Milwaukee CountyCudahy
A Milwaukee County city with more than two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, just south of Milwaukee.
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Milwaukee County
South Milwaukee, WI
A Milwaukee County city on the western shore of Lake Michigan, about 5 miles south of Milwaukee.
20,795Population (2020)
~40Median Age
~$73KMedian Household Income
~8,885Housing Units
~$236KMedian Home Value
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2020 Census (population) and ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (age, income, housing units, home value) for the City of South Milwaukee, WI (approx., rounded where noted)
Local Knowledge
A Lakeside City With Industrial Roots
South Milwaukee is a city in Milwaukee County on the western shore of Lake Michigan, about 5 miles south of Milwaukee. Platted in 1891 and chartered as a city in 1897, it grew up around lakeside manufacturing and still retains landmarks like the historic Passenger Station from that era.
Home buyers looking at South Milwaukee will find an established, walkable city with Grant Park and a Lake Michigan beach nearby, served by the School District of South Milwaukee. Apex Realty Group helps buyers and sellers navigate South Milwaukee and the surrounding Milwaukee County communities with real-time MLS access and local, on-the-ground guidance.
At a Glance
CountyMilwaukee
Incorporated1897
ZIP Code53172
School DistrictSouth Milwaukee SD
NotableGrant Park, Lake Michigan
NearbyCudahy, Oak Creek, Milwaukee
See It on the Map
Where South Milwaukee Sits
Click a marker to jump to that community’s page.
View Homes For SaleHighlights
What Makes South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee
Grant Park offers an 18-hole golf course, the Oak Leaf Trail, and a Lake Michigan swimming beach within South Milwaukee.
The historic South Milwaukee Passenger Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflects the city's early railroad history.
This 1906 bird's-eye illustration shows South Milwaukee not long after it was platted in 1891 and grew around its lakeside industry.
South Milwaukee's downtown is home to local shops like Parkway Floral, part of the city's walkable commercial core.
Independent local bars and restaurants like Slick Willy's Bar & Grill give South Milwaukee a close-knit, small-city feel.
Homes in South Milwaukee
An Established, Walkable City
South Milwaukee’s housing stock is predominantly established single-family homes on compact, walkable city blocks, not far from Grant Park’s green space. As with any community, the specific mix of home styles, lot sizes, and price points varies street to street — the most reliable picture comes from current, real-time listings rather than generalizations, which is where Apex’s live MLS access below can help.
HOA Fees & Special Assessments
HOAs and Mello-Roos in South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee is a well-established city, and most of its homes are not part of a homeowners association. Where a specific listing does have one, it’s worth confirming HOA status and fees directly rather than relying on a citywide figure.
Mello-Roos is a California-specific special tax district, created under California law to fund infrastructure in some new developments — it does not exist in Wisconsin, so it does not apply to homes in South Milwaukee. Wisconsin buyers should instead ask about a property’s regular tax assessment, which Apex Realty Group can help explain for any listing you’re considering.
Schools
Schools Serving South Milwaukee
School District of South Milwaukee
| School | Type | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Rawson Elementary School | Public | Elementary |
| E.W. Luther Elementary School | Public | Elementary |
| South Milwaukee Middle School | Public | Middle School |
| South Milwaukee High School | Public | Grades 9–12 |
School assignment is determined by home address, not community name, and boundaries can change. Confirm current attendance zones and program details directly with the School District of South Milwaukee or the school itself.
Live MLS Data
Homes for Sale in South Milwaukee
Real-time listings in South Milwaukee, pulled live from the same MLS feed our team searches every day.
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Nearby Communities
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee CountyMilwaukee
Wisconsin's largest city and the seat of Milwaukee County, on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
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Common Questions About South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee is in Milwaukee County.
The School District of South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee had a population of 20,795 at the 2020 Census.
Cudahy and Oak Creek directly border South Milwaukee, with Milwaukee about 5 miles to the north.
South Milwaukee grew around lakeside manufacturing, including the Bucyrus-Erie company, and retains landmarks like the historic Passenger Station and Grant Park from that era.
South Milwaukee is an incorporated city, platted in 1891, incorporated as a village in 1892, and chartered as a city in 1897.
Real-time MLS listings for South Milwaukee are available above, pulled from the same feed Apex Realty Group searches every day — or reach out directly and our team can walk you through what's currently available.
Thinking About Moving to South Milwaukee?
Let’s Find Your Next Home
Whether you’re looking for a home in South Milwaukee or preparing to sell, Apex Realty Group can help you understand the local market and your next move.