Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are two American cities with their distinctive charms and challenges. Phoenix, a city in the Sonoran Desert region, is known for its warm, sunny weather, and sprawling, suburban layout. Milwaukee, on the other hand, nestled along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, offers a cooler, more seasonal climate, high-quality education, and a blend of urban and rustic splendor.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Milwaukee, WI : 1,456.9 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 185%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
Safety is a major concern for both residents and tourists. According to the FBI's crime data, Phoenix has a slightly higher crime rate than Milwaukee, but this should be considered relative to the larger population of Phoenix. Milwaukee, though smaller, experiences its share of crime, the bulk of which is property crime. Both cities have invested in police services and community initiatives to address 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 3,641 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 2,403 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 444 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 Phoenix than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally lower in Milwaukee than in Phoenix. Items like groceries, housing, and transportation tend to be cheaper in Milwaukee. However, Phoenix offers a higher median household income, which may offset some of the higher costs.
Income Tax
Phoenix sits within Arizona, which has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.50%. Milwaukee is in Wisconsin, which also carries a progressive income tax system, but with higher rates ranging between 4% and 7.65%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Milwaukee are significantly higher than in Phoenix, factoring into the overall cost of living in each city. This is important information for people considering homeownership in these cities.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a higher city sales tax rate at 8.6%, compared to Milwaukee's city sales tax rate of 5.6%. Both cities utilize this revenue to fund city services and infrastructure improvements.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $51,897 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, known for its cacti and striking sunsets. Milwaukee is positioned along the shores of Lake Michigan and is known for its riverwalk and beachfront parks.
Educationally, Milwaukee excels with renowned universities like Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee. On the other hand, Phoenix provides access to higher education through Arizona State University and the University of Phoenix. Both cities also have a variety of public and private schools for K-12 education.
Both cities have diverse economies; however, the major sectors differ. Phoenix has a significant presence in Healthcare, Retail, and Construction, while Milwaukee is known for Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Education. The unemployment rate is slightly lower in Phoenix than Milwaukee.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, some of the biggest employers include Banner Health, Walmart, and the State of Arizona. Milwaukee's major employers include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and the City of Milwaukee.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% 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
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
2020
50.2%
69.3%
48.0%
29.4%
1.8%
1.3%
2016
44.9%
65.6%
47.7%
28.6%
7.5%
5.8%
2012
43.6%
67.8%
54.3%
31.6%
2.1%
0.5%
2008
44.0%
67.8%
54.5%
31.7%
1.5%
0.5%
2004
42.4%
62.0%
57.0%
37.5%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
58.5%
53.4%
37.9%
3.6%
3.6%
1996
44.5%
58.3%
47.2%
32.2%
8.2%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
21.0%
4.3%
10.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.3%
6.5%
4.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
2.4%
2.0%
6.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
3.0%
1.5%
5.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
1.7%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.7%
0.6%
3.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
1.0%
1.0%
1.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.2%
2.2%
0.9%
6.0%
Weather
Phoenix's weather is typically hot and dry, while Milwaukee experiences all four seasons. Phoenix has over 300 sunny days a year, which attracts many snowbirds during the winter months. Milwaukee, known for its cold, snowy winters and generally milder summers, offers a varied climate for those who enjoy seasonal changes.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
35%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Phoenix
Milwaukee
2018
156
84
0.38
N/A
15.2
8.8
28.5
28.2
N/A
N/A
34.8
15.3
8.6
7.8
0.6
0.2
2017
120
80
0.41
N/A
15.9
8.9
28.6
27.7
N/A
N/A
34.9
14.3
7.6
6.9
1.4
0.3
2016
114
86
0.44
N/A
15.8
9.4
27.3
27.0
N/A
N/A
30.6
15.0
7.7
7.4
0.4
1.2
2015
102
78
0.46
N/A
17.6
9.6
27.1
27.2
N/A
N/A
26.2
14.9
7.9
7.8
0.9
1.1
2014
117
89
0.46
N/A
19.6
9.9
27.6
26.0
N/A
N/A
37.0
15.4
8.5
9.2
1.1
1.0
2013
130
81
0.43
N/A
19.9
10.4
27.9
26.9
N/A
N/A
35.3
15.4
8.4
9.6
0.9
0.7
2012
157
108
0.44
N/A
21.2
11.5
28.1
28.3
N/A
N/A
41.9
17.2
8.8
9.6
1.3
1.0
2011
203
95
0.47
N/A
20.0
11.4
28.3
27.3
N/A
N/A
41.3
16.2
9.6
10.1
0.9
1.2
2010
100
83
0.48
N/A
19.9
12.9
26.9
26.9
N/A
N/A
31.2
N/A
8.3
N/A
0.9
N/A
2009
108
69
0.52
N/A
20.1
12.2
25.6
23.7
N/A
N/A
38.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2008
106
61
0.48
N/A
21.4
12.4
26.6
24.6
N/A
N/A
39.6
17.3
N/A
N/A
2.4
N/A
2007
129
80
0.54
N/A
23.5
14.2
25.2
24.1
N/A
N/A
47.6
19.9
N/A
N/A
2.4
N/A
2006
131
66
0.66
0.35
25.3
14.7
24.4
22.8
0.017
N/A
50.8
19.9
N/A
N/A
2.3
2.6
2005
109
99
0.74
0.36
25.9
16.6
22.2
25.1
0.015
N/A
44.6
25.4
N/A
N/A
2.5
3.1
2004
98
75
0.77
0.41
25.5
16.6
23.4
21.2
0.011
N/A
32.8
21.4
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.3
2003
101
76
0.90
0.41
26.8
16.7
23.7
27.1
0.017
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.3
2002
111
92
0.98
0.40
28.7
N/A
23.6
28.9
0.018
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
3.7
2001
106
96
1.00
0.34
28.6
15.8
22.3
28.3
0.020
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
3.0
2000
117
84
1.14
0.29
29.9
16.5
24.6
27.0
0.018
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
19%
Transportation
Both cities have robust transportation systems. Phoenix is served by Valley Metro, which operates buses and a light rail system. Milwaukee is served by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), which operates bus routes throughout the area. Commuting times are generally longer in Phoenix due to the city's sprawl.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.4%
0.5%
Bus
1.8%
4.2%
Carpooled
12.2%
8.4%
Car alone
81.8%
81.1%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Average
28.6 min
24.2 min
Other means
26.4 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is typically more expensive in Phoenix than Milwaukee, due largely to the high demand and population growth in the Phoenix area. Phoenix has seen a recent boom in real estate, whereas the market in Milwaukee remains more stable.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix has numerous suburban neighborhoods, each with distinctive features and amenities. Milwaukee offers a mix of urban, suburban, and waterfront neighborhoods, each with differing levels of accessibility to city features and amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Houses
644,625
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1956
Median year house/condo built
1983
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$176,965
Median house age
36
68
Renting percentage
42.4%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
2,683.8
House value disparities
30.8%
33%
Household income disparities
43.9%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Milwaukee
One, detached
60.3%
38.9%
One, attached
4.9%
4.5%
Two
1.4%
23.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
6.3%
5 to 9
5.0%
6.3%
10 to 19
5.3%
4.1%
20 to 49
4.1%
6.6%
50 or more
11.3%
9.5%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
10,069
State government workers
30,385
7,334
Unpaid family workers
1,048
199
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix's major industries include real estate, healthcare, and retail. On the other hand, Milwaukee is recognized for manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare. Occupations tend to mirror these industry specialties in both cities.
Phoenix is home to Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, healthcare leaders known globally. Milwaukee has one of the nation's leading academic medical centers in the Medical College of Wisconsin and also hosts various prominent healthcare organizations like Froedtert Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix is known for its sprawling infrastructure and wider roads, with modern amenities being more spread out. On the contrary, Milwaukee offers a blend of historic and modern infrastructure, with neighborhoods having closer access to city features and amenities.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Hospitals
48
29
TV stations
22
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
263
146
Bank institutions located here
41
29
Main business address for public companies
41
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Milwaukee
1999
5,846
1,506
2000
4,847
1,666
2001
3,823
1,410
2002
3,472
1,157
2003
5,750
1,641
2004
9,848
2,251
2005
15,879
3,325
2006
18,392
4,218
2007
9,797
2,555
2008
3,130
719
2009
1,614
456
Culture and Food
Phoenix offers a blend of cultures, with an influence of Southwest and Mexican cuisines. Milwaukee is known for its Beer and Sausage culture coinciding with its German Roots. Additionally, Milwaukee houses more than 200 arts and culture organizations.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to all four major pro NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL teams, plus a WNBA team. Milwaukee has the NBA's Bucks and MLB's Brewers, but no NFL or NHL teams. Basketball fans across the globe discovered Milwaukee during the Bucks' 2021 NBA championship run.
Phoenix, AZ
Milwaukee, WI
