In short
The median value of owner-occupied homes in the city of Milwaukee is $207,900, according to the Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey, against $294,700 for Wisconsin. The FHFA index shows Milwaukee–Waukesha prices up 6.1% between the second quarters of 2025 and 2026. Costs and taxes are explained in our Wisconsin guides below.
How much homes cost in Milwaukee
The American Community Survey (ACS) asks owners how much they think their home would sell for. The median of those answers is a useful benchmark, but it is not a sale price: it covers every owner-occupied home, including homes bought long ago. Our page on Wisconsin home prices explains the method in detail.
| Area | Median value, 2024 (ACS) | Margin of error (90%) |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | $207,900 | ±$6,388 |
| Milwaukee County | $254,700 | ±$4,553 |
| Milwaukee–Waukesha metro area | $331,100 | ±$4,616 |
| Wisconsin | $294,700 | ±$1,862 |
| United States | $360,600 | ±$618 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 1-Year Estimates 2024, table B25077. The 2025 estimates are scheduled for October 29, 2026.
The city’s median is well below the metro figure, because the metro area includes suburban counties such as Waukesha.
Are Milwaukee prices rising?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) tracks repeat sales of the same single-family homes. Its purchase-only, seasonally adjusted index, published August 25, 2026, shows:
| Area | 1-year change (Q2 2025 to Q2 2026) | 5-year change (Q2 2021 to Q2 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee–Waukesha metro area | +6.1% | +44.2% |
| Wisconsin | +4.8% | +46.0% |
| United States | +2.1% | +33.4% |
Source: FHFA House Price Index, quarterly purchase-only files. Changes calculated by Payotte from the published index values.
Prices in the Milwaukee area rose faster than the national index over the past year, and about 44% over five years.
Closing costs at the median price
On top of the price, buyers and sellers pay closing costs: lender fees, the appraisal, escrow and recording fees, and title insurance. Several of these depend on the loan and on the providers you choose. For the rules, who usually pays each item and a worked example, see our guide to closing costs in Wisconsin. Our guide to Wisconsin real estate attorneys explains who conducts a closing.
Property tax in Milwaukee
Property tax depends on the taxing units that cover your address, so one rate does not fit the whole city. Our Wisconsin property tax guide explains how assessed value is set, how the bill is calculated and how to challenge an assessment. Your tax bill shows the exact rates for your parcel. To see how tax can be paid through your monthly mortgage payment, read our guide to escrow accounts.
Transfer taxes
The state rules on transfer taxes and fees, and any local charge, are covered on our transfer tax page. Check there before you estimate seller proceeds.
Help for buyers with moderate incomes
Wisconsin’s housing finance agency, WHEDA, sets income limits by county. For Milwaukee County, its table posted as current from June 13, 2026 gives a first-time buyer limit of $110,700 for 1–2 people and $127,305 for 3 or more, and higher limits in designated target areas of the city. WHEDA’s Capital Access $7,500 down payment loan has been paused since September 30, 2026, according to its lender update. Easy Close, which lends up to 6% of the price, was still listed on its program page on October 13, 2026. Details are in our first-time buyer programs guide.
Wisconsin guides for Milwaukee buyers
Frequently asked questions
What is the median home price in Milwaukee?
The Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in the city of Milwaukee at $207,900 (±$6,388). This is what owners think their home is worth, not the median sale price of recent sales.
Are home prices in Milwaukee going up?
According to the FHFA purchase-only index, prices in the Milwaukee–Waukesha area rose 6.1% between the second quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026. Over five years, they rose 44.2%.
Why is the city median lower than the county or metro median?
The ACS city figure covers only homes inside the city limits. Milwaukee County ($254,700) and the metro area ($331,100) include suburbs, where the median value is higher.
What income limit applies to first-time buyers in Milwaukee County?
WHEDA’s table, posted as current from June 13, 2026, lists $110,700 for one or two people and $127,305 for three or more, outside target areas. Ask a WHEDA lender to confirm your household’s figure.
Is down payment help available in Milwaukee?
WHEDA’s Easy Close loan is listed, while its Capital Access loan is paused. The city and county may have their own programs; we could not verify them, so contact them directly.
More Wisconsin guides
- Closing costs in Wisconsin: what buyers and sellers pay
- Wisconsin real estate transfer fee: rate, who pays, exemptions
- Wisconsin property tax: how it works, credits and appeals
- Seller disclosure in Wisconsin: the condition report rules
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Wisconsin?
- Foreclosure in Wisconsin: process, timeline and your rights
- Home prices in Wisconsin and Milwaukee: median value, trend
- First-time buyer programs in Wisconsin: WHEDA and Milwaukee
- How to verify a real estate license in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin marital property and buying a home
Sources
- Table B25077, Median Value (Dollars), ACS 1-Year Estimates 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- 2025 ACS Data Release Schedule (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- U.S. House Prices Rise 2.1 Percent Year over Year, Up 0.3 Percent Quarter over Quarter (FHFA, August 25, 2026) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- FHFA House Price Index datasets, quarterly purchase-only indexes (state, metro) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Income and Purchase Price Limits, current limits effective 06/13/2026 (WHEDA) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- WHEDA Available Programs (WHEDA) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Lender Update 2026-9, September 30, 2026: Capital Access DPA program pause (WHEDA) (consulted October 13, 2026)