Athens GA vs Milwaukee WI — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin · Population: 569,756
- Median HH Income$51,888
- Median Home Price$226,456
- Unemployment5.9%
- Bachelor's+26.6%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Milwaukee
569,756
Milwaukee +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Milwaukee
32.2
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Milwaukee
10.8%
Milwaukee +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Milwaukee
36.5%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Milwaukee
38.6%
Milwaukee +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Milwaukee
4.8%
Milwaukee +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Milwaukee
20.7%
Milwaukee +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 569,756 | Milwaukee + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 32.2 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 10.8% | Milwaukee + |
| White | 57.6% | 36.5% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 38.6% | Milwaukee + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 4.8% | Milwaukee + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 20.7% | Milwaukee + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Milwaukee
$51,888
Milwaukee +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Athens +
Milwaukee
$29,679
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Milwaukee
$61,837
Milwaukee +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Milwaukee
5.9%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Milwaukee
23.3%
Milwaukee +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Milwaukee
26.6%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $51,888 | Milwaukee + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $29,679 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $61,837 | Milwaukee + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.9% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 23.3% | Milwaukee + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 26.6% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Milwaukee
$226,456
Milwaukee +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Milwaukee
41.5%
Milwaukee +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $226,456 | Milwaukee + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 41.5% | Milwaukee + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Milwaukee
309
Milwaukee +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Milwaukee
1392
Milwaukee +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 309 | Milwaukee + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1392 | Milwaukee + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
41.8%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
14.7%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
19.1%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
14.1%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
16.3%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Milwaukee
17.3%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 41.8% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.7% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 19.1% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.1% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.3% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 17.3% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Milwaukee
47.5°F
Milwaukee +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Milwaukee
35.5 in
Milwaukee +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 47.5°F | Milwaukee + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 35.5 in | Milwaukee + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Milwaukee
9.3 µg/m³
Milwaukee +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Milwaukee
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.3 µg/m³ | Milwaukee + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Milwaukee
24.1 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Milwaukee, WI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 24.1 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Milwaukee leads in median household income at $51,888, while milwaukee offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $226,456. On public safety, Milwaukee is safer with a violent crime rate of 309 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Milwaukee has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.3 µg/m³).
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