Largest cities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, known for its dairy farms and rich cultural heritage, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 5.8 million, it ranks as the 20th most populated state in the U.S. Wisconsin has experienced stable population growth, driven by its appealing living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, and Michigan to the northeast, Wisconsin offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 1,852 cities and towns.

Living in Wisconsin provides residents with numerous benefits, including access to top-tier education, a strong job market, and a rich cultural scene. The state's moderate population density allows for vibrant community life and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Wisconsin's economy is diverse, with strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The state's stable population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Wisconsin, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Wisconsin cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Milwaukee Population: 592,649 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 249 KM² Density (sq mi): 6,162 Med. Household Income: $43,125

Milwaukee, WI, known as 'Cream City,' offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Madison and Chicago enhance its status as a central point in the Great Lakes region. Milwaukee's blend of historic breweries, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Madison Population: 258,366 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 199 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,247 Med. Household Income: $67,565

Madison, WI, known as 'The City of Four Lakes,' offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern urban amenities. Located in southern Wisconsin, Madison is a large city that serves as the state capital and a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Milwaukee and Chicago enhance its status as a central point in the region. Madison's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Green Bay Population: 104,508 Livability Score: 71

Area Size: 118 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,298 Med. Household Income: $52,214

Green Bay, Wisconsin, known as "Titletown, USA," is a historic and vibrant city located near Milwaukee and Chicago. With its rich sports history, strong local economy, and welcoming community, Green Bay offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes living in Green Bay an attractive option for families and professionals.

Kenosha Population: 99,767 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 72 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,522 Med. Household Income: $56,113

Kenosha, WI, known as 'The Gateway to Wisconsin,' offers a unique blend of lakeside charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Kenosha County, Kenosha is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Milwaukee (40 miles) and Chicago (66 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Kenosha's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Racine Population: 76,893 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 40 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,969 Med. Household Income: $44,346

Racine - The Belle City of the Lakes"; echo "

Appleton Population: 73,891 Livability Score: 86

Area Size: 63 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,981 Med. Household Income: $61,475

Waukesha Population: 72,419 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 66 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,837 Med. Household Income: $65,688

Eau Claire Population: 68,720 Livability Score: 88

Area Size: 84 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,091 Med. Household Income: $59,705

Oshkosh Population: 66,753 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 69 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,470 Med. Household Income: $51,282

Janesville Population: 64,415 Livability Score: 77

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,886 Med. Household Income: $55,914

Full list of the largest cities in Wisconsin

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Milwaukee	592,649	249	$43,125	79
2	Madison	258,366	199	$67,565	82
3	Green Bay	104,508	118	$52,214	71
4	Kenosha	99,767	72	$56,113	82
5	Racine	76,893	40	$44,346	79
6	Appleton	73,891	63	$61,475	86
7	Waukesha	72,419	66	$65,688	82
8	Eau Claire	68,720	84	$59,705	88
9	Oshkosh	66,753	69	$51,282	83
10	Janesville	64,415	87	$55,914	77
11	West Allis	59,861	29	$53,634	78
12	La Crosse	51,543	56	$46,438	69
13	Sheboygan	48,153	38	$52,088	77
14	Wauwatosa	48,143	34	$84,306	87
15	Fond du Lac	42,944	49	$54,587	74
16	New Berlin	39,794	94	$85,577	70
17	Wausau	38,685	49	$47,438	90
18	Brookfield	38,626	71	$107,380	79
19	Menomonee Falls	37,611	85	$86,555	71
20	Greenfield	37,117	30	$61,988	85
21	Beloit	36,804	45	$46,989	69
22	Oak Creek	36,321	74	$75,657	83
23	Franklin	36,013	90	$81,321	69
24	Sun Prairie	33,954	31	$79,566	87
25	Manitowoc	32,558	46	$51,563	80
26	West Bend	31,587	39	$64,879	78
27	Fitchburg	30,032	90	$76,240	66
28	Mount Pleasant	27,008	87	$72,309	83
29	Superior	26,260	95	$48,830	85
30	Stevens Point	26,144	44	$46,663	85
31	Neenah	26,083	24	$59,778	86
32	Caledonia	25,182	117	$81,722	66
33	Muskego	25,077	82	$95,472	72
34	De Pere	25,009	30	$73,972	78
35	Mequon	24,357	120	$128,403	69
36	Watertown	23,561	31	$52,440	70
37	Pleasant Prairie	20,969	86	$96,323	75
38	South Milwaukee	20,857	13	$57,286	78
39	Germantown	20,142	89	$89,111	71
40	Howard	19,879	48	$66,506	68
41	Middleton	19,764	23	$73,336	90
42	Onalaska	18,814	27	$66,295	72
43	Menasha	18,280	16	$53,800	80
44	Marshfield	18,214	35	$52,322	79
45	Cudahy	18,211	12	$63,280	74
46	Wisconsin Rapids	17,691	36	$44,585	75
47	Ashwaubenon	17,130	32	$62,184	79
48	Oconomowoc	16,931	30	$96,588	88
49	Menomonie	16,479	35	$43,789	79
50	Beaver Dam	16,322	19	$55,551	71

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Wisconsin, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.