Largest cities in Wisconsin

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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: 605,531 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 249 KM² Density (sq mi): 6,297 Med. Household Income: $63,592

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: 266,829 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 199 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,465 Med. Household Income: $98,928

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: 107,144 Livability Score: 72

Area Size: 118 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,356 Med. Household Income: $78,887

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: 102,872 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 72 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,709 Med. Household Income: $84,370

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: 79,849 Livability Score: 80

Area Size: 40 KM² Density (sq mi): 5,164 Med. Household Income: $64,789

Living in Racine, WI offers a picturesque lakeside lifestyle with a strong sense of community and rich industrial heritage. Known as 'The Belle City of the Lakes,' Racine is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering stunning waterfront views and a vibrant local culture. The city's historic architecture, beautiful parks, and thriving arts scene make it an attractive place to live for families and professionals alike.

Appleton Population: 76,203 Livability Score: 82

Area Size: 63 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,117 Med. Household Income: $91,040

Waukesha Population: 73,902 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 66 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,897 Med. Household Income: $99,838

Eau Claire Population: 70,119 Livability Score: 89

Area Size: 84 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,160 Med. Household Income: $88,661

Oshkosh Population: 69,404 Livability Score: 85

Area Size: 69 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,594 Med. Household Income: $75,890

Janesville Population: 66,492 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,969 Med. Household Income: $83,925

Full list of the largest cities in Wisconsin

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Milwaukee	605,531	249	$63,592	81
2	Madison	266,829	199	$98,928	84
3	Green Bay	107,144	118	$78,887	72
4	Kenosha	102,872	72	$84,370	84
5	Racine	79,849	40	$64,789	80
6	Appleton	76,203	63	$91,040	82
7	Waukesha	73,902	66	$99,838	83
8	Eau Claire	70,119	84	$88,661	89
9	Oshkosh	69,404	69	$75,890	85
10	Janesville	66,492	87	$83,925	78
11	West Allis	61,432	29	$79,884	80
12	La Crosse	53,074	56	$70,149	69
13	Wauwatosa	49,450	34	$127,204	87
14	Sheboygan	49,294	38	$76,475	77
15	Fond du Lac	44,014	49	$79,888	74
16	New Berlin	40,724	94	$129,824	71
17	Wausau	39,898	49	$71,432	91
18	Brookfield	39,415	71	$159,709	79
19	Menomonee Falls	38,737	85	$131,362	72
20	Greenfield	38,049	30	$92,661	86
21	Beloit	37,938	45	$70,143	70
22	Oak Creek	37,124	74	$113,294	83
23	Franklin	37,080	90	$122,941	69
24	Sun Prairie	35,107	31	$116,567	88
25	Manitowoc	33,568	46	$76,647	81
26	West Bend	32,289	39	$95,201	79
27	Fitchburg	30,947	90	$113,916	67
28	Mount Pleasant	27,676	87	$108,370	84
29	Neenah	27,049	24	$89,547	88
30	Superior	26,920	95	$73,420	86
31	Stevens Point	26,862	44	$69,500	85
32	Caledonia	26,019	117	$123,376	67
33	De Pere	25,789	30	$108,823	78
34	Muskego	25,672	82	$144,030	72
35	Mequon	25,189	120	$193,875	70
36	Watertown	24,039	31	$77,062	72
37	Pleasant Prairie	21,762	86	$141,796	75
38	South Milwaukee	21,661	13	$84,169	79
39	Germantown	20,803	89	$134,833	72
40	Middleton	20,512	23	$109,193	91
41	Howard	20,411	48	$99,172	69
42	Onalaska	19,535	27	$97,938	73
43	Menasha	18,920	16	$78,830	80
44	Marshfield	18,840	35	$77,666	80
45	Cudahy	18,834	12	$92,960	76
46	Wisconsin Rapids	18,260	36	$67,688	74
47	Ashwaubenon	17,618	32	$94,489	79
48	Oconomowoc	17,299	30	$143,522	89
49	Menomonie	16,888	35	$65,359	82
50	Beaver Dam	16,884	19	$82,828	72

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.