Milwaukee vs. Madison: Which Wisconsin Metro Scores Higher?

Milwaukee and Madison represent Wisconsin's two largest metropolitan centers, separated by eighty miles along Interstate 94. While Milwaukee offers major-league sports and historic industrial architecture, Madison provides a compact university and governmental environment with higher median home prices.

Comparing Wisconsin ZIP codes on data

Scores are benchmarked against Wisconsin statewide averages. Education statistics draw from the National Center for Education Statistics, and property metrics come from county land offices.

1. Madison West and Shorewood Hills (53705): Scores 43 overall with a 63 school score, 25 crime score, and a median home price of $559,087.
2. Madison University Heights (53726): Scores 43 overall with a 64 school score, 25 crime score, and a median home price of $791,853.
3. Milwaukee Mount Mary (53222): Scores 39 overall with a 54 school score, 25 crime score, and a median home price of $268,099.
4. Milwaukee Bay View (53207): Scores 38 overall with a 52 school score, 25 crime score, and a median property price of $309,590.

Cost versus school quality trade-offs in Wisconsin

Madison commands a significant pricing premium, with median home prices exceeding $500,000 in primary residential districts. Milwaukee provides homes below $320,000 in established neighborhoods like Bay View. U.S. Census Bureau income data shows higher household incomes in Dane County than in Milwaukee County.

Comparing Wisconsin communities

Movers can compare Milwaukee and Madison neighborhoods on our Wisconsin comparison tool or review school quality versus home value data.