Milwaukee, WI
53218
Milwaukee County County · Wisconsin · Pop. 36,940
Last updated: June 2026
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (ZIP code 53218) is home to approximately 36,940 residents. The median household income in 53218 is $24,282, which is 66% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 53218 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $90,185 and the average rent is $736/month. 53218 has a violent crime rate of 780.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 105% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of D+. 53218 is served by with an average school rating of 4.0/10. Air quality in 53218 is rated Moderate with an average AQI of 54.3. The average commute time in 53218 is 29 minutes, 1 minutes above the national average. Compare 53218 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters spend about 36% of income on rent, which exceeds the recommended 30% threshold. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.7x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Milwaukee (53218) has significantly elevated violent crime rates. We recommend researching specific neighborhoods within this ZIP code.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 53218
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Academy | public | 5/10 | 508 |
| Riverside Elementary | public | 4/10 | 256 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 53218 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Milwaukee, WI (53218)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $90,185 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $736/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Higher-than-average crime - violent crime rate 105% above US average
- − Below-average income - median household income of $24,282
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 53218
What is the population of 53218? ▼
The population of ZIP code 53218 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is approximately 36,940 people.
Is 53218 safe to live in? ▼
Milwaukee (53218) has significantly elevated violent crime rates. We recommend researching specific neighborhoods within this ZIP code. Safety Grade: D+.
What is the median income in 53218? ▼
The median household income in 53218 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is $24,282. The per capita income is $15,783. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 53218? ▼
Renters spend about 36% of income on rent, which exceeds the recommended 30% threshold. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.7x the median income. Median home value: $90,185. Average rent: $736/month.
What are schools like in 53218? ▼
Schools in 53218 receive an Education Grade of F. There are 2 schools with an average rating of 4.0/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 23:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 53218? ▼
The violent crime rate in 53218 is 780.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 4001.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 53218? ▼
The median monthly rent in 53218 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is $736/month. The national median rent is $1,163/month. This ZIP code is more affordable than the national average for renters.
What is the median home value in 53218? ▼
The median home value in 53218 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is $90,185. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 53218 a good place to live? ▼
53218 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) has a ZipScore of 41/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). This area has some advantages but also tradeoffs - review each section.
What is the air quality in 53218? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 53218 is 54.3 - rated Moderate by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 6.2 µg/m³.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), FBI Uniform Crime Report, EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index, and Open-Meteo. Last updated: June 2026