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The demographic data of the city of Milwaukee is very interesting. This major Wisconsin city is known as one of the most segregated cities both racially and economically. These are not the sole elements that dominate Milwaukee’s people however several other characteristics such as ethnicity, industry. Through data gathered from the Census Bureau, The City of Milwaukee, and other sources we have sought out to provide fact to these claims.

City of Milwaukee: Demographic Data

1980

1990

2000

Through graphical representation one can clearly see the reduction of the white population from 1980-2000 drop by 26%. Milwaukee is an example of what is known as a white flight, or urban sprawl. Subsequently, the African American population has grown by 14%, meanwhile the Hispanic population has risen by 7% as well. “Asian” and “Pacific Islander” have grown by 2% and “Two or more races” has emerged with 2%. The growth of the other races in Milwaukee totals 25% which would make use of the housing and public resources deserted by the white population. In comparison the metropolitan area data illustrates that the white population has reached the mid 76% supporting our claim of urban flight. Simultaneously, not one single minority group accounts for a quarter of this population.

Legend

Metropolitan Area 2000 Population

Census information acquired from: Profile of Demographic Characteristics: 2000
Excel Data Compiled by our Group

City of Milwaukee :Incomes

Income Level	Number	Percent
Less than $10,000	32701	14.1
$10,000 to $14,999	18446	7.9
$15,000 to $24,999	37867	16.3
$25,000 to $34,999	35509	15.3
$35,000 to $49,999	40961	17.6
$50,000 to $74,999	39490	17
$75,000 to $99,999	16387	7.1
$100,000 to $149,999	7778	3.3
$150,000 to $199,999	1599	0.7
$200,000 or more	1574	0.7

When analyzing the income data from 1999, we see that 38.3% of the population earns and income below the poverty line. Likewise just under half of Milwaukee’s residents live on a middle class income. Once again take a moment to compare the income levels (gathered from the U.S. Bureau of the Census) of the metropolitan area verses the city. The average income level of suburban Milwaukeeans is nearly $20,000 more of their urban counter parts.

Metropolitan Incomes (1999)
Income Level	Dollar Amount
Median Income	$45,901
Average Income	$59,083

Milwaukee, City of (1999)
Income Level	Dollar Amount
Median Income	$32,216
Average Income	$40,875

Other Interesting Facts: Another interesting aspect of City of Milwaukee is the constant German references. The city is littered with aspects of German culture; such as beer, the restaurants Mader’s and The Wurst Haus, to German Fest held every summer. In this stereotype of Milwaukee is true. The Census bureau reports that over 20% of Milwaukeeans consider themselves of German ancestry, the first runner-up being the Polish with a little over 9.5%. Although this draws a bit of a contradiction to the racial make up of the city. Assuming that traditional German heritage stems from the white race, this discrepancy may be accounted for in the fact that 47% of people claimed having an “Other Ancestry.”

Articles from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Asian, Latino Populations Expected to Triple by 2050.

By: Georgia Pabst
Date: March 17, 2004
Summary: Article goes into a national study done since the 2000 census. Although the study does not directly pertain to Milwaukee, the author does well with explaining the significance to south eastern Wisconsin.

In seeking best education, some choose segregation

By: Leonard Sykes, Jr.
Date: March 13, 2004
Summary: The author explores some parents’ choice to send their children to ethnic schools. He explores the use of Afro centric schools in the Milwaukee area, and the benefits of such an education. He also jumps into the questions about how such practices further the relationship between races.

Community enriched by diversity

By: Ricardo Diaz
Date: August 23, 2003
Summary: This editorial, by a Hispanic resident, explores the contributions of the Hispanic population to the city of Milwaukee. He goes into talking about a group he is apart of the United Community Center- a non-profit organization.