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Demographics
Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1850 20,061
–
1860 45,246 125.5%
1870 71,440 57.9%
1880 115,587 61.8%
1890 204,468 76.9%
1900 285,315 39.5%
1910 373,857 31.0%
1920 457,147 22.3%
1930 578,249 26.5%
1940 587,472 1.6%
1950 637,392 8.5%
1960 741,324 16.3%
1970 717,099 -3.3%
1980 636,212 -11.3%
1990 628,088 -1.3%
2000 596,974 -5.0%
Est. 2005 578,887 -3.0%
Source: U.S. Census
Population
As of the census estimate of 2005, there are 578,887 people residing in
Milwaukee. As of 2000, there were 232,188 households, and 135,133 families
residing in the city. The population density is 2,399.5/km˛ (6,214.3 per square
mile). There are 249,225 housing units at an average density of 1,001.7/km˛
(2,594.4 per square mile).
There are 232,188 households out of which 30.5% have children under the age of
18 living with them, 32.2% are married couples living together, 21.1% have a
female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% are non-families. 33.5% of
all households are made up of individuals and 9.5% have someone living alone who
is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.50 and the average
family size is 3.25.
According to the 2000 Census, there were at least 1,408 same-sex households in
Milwaukee which accounts for 0.6% of all households in the city.[16] Although
this number is slightly lower than other cities in the region such as Chicago
and Minneapolis, Milwaukee continues to be noted for its generally accepting
attitudes towards the LGBT community. As a result, many gay-friendly communities
have developed in recent years in neighborhoods such as Bay View, the East Side,
Historic Third Ward and Riverwest. In 2001, Milwaukee was named the #1 city for
lesbians by Girlfriends magazine.[17]
In the city the population is spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 12.2%
from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who are 65
years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there
are 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $32,216, and the median income
for a family is $37,879. Males have a median income of $32,244 versus $26,013
for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,181. 21.3% of the
population and 17.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total
population, 31.6% of those under the age of 18 and 11.0% of those 65 and older
are living below the poverty line.
Milwaukee still faces a shrinking population,[18] and other problems, such as
crime, racial tension (especially between inner-city Blacks and white
suburbanites), poverty, and a precarious school system, presenting a serious
challenge to the city. Although the crime rate is down since the early 1990s,
the issues of urban crime and police corruption are still at the forefront,
frequently appearing on the front page of local newspapers. Accusations of
police brutality are common and have gained national attention as of late with
federal charges being brought down on the Milwaukee police officers accused of
beating Frank Jude Jr. Many considered the hiring of the first black Chief of
Police, Arthur Jones, to be a turning point for Milwaukee, noting that crime in
2004 was at its lowest in nearly 15 years. However, critics accused Jones of
ineffectiveness. He completed one full 7 year term as Chief, but the Milwaukee
Fire and Police Commission did not offer him a second term.
Race and ethnicity
According to the 2004 Census Estimate, the racial makeup of the city is 46.7%
White, 39.5% African American, 13.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Asian, 0.8% Native
American, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 7.3% from other races, and 2.1% from two or
more races. According to the 2000 census, 39.5% of Milwaukeeans reported having
African-American ancestry and 38% reported German ancestry. Other significant
population groups include Polish (12.7%), Irish (10%), English (5.1%), Italian
(4.4%), French (3.9%), with Hispanic origin totaling 6.3%.
The metropolitan area is frequently cited as being hyper-segregated, and was
long known as the most segregated metro area in the U.S. However, due to
continued dialogue between Milwaukee's citizens, the city is making an effort to
reduce racial tensions and reduce the rate of segregation. With demographic
changes in the wake of white flight, segregation in metropolitan Milwaukee is
primarily in the suburbs rather than the city as in the era of Father Groppi.
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