Appleton, WI vs Milwaukee, WI
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
Milwaukee
73.5
#727 nationally
Appleton leads in median household income ($75,469 vs $45,318). Milwaukee leads in walk score (62 vs 44). Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 23.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 73.5 (#727) |
| Population | 74,719 | 569,330 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $230,242 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $45,318 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 23.1 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 89 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+38.5 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
C
73.5 Score
Milwaukee, WI
Brew City on the lake
Median Home
$230,242
Population
569,330
Crime
High
Schools
C
Midwest
View Milwaukee, WI →
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