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ZIP Code · WI

ZIP 53226

Pop. 18,908·Milwaukee County·28th most expensive ZIP in Wisconsin
Median rent (all units)
$1,670/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.6%
Month-over-Month
+0.7%
vs US Median
-$295
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 53226 · $1,670
More affordable than 61% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,180
1 BR
$1,290
2 BR
$1,540
3 BR
$1,900
4 BR+
$2,050
Research median
$1,540/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
$20,040/yr
At $1,670/mo median
Location
StateWI
CountyMilwaukee County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.6% YoY, +0.7% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 53226 (Wauwatosa, WI) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 60.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,908
Median income
$93,132
Median age
39.9
Renters
42.6%
Age distribution
17.4%
24.8%
28.5%
19.1%
Under 1817.4%
18–3424.8%
35–5428.5%
55–6410.2%
65+19.1%
Gender
46.7%
53.3%
Male46.7%
Female53.3%
Race & ethnicity
81.5%
White81.5%
Black6%
Hispanic5.6%
Asian5%
Other1.9%
Education (25+)
14.4%
22.4%
60.5%
No HS diploma2.6%
HS diploma14.4%
Some college22.4%
Bachelor's+60.5%
Housing tenure
57.4%
42.6%
Owner57.4%
Renter42.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 53226 in Wauwatosa, WI has changed in 5 years

Income
$81,948 → $93,132
up 13.6%
Population
18,223 → 18,908
up 3.8%
Renter share
38.8% → 42.6%
+3.8 pts
Bachelor's+
60.7% → 60.5%
-0.2 pts
Median age
38.1 → 39.9
+1.8 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $81,948 to $93,132 across the same window, up 13.6% versus 2021. The population has grown by 3.8% since 2021, moving from about 18,223 residents to roughly 18,908. Renters now make up 42.6% of households, compared with 38.8% five years ago.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 53226

About renting in ZIP 53226

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 53226 covers Wauwatosa, WI. The median rent here is $1,670/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,290/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,540/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($93,132/yr), ZIP 53226 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 53226?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 53226 (Wauwatosa, WI) is $1,670. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 53226 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 53226's median rent of $1,670/mo is $295 (15%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 53226 compare to other ZIPs in Wisconsin?

ZIP 53226 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Wisconsin, ranking #28 out of 107 ZIPs tracked at $1,670/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 53226?

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 $1,670/mo in ZIP 53226. The local median household income is $93,132/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 53226?

Rent in ZIP 53226 has increased 7.6% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 53226 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 53226 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,670/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($93,132/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 53226 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 53226 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.6% of ZIP 53226 households are renters, while 57.4% are owner-occupied. ZIP 53226 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 53226 compare to the rest of Wauwatosa?

ZIP 53226 is more affordable than Wauwatosa overall. At $1,670/mo, it's $52 below the Wauwatosa citywide median of $1,722/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 53226 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 53226 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,670/mo, rent takes ~22% of ZIP 53226's median household income ($93,132/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 53226 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 53226 (Wauwatosa, WI)

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