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ZIP Code · WI

ZIP 53218

Pop. 41,196·Milwaukee County·54th most expensive ZIP in Wisconsin
Median rent (all units)
$1,399/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.4%
Month-over-Month
+5.2%
vs US Median
-$566
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 53218 · $1,399
More affordable than 81% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$890
1 BR
$970
2 BR
$1,160
3 BR
$1,430
4 BR+
$1,550
Research median
$1,160/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
$16,788/yr
At $1,399/mo median
Location
StateWI
CountyMilwaukee County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.4% YoY, +5.2% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 53218 (Milwaukee, WI) is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
41,196
Median income
$45,642
Median age
30.6
Renters
57.1%
Age distribution
32.5%
23.9%
21.9%
Under 1832.5%
18–3423.9%
35–5421.9%
55–6411.2%
65+10.5%
Gender
47.7%
52.3%
Male47.7%
Female52.3%
Race & ethnicity
71.6%
White9.7%
Black71.6%
Hispanic5.2%
Asian10.9%
Other2.6%
Education (25+)
15.9%
42.5%
30.9%
No HS diploma15.9%
HS diploma42.5%
Some college30.9%
Bachelor's+10.7%
Housing tenure
42.9%
57.1%
Owner42.9%
Renter57.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 53218 in Milwaukee, WI has changed in 5 years

Income
$39,820 → $45,642
up 14.6%
Population
43,302 → 41,196
down 4.9%
Renter share
57.3% → 57.1%
-0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
11.4% → 10.7%
-0.7 pts
Median age
29.7 → 30.6
+0.9 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $39,820 to $45,642 across the same window, up 14.6% versus 2021. Census counts show ZIP 53218 in Milwaukee, WI losing about 2,106 residents over the five-year window, down 4.9% on net.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 53218

About renting in ZIP 53218

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 53218 covers Milwaukee, WI. The median rent here is $1,399/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $970/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,160/mo.

At 37% of local median household income ($45,642/yr), ZIP 53218 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 53218?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 53218 (Milwaukee, WI) is $1,399. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 53218 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 53218's median rent of $1,399/mo is $566 (29%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 53218 compare to other ZIPs in Wisconsin?

ZIP 53218 falls in the middle range for Wisconsin, ranking #54 out of 107 ZIPs at $1,399/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 53218?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $56,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,399/mo in ZIP 53218. The local median household income is $45,642/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 53218?

Rent in ZIP 53218 has increased 9.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 53218 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 53218 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,399/mo, rent takes approximately 37% of the local median household income ($45,642/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 53218 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 53218 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 57.1% of ZIP 53218 households are renters, while 42.9% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 53218 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 53218 compare to the rest of Milwaukee?

ZIP 53218 is more affordable than Milwaukee overall. At $1,399/mo, it's $70 below the Milwaukee citywide median of $1,469/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 53218 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 53218 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
37%
MODERATE

At $1,399/mo, rent takes ~37% of ZIP 53218's median household income ($45,642/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 53218 37%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 53218 (Milwaukee, WI)

Recent submissions

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