RANK #310 / 996 NAT · #24 / 29 WI · POP 407,290
1YR FORECAST: +4.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +29%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 69/100, Waukesha County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $101,639 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WI.
Housing in Waukesha County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $352,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,235/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Waukesha County are both close to flat — population +0.5% YoY and jobs 0.0%. Home values shifted +5.3% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.23% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Waukesha County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.3% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Waukesha County is now valued at $352,600. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.