Wisconsin : What you need to know
Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland and the birthplace of classic beers such as Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller, and Schlitz, and it’s also home to some of the best places to live in America, including two of our 2017 Top 100 Best Places to Live: Madison and La Crosse. With the rivers and lakes scattered throughout the state and vast woodlands, Wisconsin draws outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country no matter the season – ever been ice fishing?
The metropolitan areas of Madison and Milwaukee boast top art and entertainment choices. The Milwaukee Museum of Art hosts work from renowned artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Andy Warhol, and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art houses the best up-and-coming artists. Music festivals, such as Summerfest and Eaux Claires bring local and international musicians together across the state.
A well-regarded education system is led by the University of Wisconsin and its 26 campuses. Kenosha, Eau Claire, Green Bay and Racine offer residents affordable housing, quality education and employment opportunities, as well as plenty of recreational options.
The Dairyland’s economy is run by more than cheese curds, with industry sectors in agriculture, manufacturing and information technology. The state is also home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, including Harley-Davidson, Oshkosh, Kohl’s, Northwestern Mutual and Johnson Controls. Wisconsin is also ranked no. 2 for fostering entrepreneurial growth.
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- Learn how the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s research and development efforts help create jobs and economic investments throughout the region.
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Featured Cities in Wisconsin
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Quick Facts about WI
| Population | 5,742,117 |
| Latest Population Increase | 0.00% |
| Median Household Income | $53,357 |
| Median Home Price | $165,800 |
| Median Property Tax | $1,402 |
| Median Rent | $67 |
Employment Rate in WI
| Employed | 95.9% | |
| Unemployed | 4.1% |
Featured Cities/Population in WI
| Madison, WI | 243,122 |
| Green Bay, WI | 104,847 |
| Racine, WI | 78,127 |
| La Crosse, WI | 51,993 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 67,385 |
| Wausau, WI | 39,210 |
| Oshkosh, WI | 66,582 |
| Kenosha, WI | 99,897 |
| Appleton, WI | 73,118 |
| Waukesha, WI | 71,324 |
Race in WI
| Ethnicity White | 86.5% | |
| Ethnicity Black | 6.3% | |
| Ethnicity Asian | 2.5% | |
| Ethnicity Hispanic | 6.3% | |
| Ethnicity Indian | 0.9% | |
| Ethnicity Other | 1.7% |
Employment Rate in WI
| Employed | 95.9% | |
| Unemployed | 4.1% |
Educational Levels in WI
| Bachelor's Degree | 18.4% | |
| Associate's Degree | 10.1% | |
| Graduate or Professional Degree | 9.4% | |
| High School Graduate | 32% | |
| Some College, No Degree | 21.1% | |
| Percent Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 27.8% | |
| Percent High School Graduate or Higher | 91% |
Industry in WI
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting and Mining | 2.5% |
| Construction | 5.3% |
| Manufacturing | 18.5% |
| Wholesale Trade | 2.7% |
| Retail Trade | 11.3% |
| Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities | 4.3% |
| Information | 1.7% |
| Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 6.1% |
| Professional, Scientific and Management and Administrative and Waste | 8.1% |
| Educational Services and Health Care and Social Assistance | 23.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment and recreation and Accommodation and food Services | 8.7% |
| Other Services, Except Public Administration | 4.2% |
| Public Administration | 3.5% |
Housing in WI
| Homes Rent | 67.3% | |
| Homes Owned | 32.7% |
Wisconsin Rankings
Best places to Live in Wisconsin
| Title | Population | Median Home Price | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 599,498 | $118,200 | $35,958 |
| Madison | 243,122 | $212,500 | $54,896 |
| Green Bay | 104,847 | $126,500 | $42,826 |
| Kenosha | 99,897 | $141,400 | $49,160 |
| Racine | 78,127 | $110,900 | $41,455 |
| Appleton | 73,118 | $137,500 | $53,588 |
| Waukesha | 71,324 | $192,200 | $59,547 |
| Eau Claire | 67,385 | $139,900 | $43,541 |
| Oshkosh | 66,582 | $114,900 | $42,650 |
| Janesville | 63,799 | $128,600 | $49,001 |
| West Allis | 60,677 | $141,700 | $45,221 |
| La Crosse | 51,993 | $130,100 | $40,725 |
| Sheboygan | 48,853 | $108,700 | $43,381 |
| Wauwatosa | 47,126 | $220,800 | $69,460 |
| Fond du Lac | 43,060 | $121,700 | $46,499 |
| New Berlin | 39,774 | $233,200 | $75,600 |
| Wausau | 39,210 | $114,300 | $41,575 |
| Brookfield | 38,000 | $283,000 | $92,518 |
| Greenfield | 37,113 | $172,700 | $51,149 |
| Beloit | 36,858 | $85,200 | $37,500 |