RANK #89 / 996 · POP 407,290 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.0%
Waukesha County, Wisconsin, is often recognized for its "Lake Country" region in its northwestern corner, featuring numerous lakes carved by glaciers. Located just west of Milwaukee County, the county seat, Waukesha, sits about 15-25 miles from downtown Milwaukee. Commuting to Milwaukee typically takes 25-40 minutes off-peak, extending to 35-60 minutes during peak hours, with options for bus service connecting to Milwaukee's transit system. The county offers a blend of suburban and rural environments, with communities like Brookfield and Elm Grove on its eastern side and a quieter, naturally scenic southern area. Outdoor recreation is prominent, with over 8,500 acres of parks, 77 lakes, and 129 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and other activities.
Life in Waukesha County is characterized by a focus on quality of life, with many residents owning their homes. The area attracts families, partly due to its highly rated public school districts, including Elmbrook, Pewaukee, and Waukesha, along with private institutions like Catholic Memorial High School. The economy is diverse, with strong employment in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Major employers like Generac, Milwaukee Tool, GE HealthCare, and Kohl's Corporation contribute to the economic landscape. Recent economic development initiatives aim to attract and retain businesses, particularly in advanced manufacturing, energy, food and beverage production, and medical technology.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Waukesha County has a Boom Town Index score of 91/100, ranking #89 among 996 U.S. counties. With a median household income of $101,639, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Waukesha County is $352,600 with median rent at $1,235/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2883, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.5% year-over-year. Job growth: 0.0%. Home values changed +5.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.23% of Waukesha County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.