The 10 Worst Neighborhoods In Milwaukee For 2021


We used data and science to identify the neighborhoods in Milwaukee that are the real pits.

Sam Sparkes, RoadSnacks
December 30, 2020 - 104,244 views
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Editor’s Note: This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. Don’t freak out we updated this article for 2021. This is our fifth time ranking the worst neighborhoods to live in Milwaukee.
Worst Neighborhoods In Milwaukee
Source: Wikipedia User Dori | GFDL

Milwaukee's neighborhoods conjure up too many stereotypes to count. You've got hipster areas, preppy places, neighborhoods where college kids thrive, and of course, ghettos.

It seems as if there's a neighborhood for everyone in Milwaukee.

And while the city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the country thanks in part to a strong economy and tons of entertainment, it's not all rainbows and sunshine in Milwaukee. Some neighborhoods aren't as great as others.

So the question arises, which Milwaukee neighborhoods are the worst, and which are the best?

Today, we'll use science and data to determine which Milwaukee hoods need a little tender loving care - the sore thumbs of the Milwaukee area if you will. Realistically, you can't expect all the neighborhoods to be amazing, although Downer Woods ranks way above the rest.

We examined 174 of Milwaukee's neighborhoods to find out the worst places to live. These places don't quite measure up to Milwaukee's reputation.

So what's the worst neighborhood to live in Milwaukee for 2021? According to the most recent census data, Metcalfe Park looks to be the worst neighborhood in Milwaukee.

Read on to see how we determined the places around Milwaukee that need a pick-me-up. And remember, don't blame the messenger.

Once you're done, you can look at the bottom of the story for a complete chart of every neighborhood we looked at from worst to best. Looking for places to avoid outside of the city? You can also check out the worst suburbs of Milwaukee.

For more Wisconsin reading, check out:

The 10 Worst Neighborhoods In Milwaukee For 2021

1. Metcalfe Park

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 2,673
Rank Last Year: 2 (Up 1)
Median Home Value: $53,175 (11th worst)
Median Income: $22,064 (9th worst)
More on Metcalfe Park:  Data

2. Triangle North

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 1,563
Rank Last Year: 1 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $72,660 (34th worst)
Median Income: $24,584 (14th worst)
More on Triangle North:  Data

3. Halyard Park

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 616
Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $70,650 (30th worst)
Median Income: $24,730 (15th worst)
More on Halyard Park:  Data

4. North Division

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 6,023
Rank Last Year: 4 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $45,575 (4th worst)
Median Income: $22,031 (8th worst)
More on North Division:  Data

5. Hillside

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 1,622
Rank Last Year: 5 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $23,633 (2nd worst)
Median Income: $18,505 (worst)
More on Hillside:  Data

6. Williamsburg

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 2,641
Rank Last Year: 6 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $71,980 (33rd worst)
Median Income: $24,766 (16th worst)
More on Williamsburg:  Data

7. Garden Homes

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 3,016
Rank Last Year: 7 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $35,140 (3rd worst)
Median Income: $27,673 (30th worst)
More on Garden Homes:  Data

8. Clock Tower Acres

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 881
Rank Last Year: 8 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $50,467 (8th worst)
Median Income: $26,556 (23rd worst)
More on Clock Tower Acres:  Data

9. Park West

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 6,270
Rank Last Year: 9 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $51,536 (9th worst)
Median Income: $21,585 (7th worst)
More on Park West:  Data

10. King Park

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 2,146
Rank Last Year: 10 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $45,840 (5th worst)
Median Income: $20,025 (4th worst)
More on King Park:  Data

How we determined the worst Milwaukee hoods in 2021

To figure out how bad a place is to live in, we only needed to know what kinds of things people like and then decide what places have the least amount of those things. We threw the following criteria into this analysis in order to get the best, most complete results possible. We used this set of criteria for each neighborhood in Milwaukee:

  • High unemployment (Less jobs)
  • Low median income (Less pay)
  • Low population density (No things to do)
  • Low home values (No one's willing to pay to live here)
  • High crime (Estimated)

Then, we ranked each neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for each of these criteria from worst to best.

Next, we averaged the individual rankings for each criteria into a "Worst Score".

The neighborhood with the lowest "Worst Score" ranks as the worst neighborhood of Milwaukee.

Read on below to learn more about these terrible places around Milwaukee to live. Or skip to the end to see the list of all 174 neighborhoods ranked from worst to best.

This list is a scientific analysis based on real data and is completely unbiased. Hold on to your pants.

The 'hoods around Milwaukee that are really hoods

Well there you have it -- the worst of the neighborhoods in Milwaukee with Metcalfe Park landing at the bottom of the pack.

As we mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in Milwaukee aren't all bad. Downer Woods takes the cake as the best place to live in Milwaukee.

We ranked the neighborhoods from worst to best in the chart below.

For more Wisconsin reading, check out:

Where Are The Worst Neighborhoods To Live In Milwaukee For 2021?

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1 Metcalfe Park 2,673 $53,175 $22,064
2 Triangle North 1,563 $72,660 $24,584
3 Halyard Park 616 $70,650 $24,730
4 North Division 6,023 $45,575 $22,031
5 Hillside 1,622 $23,633 $18,505
6 Williamsburg 2,641 $71,980 $24,766
7 Garden Homes 3,016 $35,140 $27,673
8 Clock Tower Acres 881 $50,467 $26,556
9 Park West 6,270 $51,536 $21,585
10 King Park 2,146 $45,840 $20,025
11 Fairfield 2,622 $71,580 $30,280
12 Old North Milwaukee 11,494 $61,000 $27,024
13 Borchert Field 3,405 $53,950 $25,183
14 Midtown 6,807 $62,338 $26,767
15 Harambee 12,435 $53,462 $19,812
16 Havenwoods 1,272 $68,550 $30,000
17 Sherman Park 6,916 $69,841 $29,307
18 Triangle 765 $90,050 $33,206
19 Franklin Heights 6,836 $48,150 $25,840
20 Baran Park 769 $80,300 $34,879
21 Walnut Hill 2,343 $57,575 $29,564
22 Roosevelt Grove 5,709 $75,755 $29,979
23 Menomonee River Valley 2,476 $70,386 $30,915
24 Washington Park 4,448 $63,050 $25,323
25 Arlington Heights 4,414 $54,483 $23,732
26 Martin Drive 1,503 $90,550 $27,296
27 Town And Country Manor 1,527 $112,933 $36,243
28 Northridge Lakes 2,203 $46,700 $23,200
29 Merrill Park 2,966 $61,083 $20,177
30 Walker's Point 7,065 $77,077 $28,660
31 Graceland 2,327 $83,350 $36,042
32 Mcgovern Park 3,643 $66,617 $33,811
33 Concordia 3,128 $84,500 $25,198
34 Lincoln Park 5,267 $83,757 $32,614
35 North Meadows 2,099 $138,650 $27,050
36 Cold Spring Park 2,142 $78,900 $19,488
37 Estabrook Park 747 $120,800 $28,672
38 Dineen Park 4,010 $94,220 $33,841
39 Wahl Park 2,621 $73,867 $33,543
40 Rufus King 4,145 $85,414 $32,002
41 Park View 566 $80,700 $24,250
42 Valhalla 3,872 $57,625 $34,173
43 Saint Joseph 6,020 $105,862 $35,368
44 Lincoln Creek 7,301 $81,833 $34,958
45 Holler Park 532 $108,300 $43,235
46 Clarke Square 6,852 $75,450 $23,453
47 Silver Spring 12,433 $74,220 $34,350
48 Granville Station 1,898 $89,067 $47,130
49 Southgate 2,717 $97,500 $39,300
50 Tripoli Park 522 $129,100 $45,050
51 Historic Mitchell Street 11,308 $54,827 $25,922
52 Brynwood 1,291 $53,000 $30,193
53 Whispering Hills 251 $62,500 $31,815
54 Thurston Woods 3,656 $81,020 $31,541
55 Maple Tree 1,184 $165,200 $40,313
56 Servite Woods 896 $71,800 $42,212
57 Lenox Heights 1,912 $113,060 $33,302
58 Miller Valley 1,504 $137,233 $46,292
59 Grasslyn Manor 4,848 $98,610 $37,987
60 Wyrick Park 1,601 $109,700 $36,686
61 Menomonee River Hills East 3,348 $98,325 $40,500
62 Avenues West 8,847 $23,169 $20,784
63 Freedom Village 210 $62,500 $31,815
64 Hampton Heights 7,560 $80,343 $35,298
65 Silver Swan 3,615 $92,050 $34,114
66 Lincoln Village 11,856 $80,158 $27,275
67 Muskego Way 11,525 $73,608 $26,522
68 Uptown 6,605 $105,246 $37,542
69 Kilbourn Town 4,159 $64,200 $45,010
70 Brown Deer Park 1,282 $129,100 $45,050
71 Forest Home Hills 5,977 $96,817 $31,816
72 North Granville 2,208 $138,650 $27,046
73 Riverton Heights 546 $138,100 $61,848
74 Land Bank 2,251 $91,933 $40,871
75 Sunset Heights 4,421 $105,086 $39,151
76 Capitol Heights 6,588 $95,673 $49,878
77 National Park 2,253 $88,075 $31,852
78 Granville Woods 342 $62,500 $31,815
79 Timmerman West 5,211 $110,350 $38,872
80 Vogel Park 2,497 $89,400 $48,283
81 Bradley Estates 1,809 $104,167 $53,964
82 Long View 3,079 $86,575 $50,016
83 Melody View 159 $151,000 $50,208
84 Grantosa 1,856 $97,150 $37,458
85 Silver City 4,535 $90,160 $33,498
86 Mitchell West 3,641 $104,475 $37,754
87 Fair Park 1,185 $125,000 $42,723
88 Polonia 5,992 $110,538 $36,874
89 Little Menomonee Parkway 1,043 $117,700 $43,218
90 Arlington Gardens 2,466 $113,175 $39,826
91 Jones' Island 557 $141,400 $44,868
92 Columbus Park 4,203 $100,450 $41,796
93 Calumet Farms 1,256 $230,400 $55,938
94 Timmerman Airport 614 $89,400 $53,125
95 Mount Olivet 785 $147,800 $30,733
96 Parkway Hills 967 $110,900 $36,420
97 Wilson Park 3,750 $109,150 $31,320
98 Southpoint 3,418 $123,550 $43,366
99 Zoo 604 $134,600 $43,781
100 Historic Third Ward 1,052 $129,250 $84,391
101 The Valley-Pigsville 407 $153,700 $57,860
102 Morgandale 8,624 $122,060 $46,705
103 Story Hill 1,814 $132,350 $50,608
104 Lindsay Park 4,956 $108,520 $38,162
105 Saint Amelian's 1,622 $101,150 $40,778
106 Layton Park 9,252 $104,875 $41,539
107 Burnham Park 8,504 $93,256 $39,637
108 Heritage Heights 1,905 $165,200 $40,313
109 Pollber Heights 110 $151,000 $50,208
110 Brewer's Hill 2,227 $142,800 $48,704
111 Menomonee River Parkway 359 $131,300 $50,938
112 Menomonee River Hills 8,811 $112,650 $46,088
113 Enderis Park 3,238 $129,117 $42,110
114 Park Knoll 701 $145,750 $55,972
115 Johnson's Woods 2,980 $118,050 $45,000
116 Root Creek 2,038 $132,800 $46,307
117 Park Place 1,268 $230,400 $55,938
118 Florist Highlands 1,302 $150,750 $50,590
119 Honey Creek Parkway 825 $135,800 $51,484
120 Saveland Park 1,121 $135,100 $56,790
121 Pheasant Run 1,624 $129,100 $52,500
122 New Coeln 90 $137,500 $63,839
123 Bluemound Heights 3,590 $119,214 $46,598
124 Maitland Park 822 $149,800 $58,898
125 Harbor View 1,183 $150,267 $50,644
126 Castle Manor 3,632 $142,620 $42,218
127 Nash Park 2,310 $110,567 $47,679
128 Jackson Park 7,407 $139,318 $50,335
129 Hawley Farms 1,695 $126,133 $44,212
130 Wick Field 614 $150,400 $49,167
131 Hawthorne Glen 254 $150,400 $49,167
132 Riverwest 12,197 $143,569 $43,872
133 White Manor 1,536 $133,833 $54,057
134 Alverno 1,059 $155,000 $38,571
135 Mitchell Field 1,752 $145,250 $58,649
136 Cambridge Heights 2,331 $172,620 $36,397
137 Cannon Park 2,203 $139,050 $51,344
138 Lyons Park 1,827 $133,100 $53,157
139 Town Of Lake 5,450 $144,167 $55,016
140 Mill Valley 899 $134,500 $66,250
141 Green Moor 510 $145,200 $56,719
142 Kops Park 3,156 $122,175 $56,854
143 Riverside Park 2,524 $222,733 $34,597
144 Murray Hill 4,008 $224,875 $49,929
145 Honey Creek Manor 3,014 $130,375 $41,129
146 Morgan Heights 1,723 $163,400 $66,739
147 Valley Forge 198 $185,500 $54,318
148 Fairview 3,930 $129,357 $58,151
149 Juneau Town 5,521 $225,017 $59,091
150 West View 1,761 $130,800 $49,688
151 Woodland Court 658 $150,800 $55,123
152 Golden Valley 2,774 $137,750 $62,387
153 Cooper Park 3,369 $144,433 $59,550
154 Tippecanoe 6,261 $144,789 $57,484
155 Yankee Hill 3,352 $281,714 $38,110
156 Clayton Crest 2,006 $159,150 $55,852
157 Alcott Park 1,764 $163,400 $66,739
158 Gra-Ram 2,357 $150,133 $55,697
159 Upper East Side 3,297 $277,450 $59,591
160 Mount Mary 1,955 $145,500 $72,966
161 Highwood Estates 1,951 $145,400 $39,820
162 Lower East Side 11,051 $228,600 $45,767
163 River Bend 1,402 $144,500 $63,660
164 Goldman Park 1,864 $152,450 $65,040
165 Washington Heights 7,146 $152,300 $61,358
166 Harder's Oaks 511 $159,600 $57,969
167 Euclid Park 1,912 $165,800 $50,111
168 Northpoint 5,695 $257,962 $66,314
169 Schlitz Park 528 $222,200 $67,569
170 Rolling Green 1,997 $150,800 $55,123
171 Wedgewood 1,774 $168,450 $66,628
172 Red Oak Heights 1,086 $178,900 $64,663
173 Fernwood 2,709 $183,280 $62,028
174 Downer Woods 4,628 $319,400 $68,167

 Rankings, Worst