City Profile
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Wauwatosa, affectionately known as 'Tosa', is a charming inner-ring suburb of Milwaukee steeped in history and character. Founded in the mid-19th century and named after the Potawatomi word for firefly, the city has evolved into a vibrant community balancing historic charm with modern urban amenities. People are drawn to Wauwatosa for its picturesque tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and the bustling Village commercial district.
Wisconsin, located in the Upper Midwest, is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including Great Lakes shorelines, dense forests, and rolling hills, fostering a strong connection to outdoor recreation and a friendly, community-oriented lifestyle. The state's economy is robust, driven primarily by manufacturing, agriculture (especially dairy, earning it the nickname "America's Dairyland"), and a significant tourism sector. Living in Wisconsin generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing and groceries often more affordable. The climate features four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, providing opportunities for a variety of seasonal activities.
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 104.0 | 38.8 | 25% | 9.7 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $88,500 Income needed to live here: $58,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% | 87.9 | 20% | 17.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.4% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 42.5 | 15% | 6.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 10% | 7.5 |
| Overall score | 64.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Wauwatosa tends to be slightly higher than the Wisconsin state average, driven largely by desirable housing markets and excellent local services. Property taxes and housing demand in neighborhoods close to the Village or Hart Park remain robust. However, everyday goods, utilities, and grocery expenses align fairly closely with broader Midwestern regional trends.
Income
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Wauwatosa benefits from a dynamic and resilient economy anchored heavily by healthcare, education, and professional services. Major institutions like the Milwaukee County Grounds medical complex provide thousands of jobs, making the city a regional medical hub. Additionally, its proximity to downtown Milwaukee opens up extensive employment opportunities for local commuters and remote professionals alike.
The average salary in Wauwatosa is $74,000 per year. You would need approximately $58,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Wauwatosa offers convenient transit access via Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes and major regional thoroughfares like US-45 and I-94. The city features strong walkability scores in its commercial districts, making pedestrian errands easy for many residents. While car ownership remains common, biking infrastructure continues to see steady municipal investment.
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