Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Milwaukee, WI
The median monthly rent in Milwaukee, WI is $1,150, translating to $13,800 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.59% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Milwaukee spend approximately 30% of the local median household income ($46,400) on rent. This is within the healthy 25-30% range, indicating rent is affordable relative to local incomes. There may be room for moderate rent increases, especially for updated or well-located units.
The vacancy rate in Milwaukee is 6.3%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of 0.4% annually provides stable demand.
Milwaukee's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 14.1x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,150/mo, a single-family rental in Milwaukee generates approximately $13,800 in gross annual income. After accounting for 6.3% vacancy ($869 lost), property taxes of $3,725, insurance (~$780), and maintenance (~$780), the estimated NOI is $7,646 per year, or $637/mo.