Both Oklahoma City, OK, and Milwaukee, WI offer appealing benefits for residents and tourists alike. While the former is known for its rich historical legacy, the latter prides itself on its cultural diversity and manufacturing heritage. Though both have distinct characteristics, a deeper dive reveals the nuances that make each city unique in terms of safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, industries, employment, real estate, neighborhoods, public transit, taxation, culture, sports, geographical conditions, and health care.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Milwaukee, WI : 731.2 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 21%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
Oklahoma City, OK, experiences a higher crime rate compared to Milwaukee, WI. However, the crime rate has been gradually decreasing over the years in OKC. Milwaukee has struggled with higher crime rates in the past, yet recent efforts have been made to increase safety and decrease crime. Comparatively, residential neighborhoods on the outskirts of both cities experience less crime.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,388 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 460 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Oklahoma City than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally lower in Oklahoma City than in Milwaukee, especially for categories like housing and groceries. Although wages tend to be lower in OKC, the economical cost of living balances this out. In Milwaukee, salaries and wages are typically higher, but so is the cost of living, especially in terms of housing and eating out.
Income Tax
In Oklahoma, the income tax is relatively low, ranging from 0.5% to 5%. Wisconsin’s state income tax is higher, ranging from 4% to 7.65%. Milwaukee does not impose additional local taxes on personal income.
Property Tax
Oklahoma City homeowners enjoy relatively low property taxes, while Milwaukee has one of the highest property tax rates in Wisconsin, making the cost of owning real estate somewhat more expensive.
Sales Tax
In Oklahoma City, the combined city and state sales tax rate is approximately 8.4%. In Milwaukee, it’s slightly lower at around 5.6%.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $57,084 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City is located in the Great Plains region, with flat, fertile land. Milwaukee is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, with beaches and numerous parks offering green spaces for outdoor activities.
Oklahoma City offers both private and public schools whereas Milwaukee has an abundance of educational opportunities, offering many public, charter, private, and parochial schools. Higher education opportunities are plentiful in both cities, with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University in Milwaukee, and the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University close to Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City's economy thrives largely on information technology, services, health services, and administration. Milwaukee, known as "Brew City," has a rich history of manufacturing and continues to have a diverse economy based on healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries.
Biggest Employers
In Oklahoma City, the largest employers are the state government, Integris Health, and the University of Oklahoma. Milwaukee's major employers include the Aurora Health Care, Roundy's Supermarkets, and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
There were 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
2020
48.1%
69.3%
49.2%
29.4%
2.7%
1.3%
2016
41.2%
65.6%
51.7%
28.6%
7.1%
5.8%
2012
41.7%
67.8%
58.3%
31.6%
0.0%
0.5%
2008
41.6%
67.8%
58.4%
31.7%
0.0%
0.5%
2004
35.8%
62.0%
64.2%
37.5%
0.0%
0.5%
2000
36.6%
58.5%
62.3%
37.9%
1.1%
3.6%
1996
36.5%
58.3%
54.7%
32.2%
8.8%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
1.3%
20.0%
4.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
21.0%
3.0%
10.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.3%
1.7%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
2.9%
0.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
3.0%
1.0%
5.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.5%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.7%
0.1%
3.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.0%
0.6%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
2.4%
0.9%
6.7%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
2.2%
0.1%
6.0%
Weather
With a humid subtropical climate, Oklahoma City tends to have longer and hotter summers with occasional tornadoes. Milwaukee, located by Lake Michigan, experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. It offers a more moderate climate – another factor that differentiates these two cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
35%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
2018
85
84
0.29
N/A
6.6
8.8
31.9
28.2
0.002
N/A
21.3
15.3
9.6
7.8
0.0
0.2
2017
82
80
0.32
N/A
6.7
8.9
33.0
27.7
0.002
N/A
20.7
14.3
8.9
6.9
0.0
0.3
2016
72
86
0.29
N/A
6.6
9.4
31.9
27.0
0.002
N/A
19.4
15.0
8.5
7.4
0.2
1.2
2015
76
78
0.24
N/A
7.0
9.6
31.5
27.2
0.002
N/A
19.1
14.9
7.8
7.8
0.5
1.1
2014
84
89
0.15
N/A
7.1
9.9
32.4
26.0
0.002
N/A
N/A
15.4
8.7
9.2
0.1
1.0
2013
84
81
0.14
N/A
8.6
10.4
32.8
26.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
15.4
9.3
9.6
0.2
0.7
2012
97
108
0.13
N/A
9.4
11.5
34.0
28.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
17.2
7.9
9.6
0.3
1.0
2011
107
95
0.24
N/A
9.9
11.4
36.3
27.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
16.2
9.9
10.1
0.8
1.2
2010
81
83
0.30
N/A
8.8
12.9
31.7
26.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
N/A
2009
82
69
0.52
N/A
8.1
12.2
31.9
23.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.7
N/A
2008
78
61
0.51
N/A
9.8
12.4
31.0
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2007
81
80
0.44
N/A
10.2
14.2
29.4
24.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2006
95
66
0.43
0.35
10.1
14.7
33.7
22.8
N/A
0.017
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
1.2
2.6
2005
88
99
0.38
0.36
11.6
16.6
31.0
25.1
N/A
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
1.3
3.1
2004
75
75
0.46
0.41
10.5
16.6
28.6
21.2
N/A
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
0.6
3.3
2003
87
76
0.42
0.41
10.9
16.7
30.8
27.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2002
91
92
0.35
0.40
14.3
N/A
29.0
28.9
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
3.7
2001
87
96
0.69
0.34
13.1
15.8
31.0
28.3
N/A
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
3.0
2000
89
84
0.66
0.29
13.4
16.5
29.5
27.0
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
19%
Transportation
Oklahoma City is largely car-dependent, although public transit options are available via EMBARK buses. Milwaukee offers more diverse public transportation including buses, the downtown streetcar service called The Hop, and bike-sharing programs. Both cities offer international airports for commuting long distances.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
0.3%
4.2%
Carpooled
8.6%
8.4%
Car alone
87.6%
81.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Average
25.6 min
24.2 min
Other means
21 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Oklahoma City's real estate market is more economical compared to Milwaukee. The median home price in OKC is less than the national average, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. Milwaukee's real estate market is more expensive but provides a variety of housing options from urban condos to quaint single-family homes in the suburbs.
Neighborhoods
Oklahoma City has a mix of neighborhoods appealing to a variety of lifestyles, including Bricktown for nightlife and entertainment, and Nichols Hills for upscale suburban living. Milwaukee, known for its diverse neighborhoods, offers options such as the historic Third Ward for cultural attractions and the quiet suburban feel of Wauwatosa.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Houses
302,241
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1978
1956
Median year house/condo built
1986
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$176,965
Median house age
40
68
Renting percentage
40.3%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
2,683.8
House value disparities
34.7%
33%
Household income disparities
44.3%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
One, detached
67.8%
38.9%
One, attached
3.4%
4.5%
Two
2.0%
23.5%
3 or 4
5.1%
6.3%
5 to 9
6.0%
6.3%
10 to 19
5.6%
4.1%
20 to 49
2.4%
6.6%
50 or more
4.6%
9.5%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
10,069
State government workers
17,132
7,334
Unpaid family workers
555
199
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in Oklahoma City include information technology, government services, and energy, with occupations within these sectors being among the most common. Milwaukee’s key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Skilled labor is prominent in Milwaukee, mainly in the manufacturing industry.
Oklahoma City has a prominent healthcare industry with quality hospitals like the University Hospital and private facilities. Milwaukee is known for the Froedtert Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, nationally recognized for superior care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Oklahoma City has invested heavily in its infrastructure through the MAPS programs. This innovative initiative has revitalized the downtown area with projects like a new sports arena and a modern streetcar system. Milwaukee, on the other hand, is known for its strong infrastructure system, with an emphasis on maintaining roads, bridges, and public buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
Hospitals
61
29
TV stations
20
17
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
183
146
Bank institutions located here
44
29
Main business address for public companies
15
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Milwaukee
1999
2,925
1,506
2000
2,396
1,666
2001
1,824
1,410
2002
1,507
1,157
2003
2,014
1,641
2004
2,323
2,251
2005
3,134
3,325
2006
3,132
4,218
2007
2,036
2,555
2008
1,143
719
2009
593
456
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural experiences to offer. Oklahoma City has a strong western heritage, with cowboy culture deeply woven into its fabric. Milwaukee is a diverse city known for its beer brewing tradition and bratwursts. Both cities have thriving food scenes with Oklahoma City boasting more steak and BBQ joints and Milwaukee known for its farm-to-table eateries.
Sports Teams
Oklahoma City is home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Milwaukee has a rich sports culture, hosting teams such as the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers.
Oklahoma City, OK
Milwaukee, WI
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Milwaukee, WI : 731.2 miles
