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ZIP Code · WI

ZIP 53203

Pop. 2,357·Milwaukee County·24th most expensive ZIP in Wisconsin
Median rent (all units)
$1,681/mo
Year-over-Year
+12.3%
Month-over-Month
-5.8%
vs US Median
-$284
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 53203 · $1,681
More affordable than 60% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,540
1 BR
$1,680
2 BR
$2,010
3 BR
$2,480
4 BR+
$2,680
Research median
$2,010/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
$20,172/yr
At $1,681/mo median
Location
StateWI
CountyMilwaukee County
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+12.3% YoY, -5.8% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 53203 (Milwaukee, WI) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, 73% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
2,357
Median income
$86,159
Median age
31.6
Renters
88.3%
Age distribution
56.9%
26.9%
Under 184.9%
18–3456.9%
35–5426.9%
55–646.9%
65+4.5%
Gender
54.7%
45.3%
Male54.7%
Female45.3%
Race & ethnicity
73.4%
19.8%
White73.4%
Black19.8%
Hispanic5.2%
Asian2%
Education (25+)
23.1%
73%
HS diploma3.9%
Some college23.1%
Bachelor's+73%
Housing tenure
88.3%
Owner11.7%
Renter88.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 53203 in Milwaukee, WI has changed in 5 years

Income
$79,524 → $86,159
up 8.3%
Population
1,878 → 2,357
up 25.5%
Renter share
86.9% → 88.3%
+1.4 pts
Bachelor's+
73.6% → 73%
-0.6 pts
Median age
28.3 → 31.6
+3.3 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $79,524 to $86,159 across the same window, up 8.3% versus 2021. Headcount in the area went from 1,878 to 2,357 between 2021 and 2024, a 25.5% change.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 53203

About renting in ZIP 53203

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 53203 covers Milwaukee, WI. The median rent here is $1,681/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,680/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,010/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($86,159/yr), ZIP 53203 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 12.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 53203?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 53203 (Milwaukee, WI) is $1,681. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 53203 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 53203's median rent of $1,681/mo is $284 (14%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 53203 compare to other ZIPs in Wisconsin?

ZIP 53203 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Wisconsin, ranking #24 out of 107 ZIPs tracked at $1,681/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 53203?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $67,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,681/mo in ZIP 53203. The local median household income is $86,159/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 53203?

Rent in ZIP 53203 has increased 12.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 53203 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 53203 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,681/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($86,159/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 53203 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 53203 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 88.3% of ZIP 53203 households are renters, while 11.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 53203 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 53203 compare to the rest of Milwaukee?

ZIP 53203 is pricier than Milwaukee as a whole. At $1,681/mo, it's $212 above the Milwaukee citywide median of $1,469/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 53203 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 53203 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,681/mo, rent takes ~23% of ZIP 53203's median household income ($86,159/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 53203 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 53203 (Milwaukee, WI)

Recent submissions

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