Washington, DC and Milwaukee, WI, while both being important US cities, offer different experiences in terms of living and visiting. Ranging from differences in cost of living, crime and safety, weather, and cultural experiences, both cities have distinct characteristics that make them unique. Here's a comparative analysis of both cities according to various categories, helping one make an informed decision whether it's about relocation or just a visit.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Milwaukee, WI : 637.7 miles
Washington's population is larger by 18%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
Washington D.C. has a higher overall crime rate, especially in areas away from the central business district. The crime mainly involves property crime, with violent crime not being as prevalent. However, the city also has a more comprehensive and active policing system, indicating a focus on maintaining security and safety.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, has a lower general crime rate. It is considered safer, especially in residential neighborhoods. Both cities have their safe and less safe areas, and it is always advised to research specific neighborhoods when planning to relocate or visit.
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 1,072 registered sex offenders living in Washington and 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Washington than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly higher in Washington D.C than in Milwaukee. This includes expenses such as housing, groceries, health, and transportation. The median home cost is substantially higher in D.C. This cost of living coupled with other factors contributes to D.C's higher overall livability index.
Milwaukee, however, is more affordable, offering a lower cost of living which appeals to a lot of people moving to the city, particularly families and those looking for a slower lifestyle.
Income Tax
Washington D.C. has a progressive income tax structure, with rates ranging from 4% to 8.95%.
Milwaukee residents pay the Wisconsin's state income tax, which also has a progressive structure, with rates between 4% to 7.65%.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Washington D.C. are generally lower than the national average. Residential rates can vary, but the average is around 0.56%.
In Milwaukee, rates are higher, averaging around 2.68% - one of the highest figures in the US.
Sales Tax
In Washington D.C., the general sales tax rate is 6%. However, there are some exceptions, like groceries which are exempt from sales tax.
In Milwaukee, the sales tax rate is slightly higher at 5.6%. Again, there are exceptions and various tax incentives in place.
Income
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $63,692 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Washington D.C. is nestled between Virginia and Maryland on the east coast. It has a relatively flat geography, but is interspersed with parks and greenery.
Milwaukee is located in the Great Lakes region of the Midwest, on the western shore of Lake Michigan. It offers a mix of urban landscapes and beautiful waterfront areas.
Both Washington, D.C., and Milwaukee have high-quality educational systems. D.C. hosts some of the top universities in the country, like Georgetown University and George Washington University. The district's public school system also has a better track record compared to other urban areas.
Milwaukee, while having fewer universities, boasts of reputable institutions like Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Its public school system is large and includes several notable high performing schools.
Washington D.C.'s economy is robust and diversified. The federal government is a prominent employer, but other sectors like tourism, healthcare, and education also contribute significantly to its economy. It has a high employment rate and presents a lot of opportunities for career advancement.
Milwaukee's economy is based mainly on manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. While it has diversified in recent years, and unemployment rates have been decreasing, it doesn't offer as much variety and opportunities as D.C.
Biggest Employers
In D.C., the federal government is the largest employer, followed by Medstar Health and Inova Health systems.
In Milwaukee, the top employers include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and the U.S. Federal government.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% 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
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
2020
92.6%
69.3%
5.4%
29.4%
2.0%
1.3%
2016
90.9%
65.6%
4.1%
28.6%
5.0%
5.8%
2012
90.9%
67.8%
7.3%
31.6%
1.8%
0.5%
2008
92.5%
67.8%
6.5%
31.7%
1.0%
0.5%
2004
89.6%
62.0%
9.4%
37.5%
1.0%
0.5%
2000
85.2%
58.5%
9.0%
37.9%
5.9%
3.6%
1996
85.2%
58.3%
9.3%
32.2%
5.5%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
21.0%
7.4%
10.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.7%
10.3%
3.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
1.3%
10.3%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.4%
5.3%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
1.8%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.0%
1.1%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
2.4%
2.1%
6.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
3.0%
0.3%
5.9%
Weather
Washington D.C experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Spring and autumn are mild to warm, the city is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
In contrast, Milwaukee experiences a humid continental climate. It has quite varied seasons, with warm to hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The city is blessed with a significant amount of sunshine even in winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
35%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
Washington
Milwaukee
2018
88
84
0.32
N/A
11.6
8.8
23.2
28.2
N/A
N/A
16.4
15.3
8.8
7.8
0.8
0.2
2017
84
80
0.32
N/A
12.3
8.9
24.9
27.7
N/A
N/A
16.5
14.3
9.8
6.9
1.0
0.3
2016
98
86
0.43
N/A
14.7
9.4
24.6
27.0
0.002
N/A
17.2
15.0
9.5
7.4
1.0
1.2
2015
91
78
0.34
N/A
14.8
9.6
26.2
27.2
0.002
N/A
17.0
14.9
10.4
7.8
1.3
1.1
2014
85
89
0.33
N/A
11.6
9.9
25.9
26.0
0.002
N/A
17.1
15.4
10.0
9.2
1.0
1.0
2013
88
81
0.34
N/A
11.7
10.4
25.6
26.9
0.002
N/A
17.3
15.4
11.6
9.6
1.0
0.7
2012
103
108
0.58
N/A
15.2
11.5
27.6
28.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
17.2
12.2
9.6
1.6
1.0
2011
105
95
0.67
N/A
15.4
11.4
27.7
27.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
16.2
11.4
10.1
3.1
1.2
2010
114
83
0.88
N/A
15.9
12.9
29.3
26.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
3.4
N/A
2009
90
69
0.86
N/A
16.2
12.2
24.4
23.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
N/A
4.6
N/A
2008
103
61
1.23
N/A
16.2
12.4
25.3
24.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
17.3
8.5
N/A
5.6
N/A
2007
113
80
1.17
N/A
16.8
14.2
27.1
24.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
19.9
10.4
N/A
5.1
N/A
2006
114
66
1.11
0.35
17.2
14.7
25.5
22.8
0.004
0.017
N/A
19.9
10.9
N/A
4.5
2.6
2005
105
99
0.86
0.36
20.5
16.6
22.7
25.1
0.006
0.015
N/A
25.4
11.7
N/A
4.5
3.1
2004
113
75
0.62
0.41
21.3
16.6
20.6
21.2
0.004
0.011
N/A
21.4
11.3
N/A
6.5
3.3
2003
108
76
0.90
0.41
23.6
16.7
20.8
27.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
8.3
3.3
2002
125
92
1.16
0.40
23.7
N/A
25.0
28.9
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
3.7
2001
113
96
1.07
0.34
23.9
15.8
22.0
28.3
0.017
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
3.0
2000
115
84
1.17
0.29
20.2
16.5
19.1
27.0
N/A
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
19%
Transportation
Washington D.C. has an extensive public transportation network, including the Metrorail and Metrobus. Bike and car sharing services are also available and widely used.
Milwaukee also offers decent public transit, mostly in the form of buses. The city is also very bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and trails. Commutes here tend to be shorter when compared to D.C.
Transport
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
456
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Bicycle
2%
0.5%
Bus
6.3%
4.2%
Carpooled
7.8%
8.4%
Car alone
62.5%
81.1%
Railroad
0.3%
0%
Streetcar
10.6%
0%
Subway
1.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.2%
Walked
5.7%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Average
39.2 min
24.2 min
Other means
26 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In D.C., the real estate market is competitive. Home prices are significantly higher than the national average, but so are the rent prices. However, the market is stable and offers a good return on investment.
Milwaukee real estate market is more affordable but also offers a good return on investment. Renting is more common in the city center, while commuting suburbs offer opportunities for home ownership.
Neighborhoods
Both D.C. and Milwaukee have diverse neighborhoods. In D.C., neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Dupont Circle are popular for their cultural and political history, as well as for their dining and nightlife scenes.
In Milwaukee, neighborhoods like East Town and Historic Third Ward are trendy with a mix of historic and modern homes, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Houses
357,482
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1965
1956
Median year house/condo built
1941
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$222,376
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$176,965
Median house age
65
68
Renting percentage
58%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
2,683.8
House value disparities
26.7%
33%
Household income disparities
45.7%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Milwaukee
One, detached
11.2%
38.9%
One, attached
22.2%
4.5%
Two
2.7%
23.5%
3 or 4
6.8%
6.3%
5 to 9
7.3%
6.3%
10 to 19
8.5%
4.1%
20 to 49
7.6%
6.6%
50 or more
33.6%
9.5%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
10,069
State government workers
6,699
7,334
Unpaid family workers
580
199
Industries and Occupations
D.C.'s main industries include government, professional services, education, and healthcare. Because D.C. is the nation's capital, many residents work in occupations based in government and politics.
Milwaukee is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, health care, and education - with manufacturing being the leading industry. The city is known for its beer breweries, which offer a niche occupation.
Both cities have high-quality healthcare facilities. D.C is home to some nationally ranked hospitals and has a higher ratio of doctors per population.
Milwaukee also offers excellent healthcare, with a number of well-regarded hospitals, but doesn't have as high a ratio of doctors per population as D.C.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Washington D.C has a sophisticated and well-developed infrastructure. It's well known for its impressive architectural structures, such as monuments, museums, and government buildings.
Milwaukee's infrastructure is not as grand but practical, featuring a mix of old and new structures, but well-maintained roads, bridges, and public transport systems.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Milwaukee
Hospitals
114
29
TV stations
27
17
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
247
146
Bank institutions located here
34
29
Main business address for public companies
30
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Milwaukee
1999
1,328
1,506
2000
1,438
1,666
2001
935
1,410
2002
886
1,157
2003
1,319
1,641
2004
2,281
2,251
2005
2,920
3,325
2006
3,362
4,218
2007
2,548
2,555
2008
1,095
719
2009
514
456
Culture and Food
Washington D.C. is rich in cultural diversity, offering a robust arts scene, numerous monuments and museums, and a variety of international cuisines.
Milwaukee's culture is heavily influenced by its diverse immigrants. The city is famous for its beer breweries, festivals, and German-influenced food.
Sports Teams
Washington D.C. has multiple major and minor league sports teams including the Washington Redskins(NFL), Washington Nationals(MLB), and Washington Wizards(NBA).
Milwaukee is home to Milwaukee Brewers(MLB), and Milwaukee Bucks(NBA). Although smaller in size compared to D.C., it has a vibrant sports culture.
Washington, DC
Milwaukee, WI
Washington, DC and 
Milwaukee, WI : 637.7 miles
