RANK #148 / 1001 NAT · #3 / 29 WI · POP 411,762
1YR FORECAST: +3.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
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.
Waukesha County is one of 110 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +6.2% runs above the profile's typical +2.4%.
See all 110 Educated Suburban Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.2x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Waukesha County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Waukesha County ranks #148 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 85/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $106,076 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Waukesha County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $398,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,356/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Waukesha County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.3%). Home values shifted +6.2% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.49% 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 +6.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Waukesha County is now valued at $398,200. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.