthly, significantly higher than the US average surplus. For a family of four, the surplus remains robust, allowing for substantial savings or investment capabilities that are rare in high-earning demographics.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The Waukesha housing market is defined by "High Value, Low Barrier." The Median Home Price is roughly 7% below the national median, but the Price per Square Foot offers even better value. The Housing Index of 94.1 confirms that the market is undervalued relative to the broader economy.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Renting is highly competitive here. The rent-to-income ratio for a single earner is roughly 14.4%, well below the 30% danger threshold. However, buying is the mathematically superior long-term play. With a median home price of $315,000, the monthly mortgage payment (assuming 20% down and 6.5% rate) is roughly $1,600, only marginally higher than the $1,460 rent for a 3-bedroom unit. For those planning a stay of 5+ years, buying captures equity while the -15.9% discount on Price per Sq Ft offers immediate value.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Waukesha is insulated from the volatility of the post-2025 "Remote-First" correction due to its diverse industrial base. The unemployment rate sits at a tight 3.1%, well below the US average of 4.0%, indicating a saturated labor market.

RTO & Commute Impact:
For the hybrid worker, Waukesha is a strategic hub. It is located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. Commute times via I-94 average 25-35 minutes against traffic. For those working fully remote, the lack of state income tax on retirement benefits (Wisconsin is tax-friendly for retirees) adds a long-term financial layer to the economic outlook. The local economy is anchored by manufacturing and healthcare, sectors that have shown 2.4% year-over-year growth in Q3 2026.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life data reveals a trade-off: High economic stability and safety against moderate health risks.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
Waukesha maintains a violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents (significantly lower than the national median of 4.0). Property crime is 16.0 per 1,000, slightly above the national median of 14.0 but typical for a suburban hub.

Air Quality & Weather:
Air quality is a major asset, with an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, both well below EPA thresholds. The current weather snapshot shows a temperature of 19.0°F with highs of 24°F, confirming the region's distinct four-season climate. Residents must budget for winter heating costs, reflected in the 17.18 cents/kWh electricity rate.

Schools:
The Waukesha School District scores a 6.8/10 on GreatSchools, with graduation rates hovering at 92%, servicing the 40.7% college-educated demographic effectively.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Leverage: Earn 9.3% more than the national average in a market that costs 7.3% less.
• Housing Value: Immediate equity potential with a -15.9% discount on Price per Sq Ft.
• Stability: Unemployment at 3.1% and crime rates well below national medians.
• Environment: Top-tier air quality (AQI 42) and low pollution.

Cons:

• Health Factors: Obesity rates are 11.6% higher than the national average (35.6% vs 31.9%).
• Utilities: Electricity rates are 7.4% higher than the US average, impacting winter budgets.
• Climate: The 19°F winter reality requires seasonal adaptation and vehicle costs (AWD/Anti-freeze).

Recommendation:
Waukesha is a Strong Buy for 2026. It is statistically optimal for remote workers seeking to maximize savings rates and families looking to purchase a home without becoming house-poor. The data suggests that the slightly elevated health risks are a manageable trade-off for the significant financial and safety advantages.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Waukesha?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 provides a comfortable buffer above the $2,479 monthly cost of living. For a family of four, $110,000 is recommended to maintain the median income's purchasing power.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Milwaukee?
Waukesha offers roughly 15% better value on housing than Milwaukee proper, with a 25% lower crime rate, though it adds 20 minutes to a downtown Milwaukee commute.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 and a property crime rate of 16.0 per 1,000, Waukesha is statistically safer than 82% of US cities of comparable size.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The housing market is most active in Q2/Q3. However, moving in winter (Q1) often yields 3-5% lower rental rates due to the 19°F weather conditions and lower demand.