Housing cost and availability is a top concern for registered voters in Milwaukee, second only to public safety and unsafe driving, and the #1 issue for voters under the age of 35. That’s according to a poll, conducted by Change Research on behalf of the Milwaukee-based Together for Homes Coalition,* which finds 58% of registered voters age 18-34, and 44% of registered voters overall considered housing costs and availability as the most important issue facing Milwaukee today.
Other insights include:
● More than half (53%) of registered voters in the city say the biggest housing problem is that not enough quality homes are available that regular residents can afford, with rising property taxes a close second (44%).
● Two-thirds (67%) of Milwaukee voters say the cost of buying a home is a major problem, and even more (72%) say the cost of renting is a major problem. Four-in-five (80%) say the city simply doesn’t have enough homes that are affordable for regular people to buy or rent.
● Far more respondents are in favor of allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (aka backyard cottages) than opposing them. Nearly two-thirds (63%) support ADUs while just one-quarter oppose.
● Nearly three-fourths (74%) of registered voters support allowing multiple homes – such as a duplex, triplex or fourplex – on one lot.
● Many respondents know someone or have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding or keeping a home in the city. Many say:
○ Incomes aren’t keeping pace with costs (“Apartment hunting in general has been a nightmare. Every unit we’ve toured has been a downgrade in space and amenities and higher rent, the market is out of control.”),
○ Milwaukee lacks options that regular people can afford (“Currently looking for a new home with husband since our 2 bedroom is stretched thin while we both work from home and have a 2 year old. We were looking for a 3 bed 2 bath and have not been able to find a home where a mortgage fits our budget. We’d be selling a home we have 15 years of equity in, both make good money working in tech, and have been saving, but the monthly cost is not feasible.”), and
○ Many people, especially younger Millwaukeeans, are looking to leave (“I’m moving out of Milwaukee soon because I can’t afford to live here.”)
The poll of registered voters was conducted citywide with 75% of respondents having lived in Milwaukee > than 20 years. Approximately half of respondents were property owners living in single family homes.
The Together for Homes Coalition says these results underscore the need for Housing Element, the city’s proposed comprehensive reform plan that would update zoning regulations to permit additional housing opportunities and diverse types of home construction throughout Milwaukee neighborhoods. The citizen-led City Plan Commission unanimously passed the Housing Element file on June 2, 2025. Together for Homes is calling on Milwaukee alderpersons to take action!
“The message from voters is clear: skyrocketing costs and lack of available housing in Milwaukee are the most urgent concerns, ” said Montavius Jones, Together for Homes spokesperson. “The time is now for the Common Council to pass Housing Element.”
*Together for Homes Coalition is a group of community members, neighborhood groups, and businesses convened by 1000 Friends of Wisconsin.
To learn more about Milwaukee’s Housing Element, visit the City’s Housing Element web page.