Waukesha County
Waukesha County
Waukesha, WI
The city and county seat of Waukesha County, on the Fox River about 15 miles west of Milwaukee.
71,158Population (2020)
~37Median Age
~$84KMedian Household Income
~31,481Housing Units
~$316KMedian Home Value
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2020 Census (population) and 2020–2024 ACS 5-Year Estimates (age, income, housing units, home value) for the City of Waukesha, WI (approx., rounded where noted)
Local Knowledge
The County Seat on the Fox River
Waukesha is the county seat of Waukesha County, sitting along the Fox River about 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee. With a population of 71,158 at the 2020 Census, it’s the seventh-most populous city in Wisconsin, with a history dating back to its original platting as “Prairieville” in the 1840s.
Today’s Waukesha is part of the greater Milwaukee metro area, with a downtown along the Fox River, parks like Frame Park, and public schools run by the School District of Waukesha. Apex Realty Group helps buyers and sellers navigate Waukesha and its neighboring Waukesha County communities with real-time MLS access and local, on-the-ground guidance.
At a Glance
CountyWaukesha (county seat)
Incorporated1896 (city)
ZIP Codes53186–53189
School DistrictSchool District of Waukesha
RiverFox River
NearbyPewaukee, Brookfield, New Berlin
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Where Waukesha Sits
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View Homes For SaleHighlights
What Makes Waukesha, Waukesha
The Fox River runs directly through downtown Waukesha, with a riverwalk path along its banks.
The 1914 Andrews Building, part of the NRHP-listed Block C Historic District, anchors Waukesha's historic downtown.
Frame Park is one of Waukesha's well-known public parks, with green space and a playground for residents.
Waukesha South High School is one of three public high schools run by the School District of Waukesha.
As the county seat, Waukesha sits centrally within Waukesha County, about 15 miles west of downtown Milwaukee.
Homes in Waukesha
A Long History of Established Homes
Waukesha’s housing stock reflects its long history as a county seat, including preserved historic homes like the NRHP-listed John Howitt House alongside its broader mix of established neighborhoods. As with any community this size, 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 Waukesha
Most of Waukesha’s established homes are not part of a homeowners association. Where a newer subdivision does have one, dues and rules vary by development, so it’s worth confirming HOA status and fees directly on any specific listing 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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha
School District of Waukesha
| School | Type | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Banting Elementary School | Public | Elementary |
| Butler Middle School | Public | Middle School |
| Waukesha South High School | Public | High School |
| Catholic Memorial High School | Private (Catholic) | High School |
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 Waukesha or the school itself.
Live MLS Data
Homes for Sale in Waukesha
Real-time listings in Waukesha, pulled live from the same MLS feed our team searches every day.
Explore the Area
Nearby Communities
Waukesha County
Waukesha CountyBrookfield
Waukesha County's second-largest city and one of the Milwaukee area's leading commercial suburbs.
Explore Brookfield
Waukesha CountyNew Berlin
A Waukesha County city bordered by Brookfield, Waukesha, Muskego, West Allis, and Greenfield.
Explore New BerlinFAQ
Common Questions About Waukesha
Waukesha is in Waukesha County, and is the county seat.
Waukesha is served by the School District of Waukesha, which includes Waukesha North, South, and West High Schools. Catholic Memorial High School is also located in Waukesha as a private option.
Waukesha had a population of 71,158 at the 2020 Census — the seventh-most populous city in Wisconsin.
Pewaukee, Brookfield, and New Berlin are among the closest communities Apex Realty Group also serves, all part of the greater Milwaukee metro area.
Yes — Frame Park is one of the city's well-known parks, and the Fox River runs directly through the city with a riverwalk path along it.
Waukesha is an incorporated city — it was first incorporated as a village in 1852, then incorporated as a city in 1896.
Real-time MLS listings for Waukesha 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 Waukesha?
Let’s Find Your Next Home
Whether you’re looking for a home in Waukesha or preparing to sell, Apex Realty Group can help you understand the local market and your next move.