Milwaukee, WI, and Northeast Jefferson, CO, each offer unique lifestyles, amenities, and challenges. With differing climates, cost of living, educational opportunities, economic climates, infrastructures, major industries, and tax structures, these two areas cater to different preferences. While Milwaukee boasts a rich culture, diverse neighborhoods, and several sports teams, Northeast Jefferson is noted for its strong economy, lower tax burdens, and natural beauty. Each offers good health care facilities. Either destination is bound to cater to varying interests, needs, and demands of both residents and tourists.
The crime rate is considerably higher in Milwaukee than Northeast Jefferson. Milwaukee has a higher rate of both violent and property crime, necessitating more vigilance when residing or visiting here. In contrast, Northeast Jefferson enjoys a lower crime rate, making it relatively safer for residents and tourists. However, regardless of where you are, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Milwaukee is lower than in Northeast Jefferson. This includes costs of housing, transportation, and groceries. The median home cost in Milwaukee is significantly lower than in Northeast Jefferson, making it potentially a more economical choice for homebuyers. Still, both locations offer various housing options catering to different financial capacities.
Income Tax
Residents in Milwaukee will see a higher state income tax, which can range from 4% to 7.65%, depending on income. Northeast Jefferson residents enjoy a flat rate of 4.63%, which is lower for higher-income individuals.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Milwaukee are higher than in Northeast Jefferson. Wisconsin property tax rates hover around 1.76%, while in Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), rates are generally around 0.52%.
Sales Tax
City and state sales taxes are higher in Milwaukee, at 5.6% state tax and a county tax which brings the total to 6.1%. Northeast Jefferson, within the Denver metro, has a lower combined sales tax rate of 4.31% - 4.75% depending on the specific location.
Income
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Estimated median household income
$46,637
$91,025
Estimated per capita income
$26,998
$46,835
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.5
119.7
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $61,385 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Milwaukee sits on the western shore of Lake Michigan, offering water-related recreational activities. Northeast Jefferson, on the other hand, is nestled amidst Colorado's beauty, providing access to numerous outdoor activities. Its proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a haven for nature lovers.
Geographical information
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Land area
96.1 sq. miles
172.8 sq. miles
Population density
5,926.6 people per sq. mile
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Milwaukee, WI Northeast Jefferson, CO
Education
Milwaukee is home to some renowned institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University. Conversely, Northeast Jefferson falls under the Jefferson County School District, which has some high-performing schools but isn't known for higher education institutions. Here, however, residents have easy access to renowned institutions in nearby Denver or Boulder.
Milwaukee's economy is diverse, with education, health care, and manufacturing among the top industries. However, Northeast Jefferson enjoys a robust economy, buoyed by the Denver Metropolitan area's strength. Both cities have unemployment rates lower than the national average, though job growth is currently stronger in Jefferson County.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Milwaukee include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and Froedtert Health. In Northeast Jefferson, major employers include Jefferson County Public Schools, Terumo BCT, and the MillerCoors Brewery.
In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
2020
69.3%
58.3%
29.4%
39.7%
1.3%
2.0%
2016
65.6%
49.2%
28.6%
42.3%
5.8%
8.6%
2012
67.8%
51.6%
31.6%
46.7%
0.5%
1.8%
2008
67.8%
54.0%
31.7%
44.9%
0.5%
1.1%
2004
62.0%
46.9%
37.5%
52.1%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
58.5%
43.0%
37.9%
51.1%
3.6%
5.9%
1996
58.3%
42.7%
32.2%
48.4%
9.5%
8.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
21.0%
15.0%
10.8%
5.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
3.0%
1.1%
5.9%
3.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
2.4%
1.7%
6.7%
4.2%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
2.2%
0.1%
6.0%
0.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.3%
1.2%
4.3%
7.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.0%
0.1%
1.1%
0.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.0%
3.1%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.7%
2.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
2.1%
Weather
Milwaukee has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The city averages nearly 50 inches of snow per year, which can be a draw for winter sport enthusiasts but a drawback for those who prefer warmer weather. Northeast Jefferson experiences a semi-arid continental climate. Summers are warm, and winters are typically milder than Milwaukee's, with less frequent snowfall.
Weather and climate
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Temperature - Average
48.1°F
47.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.3 in
17.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
95.8 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
57.6%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
34%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
64%
Wind speed - Average
11 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
2018
84
104
N/A
0.40
8.8
22.3
28.2
34.9
N/A
N/A
15.3
29.2
7.8
8.4
0.2
0.7
2017
80
97
N/A
0.40
8.9
22.5
27.7
34.5
N/A
N/A
14.3
22.0
6.9
8.2
0.3
0.8
2016
86
90
N/A
0.44
9.4
24.4
27.0
34.3
N/A
N/A
15.0
22.6
7.4
7.8
1.2
1.0
2015
78
101
N/A
0.45
9.6
24.1
27.2
32.8
N/A
N/A
14.9
21.0
7.8
9.5
1.1
1.0
2014
89
94
N/A
0.45
9.9
23.4
26.0
33.1
N/A
N/A
15.4
25.0
9.2
10.1
1.0
1.3
2013
81
84
N/A
0.40
10.4
21.0
26.9
33.6
N/A
N/A
15.4
24.3
9.6
N/A
0.7
1.5
2012
108
91
N/A
0.34
11.5
18.9
28.3
33.4
N/A
N/A
17.2
24.4
9.6
N/A
1.0
1.3
2011
95
90
N/A
0.34
11.4
18.1
27.3
32.0
N/A
N/A
16.2
23.8
10.1
N/A
1.2
1.5
2010
83
79
N/A
0.42
12.9
16.3
26.9
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2009
69
76
N/A
0.38
12.2
14.1
23.7
27.9
N/A
0.005
N/A
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2008
61
85
N/A
0.42
12.4
17.3
24.6
30.8
N/A
0.008
17.3
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2007
80
96
N/A
0.39
14.2
20.6
24.1
29.0
N/A
0.007
19.9
29.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2006
66
89
0.35
0.46
14.7
19.0
22.8
29.5
0.017
0.027
19.9
28.0
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.4
2005
99
86
0.36
0.51
16.6
21.3
25.1
26.0
0.015
0.119
25.4
29.6
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.5
2004
75
82
0.41
0.53
16.6
21.2
21.2
24.2
0.011
0.043
21.4
28.6
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.8
2003
76
106
0.41
0.52
16.7
21.2
27.1
25.9
0.017
0.046
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.9
2002
92
86
0.40
0.60
N/A
19.2
28.9
25.6
0.018
0.031
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
3.7
2.4
2001
96
95
0.34
0.69
15.8
20.8
28.3
23.7
0.020
0.034
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.6
2000
84
94
0.29
0.70
16.5
11.7
27.0
24.5
0.018
0.037
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
3.4
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.1%
118.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
109.3%
826.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
12%
Transportation
Milwaukee offers robust public transportation with bus transit and a downtown streetcar system. Northeast Jefferson relies heavily on Denver’s RTD system since it doesn't have its public transit. Commuters in both areas also often opt to drive, although traffic in and around Denver can be heavy.
Transport
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
202
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
1
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Bicycle
0.5%
0.3%
Bus
4.2%
3.2%
Carpooled
8.4%
10%
Car alone
81.1%
80.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
3.9%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Average
24.2 min
26.6 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Milwaukee is generally more affordable than in Northeast Jefferson, offering more bang for your buck. However, Northeast Jefferson’s real estate market also offers a wide range of properties, from affordable options to high-end homes.
Neighborhoods
Milwaukee's diverse neighborhoods each offer a unique ambiance. The Historic Third Ward, for example, is known for its arts scene, while Riverwest is a haven for artists and creatives. Northeast Jefferson, being a collection of unincorporated communities rather than a city, lacks definitive neighborhoods, but offers various types of suburban living;
Houses and residents
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
Houses
257,812
180,978
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Houses occupied
232,362 (90.1%)
176,726 (97.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
96,044 (41.3%)
125,208 (70.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
136,318 (58.7%)
51,518 (29.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$854.05
$1,659
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$172,751
$884,573
Estimated median house or condo value
$160,100
$522,903
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
7.3
Renting percentage
56.4%
31.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,683.8
1,047.5
Household income disparities
46.1%
40.7%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,800 (2.8%)
21,689 (19.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,918 (6.2%)
469 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
61,602 (97.2%)
90,716 (80.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
270 (0.4%)
9,124 (8.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,023 (7.9%)
16,287 (14.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,069
15,916
State government workers
7,334
7,028
Unpaid family workers
199
382
Industries and Occupations
In Milwaukee, manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the local economy, providing many jobs. Education, health services, and government are also major employers. In Northeast Jefferson, the primary industries are retail trade, health care, and professional, scientific, and technical services, reflecting its geographical position and population characteristics.
Top-rated hospitals and health care systems reside in Milwaukee, including Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and the Children’s Wisconsin-Milwaukee Hospital. Healthcare in Northeast Jefferson is also strong, with many high-quality medical facilities nearby, such as the Lutheran Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Milwaukee boasts of a highly developed infrastructure with modern facilities and amenities while Northeast Jefferson witnesses continuous improvements due to its proximity to Denver. Milwaukee's Lake Michigan waterfront is a highlight, featuring a blend of modern development and natural beauty.
Infrastructure
Type
Milwaukee
Northeast Jefferson
TV stations
17
19
Culture and Food
Milwaukee boasts a rich cultural scene with a wide culinary variety, loud nightlife, and multiple festivals like Summerfest. Northeast Jefferson has a more laid-back culture, often centered around outdoor activities and the natural beauty of Colorado. Denver’s cultural and food scenes are just a short drive away.
Sports Teams
Milwaukee is home to the Bucks (NBA), Brewers (MLB), and Admirals (AHL). It is also located near Green Bay, home of the Packers (NFL). Northeast Jefferson lacks professional teams, but residents passionately support Denver's teams, including the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Rockies (MLB), and Avalanche (NHL).
Milwaukee, WI
Northeast Jefferson, CO
Milwaukee, WI and 
Northeast Jefferson, CO : 916.0 miles
