Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, South Milwaukee developed as a streetcar suburb located 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Milwaukee.

There were 9,722 housing units at an average density of 2,025.4 per square mile (782.0/km2).

32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

South Milwaukee was the headquarters of Bucyrus International, formerly Bucyrus-Erie, which is known for constructing large shovels and dragline excavators, including Big Muskie, the world's largest mobile earth-moving machine.

Grant Park features the Oak Leaf Bike trail, tennis courts, a swimming beach, an 18-hole golf course and the Seven Bridges Hiking Trail along the shore of Lake Michigan.

This Performing Arts Center, which is open to the public, hosts a variety of entertainment.

The city lies on the southern end of Milwaukee County Transit System Route 15.

Today, the former depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.