Why choose Milwaukee?
Milwaukee's Economy
Location Benefits
The Milwaukee region's location gives companies one-day access to many major markets throughout North America.
The Milwaukee region holds a strategic advantage, with 33% of the nation’s population within 500 miles, granting convenient access to major forms of transportation networks. With the state's largest city at its heart, southeastern Wisconsin boasts a truly urbanized environment, accommodating 2 million residents and 1 million jobs. The metro area boasts the second shortest average commute time among U.S. urban centers at 22 minutes, aided by the convergence of vital interstates: I-94, I-43, and nearby I-90.
Pro-manufacturing tax environment
- Wisconsin corporate income tax for manufacturers is 0.4%
- Machinery and equipment are exempt from property tax (including computer software & hardware)
- Right to Work legislation signed into law 2015
Thriving tech sector
- Milwaukee ranked 5th on Forbes list of "up and coming" tech cities
- Named a top 15 tech hub in North America, based on CBRE data
- 2,000 tech companies and more than 80,000 tech jobs
The talent advantage
- Over 190,000 graduates per year within 90 miles of Milwaukee
- 5 Engineering schools, producing 2,200+ graduates annually
- 4 technical colleges in region
Location & infrastructure
- Central location in the U.S. with access to Port Milwaukee
- Two major airports: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Chicago's O'Hare International Airport
- Access to both Milwaukee and Chicago labor markets
Low-cost operating environment
- Land and leasing costs are lower than the national average
- State tax credits available for job creation, capital investment, training
Disaster resilience
Amid frequent national reports about forest fires, intense weather events, and water shortages, the Milwaukee region’s value proposition as a "climate haven" is becoming more relevant every day.
Businesses in Milwaukee face a low risk of natural disasters and have reliable access to abundant fresh, clean water. A 2022 CNBC story defined climate havens as regions that are “situated in places that avoid the worst effects of natural disasters and have the infrastructure to support a larger population.” Jesse Keenan, an associate professor of real estate at Tulane University, listed Milwaukee as one of a relatively small number of cities that are poised to benefit.
We're here.
Ready to help.
Expansion or relocation is always a challenge. The Milwaukee 7 Partnership is your local advocate, simplifying and streamlining the investment process.
Interested in learning more?