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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Milwaukee

Affordable Housing in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee has 263 income-based rental properties offering more than 16,000 units across the city. With a median rent of $1,059 per month according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimates, income-based options can make a real difference for the 58 percent of Milwaukee residents who rent. The majority of tracked properties have received strong inspection results, giving renters a solid base of quality options to explore.

263
Properties
16,218
Total units
86/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,059/mo

Affordability in Milwaukee, WI

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median gross rent in Milwaukee is $1,059 per month, against a median household income of $54,234 per year. With 58% of residents renting their homes, demand for affordable options is significant -- and Milwaukee's 101 HUD-assisted and income-based properties, spanning 7,735 units, represent an important resource for cost-burdened renters.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
1,452 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Milwaukee Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,452 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies define and report offenses.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 70 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Milwaukee

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Milwaukee scores 70 (Very Walkable) for walkability and 53 (Good Transit) for public transportation access.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
180 schools · 17 districts

Schools

Milwaukee is served by 180 schools across 17 districts, including 121 elementary, 10 middle, 47 high schools, and 2 other schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$54,234 median income

Cost of Living and Affordability

The median household income in Milwaukee is $54,234 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. The median gross rent is $1,059 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year data.

About 58% of Milwaukee residents rent their homes (Census ACS 5-Year), reflecting strong demand for rental housing across the city.

Milwaukee has 101 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties with 7,735 total units, offering income-based options for renters who qualify.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 101 HUD-assisted properties in Milwaukee have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, only 2 are in high-risk flood zones -- the vast majority of properties in the city carry low flood exposure based on available flood data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 86/100(96 of 263 scored)
90+ (58)70–89 (30)60–69 (2)<60 (6)No score (167)

263 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 263 affordable apartments in Milwaukee→

Other cities in WI

› Affordable housing in Appleton› Eau Claire income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Fond Du Lac› Green Bay affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Janesville› Affordable housing in Jefferson› Kenosha income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in La Crosse› Madison affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Manitowoc› Affordable housing in Oak Creek› Oshkosh income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in WI› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Milwaukee's Affordable Housing

Milwaukee is a majority-renter city, with 58 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With 101 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 7,735 units tracked on Lease Lantern, there are meaningful options across the city for renters seeking affordable housing.

The city scores a Walk Score of 70 ("Very Walkable") and a Transit Score of 53 ("Good Transit") according to Walk Score, meaning many residents can manage daily errands and commutes without a car. The citywide median rent is $1,059 per month and the median household income is $54,234 annually, both per Census ACS 5-Year data.

Of the 96 properties with inspection scores on file, 58 received an "Excellent" rating and 30 received a "Good" rating, based on HUD inspection data. Only 2 of the 101 mapped properties fall within a high-risk flood zone.

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer (2024), Milwaukee had a violent crime rate of 288 per 100,000 residents as reported by the Milwaukee Police Department. Renters are encouraged to weigh this alongside other factors when evaluating a specific address or neighborhood.

Milwaukee is home to 180 public schools across 17 districts, including 121 elementary, 10 middle, and 47 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Wisconsin income limits (2026)Wisconsin public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Wisconsin

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →