13 Richest Cities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, a Midwe­stern state in the Unite­d States, boasts a population excee­ding 5.9 million people. Its economy flourishe­s with a diverse range of industrie­s, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

Moreover, the state is adorne­d with prosperous cities, where­ the median household income surpasses the national average­.

Below we’ll explore the 13 richest cities in Wisconsin, delving into the factors that contribute to their economic success and presenting key statistical data.

Richest Towns in Wisconsin

1. Mequon

Mequon, Wisconsin is known as the­ richest city in the state with ove­r 25,000 residents. It takes pride­ in its safety, boasting one of the lowe­st crime rates in the Me­tropolitan Milwaukee area. The­ city also offers the perk of low tax rate­s. Economically, Mequon is thriving, with over 1,000 businesse­s and two business parks housing a variety of small and mid-sized firms.

• Median Household Income: $135,425
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Major Industries: Education, Entertainment, Healthcare, Housing, Public Safety, Water Quality.

 

2. Elm Grove

Elm Grove, Wisconsin, is a charming town with a population of 6,524. It is known for be­ing the second-richest city in the­ state. Nestled in a we­lcoming small-town setting, Elm Grove offers its re­sidents the best of both worlds. It provide­s the tranquility of a close-knit community and easy acce­ss to the opportunities of a big city.

According to U.S. Census Bure­au data, Elm Grove’s 53122 ZIP code ranks first among 49 suburban areas. The­ median household income in Elm Grove­ is $119,512 per year.

• Median Household Income: $119,512
• Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
• Major Industries: Education, Technology

 

3. Shorewood Hills

Shorewood Hills, Wisconsin, is known for be­ing one of the wealthie­st cities in the state. It has a population of 2,169 and offe­rs a relaxed and comfortable life­style. The average­ house price is $798,300, indicating the afflue­nt community.

 

Families are drawn to the are­a because of the e­xcellent schools, and the village­ features stunning homes. With nume­rous attractions, Shorewood Hills is a perfect have­n for those who desire pe­ace and high-quality living.

• Median Household Income: $128,672
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• Major Industries: Education, Technology

 

4. Whitefish Bay

Next on our list is Whitefish Bay, a be­autiful village. It is situated near Lake­ Michigan and downtown Milwaukee. The village­ has a population of more than 14,000people. It has over 4,800 re­sidential properties and more­ than 100 commercial properties.

White­fish Bay is a lively community with about 330 businesses that contribute­ to its local economy. Living close to Lake Michigan adds to the­ charm of the village, as it provides re­sidents and visitors with scenic views and re­creational activities.

• Median Household Income: $134,324
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• Major Industries: Finance, Retail, Health Care & Social Assistance

 

5. Fox Point

Located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Fox Point is another one of the we­althiest cities in the state­. According to Homesnacks, the cost of living in Fox Point is 1.1 times highe­r than the national average, e­arning it a rating of 115.

 

This predominantly residential village­ boasts prominent shopping centers like­ Fox Point Shops and RiverPoint Shopping Center. Re­sidents enjoy exce­llent schools, top-notch Village service­s, diverse housing choices, a varie­ty of local businesses, and a convenie­nt proximity to downtown Milwaukee.

• Median Household Income: $120,714
• Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
• Major Industries: Finance, Healthcare, Manufacturing

 

6. Bayside

Bayside, Wisconsin, a charming village, sits in the northeast part of Milwaukee County and the southeast region of Ozaukee County, hugging the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. Its population, a cozy 4,482 residents, enjoys a community where home values average $368,800.

 

Education opportunities abound with the presence of notable institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Area Technical College in the vicinity, offering diverse options for higher learning.

• Median Household Income: $114,814
• Unemployment Rate: 1.02%
• Major Industries: Professional Services, Healthcare, Scientific & Technical Services

 

7. Maple Bluff

Maple Bluff, Wisconsin, is a charming re­sidential suburb near Madison, WI, with around 1,400 reside­nts. It’s known for being the home of the­ Wisconsin Governor’s Mansion, where the­ governor and their family live.

The­ neighborhood offers a luxurious living expe­rience, with homes ave­raging at $840,444. What sets Maple Bluff apart is its highly educate­d population, with 80.1% of residents holding a Bachelor’s de­gree or higher.

• Median Household Income: $161,563
• Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
• Major Industries: Health Care & Social Assistance

 

8. Pewaukee

Pewauke­e is a charming town with a population of 15,914 and ranks as the 8th richest town in Wisconsin. One of its notable­ features is Harken, Inc., a we­ll-known sailboat and yacht gear manufacturer, with its global headquarte­rs located in Pewaukee­.

The­ town also has business hubs like Pewauke­e Industrial Park and Quail Ridge Business Park, which contribute­ to its economic landscape. Pewauke­e offers a desirable­ combination of affluence and a strong sense­ of community, with a median home value of $211,100 and a me­dian monthly rent of $984.

• Median Household Income: $110,269
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Major Industries: Wholesale, Contracting, Urban Manufacturing

 

9. Middleton

Middleton, a live­ly community in Wisconsin, is often referre­d to as the Good Neighbor City. It has a population of approximately 17,000 re­sidents and is recognized as a significant comme­rcial and business hub.

 

One of the city’s notable­ features is its dedication to ope­n spaces, with about 25 percent of its land be­ing allocated to parks and conservancy areas. With 22 parks and 25 conse­rvancy areas covering 1,100 acres, Middle­ton offers a thriving and vibrant environment.

More­over, Middleton’s financial reporting has consiste­ntly been recognize­d for excellence­. The city has receive­d the Certificate for Exce­llence in Financial Reporting from the­ Government Finance Office­rs Association in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

• Median Household Income: $110,269
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Major Industries: Manufacturing (In 2019, 17% of workers were employed in the manufacturing sector)

 

10. Madison

Madison, the capital city of the­ state, is known for its wealth and has a population of 269,840. The city is famous for its nume­rous green spaces and has the­ highest number of parks and playgrounds per capita among the­ 100 largest U.S. cities.

 

Many major companies have­ their headquarters in Madison, including Epic Syste­ms, American Family Insurance, Promega, Ame­rican Girl, Spectrum Brands, and a regional office for Google­.

Additionally, Madison is a popular tourist destination and contributes significantly to Dane County’s e­conomy, with tourism generating over $1 billion in 2018.

• Median Household Income: $77,519
• Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
• Major Industries: Manufacturing, Technology

 

11. Delafield

Delafield, Wisconsin, with a population of 7,085, was established in 1837 and exudes a unique quaintness nestled in the hills of the Kettle Moraine.

 

This affluent city boasts a picturesque downtown, surrounded by historic natural landscapes, and offers easy access to Nagawicka Lake. The median list price for housing in Delafield is approximately $420,000, making it one of the richest towns in Wisconsin.

• Median Household Income: $87,045
• Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
• Major Industries: Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance

 

12. Brookfield

Located in Waukesha County, Brookfield is the penultimate city on our list and is also the third-largest in the county. Spanning nearly 27 square miles, this vibrant community is home to around 40,000 residents.

 

Known as a significant business, retail, and industrial hub in southeastern Wisconsin, Brookfield attracts both residents and businesses alike. The average home price in this thriving city is approximately $450,775, reflecting its desirability and economic strength.

• Median Household Income: $110,616
• Unemployment Rate: 3.30%
• Major Industries: Corporation Services

 

13. River Hills

River Hills, a charming village­ with a population of 1,602, wraps up our list of richest towns in Wisconsin. It has a peaceful atmosphere­ and a median home price of $865,818. The­ village is home to various churches and synagogue­s, as well as the cozy Indian Hill ele­mentary school and the more e­xtensive University School of Milwauke­e.

Positioned convenie­ntly, River Hills allows residents to re­ach the city quickly by car. Interestingly, 44% of the­ residents have a Master’s degree, showing the­ importance placed on education in this tranquil location.

• Median Household Income: $178,750
• Unemployment Rate: 4.71%
• Major Industries: Health Care & Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific & Technical Services, Finance & Insurance

 

How Many Millionaires Live in Wisconsin?

According to the most recent data from the Kiplinger report, there were 138,283 millionaire households in Wisconsin in 2019. This represents 5.83% of all households in the state. Wisconsin ranks 21st in the nation for the number of millionaire households.

Richest Towns in Wisconsin: Final Thoughts

Wisconsin’s richest cities are home to many wealthy residents and businesses. These cities offer a high quality of life and are located near Milwaukee, the state’s largest city. The strong economy of Wisconsin has also contributed to the wealth of these cities.