Comparing Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, delivers a vibrant assessment of two diverse American lifestyles. From crime and safety to culture, each city possesses its unique aspects appealing to both prospective residents and tourists. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between the two cities, focusing on various factors like weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and much more.
Distance between
Milwaukee, WI and
Lexington-Fayette, KY : 391.6 miles
Milwaukee's population is larger by 77%. Its population has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) since 2000. The population of Lexington-Fayette has grown by 61,281 people (23.5%) during that time.
When it comes to safety, both cities have their challenges. Milwaukee's crime rate is relatively higher than the national average, particularly for violent crime. Lexington-Fayette, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate, closer to the national average, which creates a safer environment for residents and tourists alike. Keep in mind, crime rates can vary significantly across different neighborhoods within the same city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Milwaukee is slightly higher than in Lexington-Fayette. This difference is largely due to housing costs, with Milwaukee having a higher median home cost than Lexington-Fayette. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation also tend to be cheaper in Lexington-Fayette.
Income Tax
Wisconsin's state income tax, affecting Milwaukee residents, runs on a graduated system from 3.54% to 7.65%. Kentucky, and by extension Lexington, also uses a graduated income tax system, but at the slightly lower rate of 5%.
Property Tax
Unfortunately for Milwaukee residents, Wisconsin has one of the highest property taxes in the country, at around 1.76%. Lexington-Fayette residents pay lower property taxes in comparison, at a rate of just over 1.1%.
Sales Tax
The combined state and city sales tax rate for Milwaukee is 5.6%, slightly lower than Lexington's 6%. Shoppers will experience a slightly lighter tax burden when shopping in Milwaukee than they would in Lexington-Fayette.
Income
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Estimated median household income
$46,637
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$26,998
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.5
89.3
If you make $50,000 in Lexington-Fayette, you will have to make $54,591 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Milwaukee boasts a strategic lake-side location, delivering ample water activities and beautiful lake views. Lexington, often referred to as the "Horse Capital of the World," is located in the heartland of Kentucky's Bluegrass region, known for its scenic rolling hills and fertile soil.
As a city with a more extensive population, Milwaukee offers a wider variety in education, including many esteemed public and private schools. It's also home to several universities, including Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lexington-Fayette, although smaller, is renowned for its quality education, with a well-regarded public school system and prestigious post-secondary institutions like University of Kentucky and Transylvania University.
Milwaukee's economy is dominated by manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors, but it also has a growing tech industry. Its unemployment rate is slightly higher than the national average. Lexington-Fayette has a diverse economy with industries ranging from manufacturing to education, healthcare, and technology. Despite its smaller size, it has a lower unemployment rate than Milwaukee.
Biggest Employers
Milwaukee's major employers include the Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and Froedtert Health. For those interested in education, Milwaukee Public Schools and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offer numerous employment opportunities. In Lexington, the University of Kentucky and Lexington-Fayette County are among the largest employers, alongside companies like Xerox and Lexmark.
There were 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011) compared to 792 building permits issued in Lexington-Fayette in 2012 (279 more than in 2011).
In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Lexington-Fayette (Fayette County), 49.3% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
2020
69.3%
59.4%
29.4%
38.6%
1.3%
1.9%
2016
65.6%
51.3%
28.6%
41.8%
5.8%
6.9%
2012
67.8%
49.3%
31.6%
48.3%
0.5%
2.3%
2008
67.8%
51.7%
31.7%
46.9%
0.5%
1.3%
2004
62.0%
46.3%
37.5%
53.1%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
58.5%
45.0%
37.9%
51.8%
3.6%
3.2%
1996
58.3%
47.1%
32.2%
46.3%
9.5%
6.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
CATHOLIC CHURCH
21.0%
8.8%
10.8%
3.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
3.0%
0.3%
5.9%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
2.4%
0.4%
6.7%
1.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
2.2%
0.0%
6.0%
0.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.3%
13.7%
4.3%
19.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.0%
0.2%
1.1%
0.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.0%
3.1%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
1.7%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
1.3%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
0.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
0.4%
Weather
Weather wise, Milwaukee experiences a full range of seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. It's a perfect place for those who enjoy seasonal changes, with opportunities for winter sports like skiing. Lexington-Fayette features a more mild, temperate climate with hot, humid summers and relatively cool winters. Those who enjoy a less severe winter might find Lexington-Fayette appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Temperature - Average
48.1°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.3 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
95.8 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
57.6%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
34%
25.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
11 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average climate in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
2018
84
63
N/A
N/A
8.8
3.1
28.2
31.6
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
7.8
9.7
0.2
0.1
2017
80
64
N/A
N/A
8.9
4.9
27.7
32.1
N/A
N/A
14.3
N/A
6.9
7.2
0.3
0.1
2016
86
68
N/A
N/A
9.4
6.6
27.0
33.3
N/A
N/A
15.0
N/A
7.4
6.9
1.2
0.1
2015
78
71
N/A
N/A
9.6
6.7
27.2
31.4
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
7.8
7.3
1.1
0.1
2014
89
68
N/A
N/A
9.9
6.8
26.0
34.1
N/A
N/A
15.4
N/A
9.2
7.6
1.0
0.3
2013
81
69
N/A
N/A
10.4
7.3
26.9
31.7
N/A
N/A
15.4
N/A
9.6
10.0
0.7
0.2
2012
108
81
N/A
N/A
11.5
8.1
28.3
34.9
N/A
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.6
10.6
1.0
0.8
2011
95
78
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.3
27.3
34.6
N/A
N/A
16.2
N/A
10.1
11.3
1.2
2.1
2010
83
76
N/A
N/A
12.9
9.5
26.9
34.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
2.2
2009
69
75
N/A
N/A
12.2
8.5
23.7
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
N/A
2.7
2008
61
72
N/A
N/A
12.4
7.8
24.6
36.4
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
2.4
2007
80
92
N/A
N/A
14.2
10.9
24.1
37.9
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
12.9
N/A
4.0
2006
66
65
0.35
N/A
14.7
11.8
22.8
32.8
0.017
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
3.8
2005
99
77
0.36
N/A
16.6
12.1
25.1
34.0
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
4.4
2004
75
60
0.41
N/A
16.6
11.6
21.2
28.6
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.2
2003
76
67
0.41
N/A
16.7
12.2
27.1
30.3
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.5
2002
92
76
0.40
0.04
N/A
12.1
28.9
31.3
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
3.6
2001
96
69
0.34
0.07
15.8
13.2
28.3
30.9
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
4.4
2000
84
79
0.29
0.14
16.5
13.4
27.0
32.7
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.1%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
109.3%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
14%
Transportation
Milwaukee offers diverse transportation options with buses, Amtrak, and the downtown-only "The Hop" streetcar. The city is also working on its biking infrastructure to promote cleaner commuting methods. Lexington-Fayette's public transit includes a bus service, “Lextran,” and the city is also considered conducive to biking and walking, with most necessary amenities within a relative short distance.
Transport
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
202
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
1
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Bicycle
0.5%
0.6%
Bus
4.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.4%
8.3%
Car alone
81.1%
86.5%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
3.9%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Average
24.2 min
26.5 min
Other means
21.1 min
20.2 min
Public transportation
40.3 min
35 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.7%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
7.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real-estate market in Milwaukee is somewhat more expensive than in Lexington-Fayette. The median home price is higher, which has implications for renters as well as buyers. Demand for properties downtown and near the lakeshore drive up prices. Lexington-Fayette's real estate is more affordable, with lower rental and home prices, presenting a more viable option for those on a tighter budget.
Neighborhoods
Milwaukee has eclectic neighborhoods. The Historic Third Ward, known for its breweries and art scene, and the East Side, home to beautiful historic homes and vibrant nightlife, are popular. Lexington-Fayette offers historic districts like Ashland Park, known for its Victorian-era homes, and Chevy Chase, featuring a variety of restaurants and boutique stores.
Houses and residents
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
Houses
257,812
147,590
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1956
1983
Median year house/condo built
1952
1985
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
12 years
Houses occupied
232,362 (90.1%)
139,303 (94.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
96,044 (41.3%)
75,129 (53.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
136,318 (58.7%)
64,174 (46.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$854.05
$1,514
Median monthly housing costs
$965
$1,026
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$172,751
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$160,100
$242,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
7
Median house price - detached houses
$177,554
$300,664
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,248
$297,942
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,933
$165,223
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$222,376
$179,160
Median house price - mobile homes
$67,466
$37,529
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$171,473
$232,720
Median house price - All housing units
$176,965
$289,099
Median house age
68
37
Renting percentage
56.4%
44.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,683.8
518.7
House value disparities
33%
33%
Household income disparities
46.1%
46.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,490
$95,171
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,843
$74,841
Housing units without a mortgage
1,800 (2.8%)
2,236 (4.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,918 (6.2%)
6,457 (12.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
61,602 (97.2%)
51,182 (95.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
270 (0.4%)
156 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,023 (7.9%)
7,551 (14.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
One, detached
38.9%
58.7%
One, attached
4.5%
6.4%
Two
23.5%
3.0%
3 or 4
6.3%
4.9%
5 to 9
6.3%
7.5%
10 to 19
4.1%
8.4%
20 to 49
6.6%
4.3%
50 or more
9.5%
5.6%
Mobile homes
0.3%
1.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,069
9,814
State government workers
7,334
15,501
Unpaid family workers
199
346
Industries and Occupations
In Milwaukee, key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Some of the top occupations are in these sectors with high demand in nursing, teaching and management. Lexington, with its diverse economy, has key industries in education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, with many residents employed as teachers, managers, and healthcare workers.
Healthcare in Milwaukee is highly respected, with renowned facilities like Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center and Froedtert Hospital. Lexington-Fayette features quality health services, with top-rated hospitals like the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Baptist Health Lexington.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in Milwaukee is well-developed, with a wide array of public buildings, parks, and libraries. The city is also investing in sustainable infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy. Lexington-Fayette's infrastructure has developed around its historic and equestrian heritage, and it is also undertaking efforts to modernize and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Milwaukee
Lexington-Fayette
1999
1,506
756
2000
1,666
655
2001
1,410
568
2002
1,157
463
2003
1,641
529
2004
2,251
777
2005
3,325
997
2006
4,218
751
2007
2,555
517
2008
719
325
2009
456
230
Culture and Food
Milwaukee offers a thriving music scene and cultural festivals. Its extensive beer history gives rise to a great brewpub and food scene, with German influence apparent in its cuisine. Lexington-Fayette offers a blend of southern charm and modernity, famous for its bourbon distilleries and barbecue, and is known as the "Horse Capital of the World," hosting numerous equestrian events.
Sports Teams
Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Brewers (MLB), and Green Bay Packers (nearby NFL). Lexington doesn't host any major league teams, but college sports, especially the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, are a focal point of citywide pride.
Milwaukee, WI
Lexington-Fayette, KY
Milwaukee, WI and 
Lexington-Fayette, KY : 391.6 miles
