City Report · WI

West Allis

Pop. 59,612·33rd most expensive in Wisconsin·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,372/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.2%
Month-over-Month
-4.7%
vs US Median
-$593
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
West Allis · $1,372
More affordable than 83% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
63/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what West Allis's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,372/mo
Expected by trend
$1,470/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Allis's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$930
1 BR
$1,045
2 BR
$1,245
3 BR
$1,540
4 BR+
$1,685
Research median
$1,245/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,464/yr
At $1,372/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.2% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.2% YoY, -4.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

West Allis, WI is majority owner-occupied, 29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
59,612
Median income
$67,611
Median age
39.7
Renters
44.5%
Age distribution
19.3%
24.3%
24.4%
14.7%
17.3%
Under 1819.3%
18–3424.3%
35–5424.4%
55–6414.7%
65+17.3%
Gender
50%
50%
Male50%
Female50%
Race & ethnicity
72.9%
17.1%
White72.9%
Black5.7%
Hispanic17.1%
Asian2.7%
Other1.6%
Education (25+)
31.1%
31.4%
29.6%
No HS diploma8%
HS diploma31.1%
Some college31.4%
Bachelor's+29.6%
Housing tenure
55.5%
44.5%
Owner55.5%
Renter44.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How West Allis, WI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,032 → $1,372
up 32.9%
Income
$58,738 → $67,611
up 15.1%
Population
60,220 → 59,612
down 1.0%
Renter share
48.1% → 44.5%
-3.6 pts
Bachelor's+
25.7% → 29.6%
+3.9 pts
Median age
38.2 → 39.7
+1.5 yrs

Five years ago, renters in West Allis, WI paid around $1,032 a month. That figure now sits near $1,372, up 32.9% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in West Allis, WI now reports about $67,611, up from $58,738 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show West Allis, WI losing about 608 residents over the five-year window, down 1.0% on net. The renter share has eased from 48.1% to 44.5%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 25.7% to 29.6% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and West Allis, WI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View West Allis rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in West Allis on your salary?

At $1,372/mo, how West Allis rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

West Allis rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in West Allis. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Allis

About renting in West Allis, WI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in West Allis is $1,372/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $930/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,245/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,045/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,540/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($67,611/yr), West Allis ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Allis an affordable city for renters?

West Allis is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,372/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($67,611/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Allis falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in West Allis?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $55,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,372/mo in West Allis. The local median household income is $67,611/yr, meaning the typical West Allis household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in West Allis?

Rent in West Allis has increased 2.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which West Allis neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in West Allis are 53227 ($1,206/mo), and 53214 ($1,435/mo). Citywide, the median rent in West Allis is $1,372/mo.

How does West Allis rent compare to other cities in Wisconsin?

West Allis is middle-of-the-pack for Wisconsin for rent, ranking #33 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,372/mo.

What percentage of West Allis residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.5% of West Allis households are renters, while 55.5% are owner-occupied. West Allis leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does West Allis rent compare to the national average?

West Allis's median rent of $1,372/mo is $593 (30%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #33 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,372/mo, rent takes ~24% of West Allis's median household income ($67,611/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Allis 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
Run the West Allis affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in West Allis
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near West Allis, WI

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