Metro areas in Wisconsin: income, rent and home values
Wisconsin has 15 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Minneapolis, MN with 3.8 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Minneapolis, MN ($102,351). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Fond du Lac, WI (22.5%) and the largest in Racine, WI (32.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is La Crosse, WI (+23.0%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | 3,790,295 | $102,351 | $1,504 | $396,700 | 29.9% |
| Milwaukee, WI | 1,575,010 | $80,344 | $1,260 | $355,600 | 29.6% |
| Madison, WI | 709,685 | $91,138 | $1,533 | $424,400 | 28.2% |
| Green Bay, WI | 336,756 | $83,045 | $1,087 | $322,600 | 22.6% |
| Duluth, MN | 281,219 | $75,389 | $1,122 | $265,100 | 29.5% |
| Appleton, WI | 249,876 | $86,266 | $1,213 | $315,700 | 27.5% |
| Racine, WI | 198,919 | $82,849 | $1,193 | $298,400 | 32.2% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 176,647 | $73,953 | $1,205 | $307,400 | 31.0% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 174,218 | $70,624 | $1,083 | $269,700 | 28.5% |
| La Crosse, WI | 171,182 | $72,965 | $1,164 | $298,700 | 30.0% |
| Kenosha, WI | 168,448 | $79,755 | $1,487 | $301,100 | 31.3% |
| Janesville, WI | 166,472 | $81,674 | $1,129 | $278,200 | 24.9% |
| Wausau, WI | 139,432 | $79,136 | $1,102 | $244,300 | 27.7% |
| Sheboygan, WI | 118,047 | $81,065 | $1,143 | $285,700 | 23.9% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 104,669 | $78,799 | $972 | $263,000 | 22.5% |
Includes 3 metro areas that cross into neighboring states.
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Wisconsin at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Wisconsin for renters?+
Fond du Lac, WI, where renters spend a median 22.5% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Wisconsin has the highest income?+
Minneapolis, MN, with a median household income of $102,351 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Wisconsin?+
15 metropolitan statistical areas in Wisconsin have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.