Best places to live in Wisconsin
We cover 6 places in Wisconsin, home to 1.21 million residents. The largest is Milwaukee (562,000), the fastest growing since 2020 is Madison (+4.2%), and the lowest metro price level is in Appleton (92.4). The top state income tax rate is 7.65%. The average combined sales tax is 5.72%.
Best places to live in Wisconsin, ranked
Each city gets a score out of 100 from six official measures, weighted as shown: home prices compared with income (25%), household income (15%), population growth since 2020 (15%), short commutes (15%), comfortable months of weather (15%) and low poverty (15%). Scores compare all 546 large US cities, so a 70 in Wisconsin means the same as a 70 anywhere. See the national ranking and method.
| # | City | Score | Home value to income | Income | Growth | Commute | Comfortable months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appleton | 65 | 2.9× | $80,483 | -0.3% | 19 min | 4 |
| 2 | Green Bay | 57 | 3.1× | $66,206 | -0.6% | 19 min | 5 |
| 3 | Kenosha | 54 | 3.2× | $71,239 | -0.8% | 24 min | 5 |
| 4 | Racine | 51 | 2.9× | $57,740 | -0.5% | 23 min | 5 |
| 5 | Madison | 49 | 4.8× | $78,050 | +4.2% | 19 min | 3 |
| 6 | Milwaukee | 43 | 3.4× | $54,234 | -2.7% | 22 min | 5 |
Best for retirees, young professionals or families? Every city page shows all four scores, and the city quiz ranks cities by what matters to you.
Largest cities in Wisconsin
| City | Population 2025 | Growth | Home value | Rent | Income | Price level | Jan high | Jul high |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 562,407 | -2.7% | $184,000 | $1,059 | $54,234 | 96.9 | 31° | 82° |
| Madison | 286,233 | +4.2% | $372,900 | $1,413 | $78,050 | 97.3 | 27° | 82° |
| Green Bay | 106,675 | -0.6% | $207,200 | $932 | $66,206 | 93.1 | 26° | 81° |
| Kenosha | 99,239 | -0.8% | $225,200 | $1,186 | $71,239 | 101.1 | 31° | 80° |
| Racine | 77,908 | -0.5% | $166,500 | $1,033 | $57,740 | 96.0 | 31° | 81° |
| Appleton | 75,452 | -0.3% | $231,400 | $1,030 | $80,483 | 92.4 | 25° | 82° |
Taxes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 7.65% in 2026. The state sales tax is 5%, and with the average local rate added it comes to 5.72%. Source: Tax Foundation, 2026. Local income taxes are not included.
Top parks and sights in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin parks, museums, landmarks and natural wonders people know best. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Milwaukee Art Museum Museum
- Lake Winnebago Lake
- Geneva Lake Lake
Places from Wikidata (CC0), ranked by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them.