When comparing Milwaukee, WI to Kansas City, MO, each of these Midwestern cities has its distinct charm and potential challenges. While they share similar weather patterns and educational facilities, they differ in areas such as cost of living, opportunities in different industries, cultural experiences, and tax systems. Both cities captivate their residents with unique offerings and sports scene that can be enjoyed throughout the year. This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive perspective for those considering relocation or visiting.
Distance between
Milwaukee, WI and
Kansas City, MO : 439.8 miles
Milwaukee's population is larger by 12%. Its population has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) since 2000. The population of Kansas City has grown by 66,849 people (15.1%) during that time.
Both Milwaukee and Kansas City struggle with crime, and rank higher than the national average. However, neighborhoods vary significantly, and safer areas can be found in both cities. In Milwaukee, areas such as the Historic Third Ward and Bay View are known for lower crime rates. In Kansas City, neighborhoods like Prairie Village and Roeland Park are comparatively safer. Visitors are advised to follow general safety measures, such as avoiding lonely areas at night and securing their belongings.
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 2,403 registered sex offenders living in Milwaukee and 1,820 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Milwaukee is 248 to 1; the ratio in Kansas City is 264 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Milwaukee is near to than in Kansas City.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both cities is below the national average, but it's typically lower in Kansas City. Housing is generally less expensive in Kansas City, where the median home cost is significantly lower than Milwaukee. However, healthcare and utility expenses tend to be higher in Kansas City than in Milwaukee.
Income Tax
Individuals in Milwaukee are subject to Wisconsin's state income tax rates that vary from 4% to 7.65%. Kansas City residents, however, deal with Missouri's state income tax which ranges from 1.5% to 5.9%.
Property Tax
In general, property taxes in Milwaukee are higher than in Kansas City. The average effective property tax rate in Milwaukee County is approximately 2.56%, whereas in Jackson County, where Kansas City is located, it is around 1.14%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Kansas City, MO is relatively high at 8.6%, while Milwaukee, WI has a comparatively moderate sales tax of 5.6%.
Income
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Estimated median household income
$46,637
$63,396
Estimated per capita income
$26,998
$36,456
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.5
87.3
If you make $50,000 in Kansas City, you will have to make $55,842 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Milwaukee, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, is known for its lakeside beauty. Meanwhile, Kansas City boasts hilly terrain and a few rivers, including the Missouri River, creating picturesque landscapes.
Both cities have well-regarded schools and universities with a variety of programs. Milwaukee houses the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee School of Engineering, while Kansas City is home to the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Kansas City Art Institute.
Milwaukee's economy is diversified and anchored in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Conversely, Kansas City has a strong economy with a broad mix of industries including federal government, trade, transportation, professional and business services, education, and health services.
Biggest Employers
Milwaukee's largest employers include the healthcare sector with the Aurora Health Care and Ascension Wisconsin. Educational institutions like University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are also among top employers. In Kansas City, the largest employers are the federal government, followed by companies such as Cerner Corporation and Sprint Corporation.
In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Kansas City (Jackson County), 58.9% voted for Democrats and 39.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
2020
69.3%
60.1%
29.4%
38.1%
1.3%
1.8%
2016
65.6%
55.5%
28.6%
38.1%
5.8%
6.4%
2012
67.8%
58.9%
31.6%
39.3%
0.5%
1.7%
2008
67.8%
62.1%
31.7%
36.8%
0.5%
1.1%
2004
62.0%
58.2%
37.5%
41.4%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
58.5%
59.0%
37.9%
38.4%
3.6%
2.5%
1996
58.3%
56.2%
32.2%
34.3%
9.5%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
21.0%
10.3%
10.8%
6.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
3.0%
1.4%
5.9%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
2.4%
0.2%
6.7%
1.0%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
2.2%
0.0%
6.0%
0.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.3%
9.5%
4.3%
13.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.0%
0.4%
1.1%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.3%
3.1%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
1.7%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.3%
1.0%
SALVATION ARMY
0.2%
0.4%
0.5%
0.6%
Weather
Milwaukee, situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Kansas City, lying on the border of Kansas and Missouri, also enjoys four seasons. However, it has more extreme weather compared to Milwaukee, with hotter summers and an increased likelihood of tornadoes due to its location in Tornado Alley.
Weather and climate
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Temperature - Average
48.1°F
56.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
76.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26%
30.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.3 in
36.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
95.8 in
38 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
20.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
57.6%
67.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
34%
25.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
48%
Wind speed - Average
11 mph
11.2 mph
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average climate in Kansas City, Missouri
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Milwaukee
Kansas City
2018
84
89
N/A
0.29
8.8
11.1
28.2
29.6
N/A
N/A
15.3
24.5
7.8
7.4
0.2
0.9
2017
80
88
N/A
0.29
8.9
11.6
27.7
30.4
N/A
N/A
14.3
26.7
6.9
10.0
0.3
1.4
2016
86
85
N/A
0.30
9.4
12.0
27.0
28.9
N/A
N/A
15.0
24.9
7.4
9.0
1.2
1.5
2015
78
90
N/A
0.30
9.6
12.9
27.2
28.9
N/A
N/A
14.9
33.6
7.8
8.3
1.1
4.6
2014
89
90
N/A
0.28
9.9
13.0
26.0
28.6
N/A
N/A
15.4
28.5
9.2
9.3
1.0
5.0
2013
81
88
N/A
0.41
10.4
13.2
26.9
29.3
N/A
N/A
15.4
30.8
9.6
10.3
0.7
5.6
2012
108
105
N/A
0.52
11.5
14.2
28.3
31.9
N/A
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.6
10.3
1.0
6.4
2011
95
108
N/A
0.45
11.4
15.0
27.3
29.9
N/A
N/A
16.2
N/A
10.1
10.9
1.2
4.8
2010
83
97
N/A
0.40
12.9
15.0
26.9
27.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
5.4
2009
69
96
N/A
0.29
12.2
14.8
23.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.6
N/A
6.1
2008
61
89
N/A
0.40
12.4
17.0
24.6
25.7
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
11.5
N/A
6.0
2007
80
104
N/A
0.42
14.2
18.4
24.1
29.1
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
13.1
N/A
4.2
2006
66
104
0.35
0.36
14.7
18.5
22.8
29.2
0.017
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
12.4
2.6
5.1
2005
99
105
0.36
0.55
16.6
18.3
25.1
28.4
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
4.5
2004
75
83
0.41
0.45
16.6
11.6
21.2
26.2
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.0
2003
76
99
0.41
0.41
16.7
10.9
27.1
28.0
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.0
2002
92
100
0.40
0.40
N/A
8.9
28.9
27.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2.5
2001
96
88
0.34
0.52
15.8
7.9
28.3
27.0
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
1.2
2000
84
102
0.29
0.75
16.5
8.8
27.0
29.2
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
2.2
Natural disasters
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.1%
200.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
109.3%
598.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
24%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation systems. Milwaukee provides bus services with its MCTS system, while Kansas City has the KCATA which also provides bus services. In terms of commuting, both cities generally promote a more relaxed commute, compared to larger metropolitans.
Transport
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
202
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
1
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Bicycle
0.5%
0.4%
Bus
4.2%
1.5%
Carpooled
8.4%
8.7%
Car alone
81.1%
86.8%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.2%
Walked
3.9%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Average
24.2 min
25.5 min
Other means
21.1 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
40.3 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.7%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
In terms of real estate, both Milwaukee and Kansas City are affordable with diverse housing options. Milwaukee tends to be more expensive than Kansas City, which is known for its larger plots and yards.
Neighborhoods
Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward and Bay View are popular for their uniqueness and safety. Kansas City's Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods are sought after for their charm and community spirit. Both cities offer a wide range of neighborhoods suitable for families, professionals and retirees.
Houses and residents
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Houses
257,812
243,950
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1956
1975
Median year house/condo built
1952
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
12 years
Houses occupied
232,362 (90.1%)
219,020 (89.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
96,044 (41.3%)
118,384 (54.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
136,318 (58.7%)
100,636 (45.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$854.05
$933.71
Median monthly housing costs
$965
$1,092
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$172,751
$71,644
Estimated median house or condo value
$160,100
$213,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$177,554
$250,072
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,248
$212,485
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,933
$147,015
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$222,376
$274,597
Median house price - mobile homes
$67,466
$19,650
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$171,473
$203,232
Median house price - All housing units
$176,965
$247,285
Median house age
68
52
Renting percentage
56.4%
43.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,683.8
778
House value disparities
33%
36%
Household income disparities
46.1%
43.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,490
$96,255
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,843
$64,961
Housing units without a mortgage
1,800 (2.8%)
1,566 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,918 (6.2%)
5,650 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
61,602 (97.2%)
77,422 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
270 (0.4%)
403 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,023 (7.9%)
6,848 (8.7%)
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%
3.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
2.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Milwaukee
Kansas City
One, detached
38.9%
60.7%
One, attached
4.5%
3.9%
Two
23.5%
3.1%
3 or 4
6.3%
4.4%
5 to 9
6.3%
5.8%
10 to 19
4.1%
6.2%
20 to 49
6.6%
5.8%
50 or more
9.5%
9.3%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,069
13,035
State government workers
7,334
6,835
Unpaid family workers
199
197
Industries and Occupations
In Milwaukee, manufacturing is a major industry, followed by healthcare and social assistance. Educational services sector also plays a significant role. Kansas City, on the other hand, has high concentrations in trade, transportation and utilities along with government services. Moreover, technology and telecommunications sectors have been growing.
Both cities are served by large healthcare systems. Milwaukee hosts the Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, while Kansas City is home to the University of Kansas Hospital and Saint Luke's Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Kansas City enjoys its reputation for a well-planned city with a well-maintained road network, whereas some areas of Milwaukee suffer from aging infrastructure. Both cities, however, are investing in infrastructure enhancement and development projects.
Infrastructure
Type
Milwaukee
Kansas City
Hospitals
29
30
TV stations
17
14
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
146
140
Bank institutions located here
29
41
Main business address for public companies
32
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Milwaukee
Kansas City
1999
1,506
1,565
2000
1,666
1,758
2001
1,410
1,494
2002
1,157
1,380
2003
1,641
1,975
2004
2,251
3,011
2005
3,325
3,470
2006
4,218
3,499
2007
2,555
2,228
2008
719
742
2009
456
447
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Milwaukee is known for its beer and cheese traditions and hosts Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals. Kansas City is famous for its jazz and barbecue culture, plus the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art that houses nearly 40,000 works of art.
Sports Teams
If you're a sports fan, both cities will serve you well. Milwaukee is home to the Bucks (NBA) and Brewers (MLB), while Kansas City cheers for the Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB).
Milwaukee, WI
Kansas City, MO
