MILWAUKEE, March11, 2026 — Marcus & Millichap (NYSE:MMI), has published its Milwaukee Retail Investment Forecast Report for 2026.
“Milwaukee’s retail sector is demonstrating notable resilience, supported by strong household income growth, limited new supply and vacancy levels that remain among the lowest in major U.S. markets,” stated Todd Lindblom, senior managing director and market leader.
Key findings include:
- Median household income in Milwaukee is projected to exceed 4 percent growth in 2026, among the fastest nationally, helping sustain consumer spending and reinforce retail fundamentals.
- Despite a slowdown in new deliveries, retail vacancy is expected to rise modestly to 4.1 percent, yet still remain among the lowest levels across major U.S. markets.
- Following a six-year high in completions during 2025, new construction is expected to moderate, with inventory expanding by only 0.2 percent in 2026.
- Retail recorded the largest year-over-year increase in transaction velocity among commercial property types in Milwaukee last year, with deal flow rising more than 30 percent, particularly in multi-tenant assets.
- Average asking rents are forecast to soften slightly amid measured net absorption, declining about 0.7 percent to $14.52 per square foot, though overall fundamentals remain stable.
“Limited new supply, healthy consumer fundamentals and growing investor interest in value-oriented retail formats position Milwaukee’s retail market for steady performance moving forward,” added Lindblom.
Access the report here.
