This article is the forty-ninth in a 50-state series: it lists the largest cities and towns (hereinafter “cities”) in Wisconsin by population size and provides demographic details for each city–total population, population by age group, racial composition of the population, land area, and population density.
After reading “Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012),” return to this link to read “Best Places to Live in Wisconsin (2012).”
Similar articles for the remaining 49 states can be found at these links: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
1. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Milwaukee, WI
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee is the largest city in the state with an estimated population of 605,027.
Grouped by age, 27.8% of the population is under 18, 11.8% is 18 to 24, 28.4% is 25 to 44, 22.6% is 45 to 64, and 9.4% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 32.1.
The racial composition of the city is 46.8% White, 38.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 3.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 8.5% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. The population is 15.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 96.06 square miles. The city’s population density is 6,298.43 people per square mile.
2. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Madison, WI
Situated in the central part of southern Wisconsin, Madison is the state’s capital and second largest city with an estimated population of 235,410.
A comparatively large part of the population is college-aged: the city is home to the University of Wisconsin. Classified by age, 17.3% of the population is under 18, 20.1% is 18 to 24, 30.6% is 25 to 44, 22.7% is 45 to 64, and 9.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 31.8.
The racial complexion of the city is 82.1% White, 6.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 6.8% Asian, 1.9% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. The population is 5.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 68.67 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,428.13 people per square mile.
3. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Green Bay, WI
Located in northeastern Wisconsin, Green Bay is the third largest city in the state with an estimated population of 101,415.
Categorized by age, 24.3% of the population is under 18, 10.9% is 18 to 24, 29.1% is 25 to 44, 24.5% is 45 to 64, and 11.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.3.
The racial profile of the city is 82.7% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 3.6% Native American, 2.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. The population is 11.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 43.87 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,311.72 people per square mile.
4. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Kenosha, WI
Situated in southeastern Wisconsin, Kenosha is the fourth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 98,196.
Sorted by age, 26.4% of the population is under 18, 10.8% is 18 to 24, 28.6% is 25 to 44, 22.7% is 45 to 64, and 11.5% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 34.4.
The racial makeup of the city is 78.6% White, 9.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 7.8% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. The population is 12.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 23.81 square miles. The city’s population density is 4,124.15 people per square mile.
5. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Racine, WI
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Racine is the fifth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 82,003.
Arranged by age, 27.5% of the population is under 18, 9.8% is 18 to 24, 28.8% is 25 to 44, 23.6% is 45 to 64, and 10.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 33.
The racial mix of the city is 65.8% White, 21.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 8.1% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. The population is 17.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 15.54 square miles. The city’s population density is 5,276.90 people per square mile.
6. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Appleton, WI
Located in the central part of eastern Wisconsin, Appleton is the sixth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 69,895.
Grouped by age, 24.2% of the population is under 18, 10.2% is 18 to 24, 29.0% is 25 to 44, 25.8% is 45 to 64, and 10.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.7.
The racial composition of the city is 90.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 5.5% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. The population is 4.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 20.88 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,347.46 people per square mile.
7. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Waukesha, WI
Situated in southeastern Wisconsin, Waukesha is the seventh largest city in the state with an estimated population of 68,384.
Classified by age, 22.5% of the population is under 18, 12.0% is 18 to 24, 28.8% is 25 to 44, 24.7% is 45 to 64, and 12.0% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.5.
The racial complexion of the city is 88.2% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 3.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.1% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. The population is 10.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 21.6 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,165.93 people per square mile.
8. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Eau Claire, WI
Situated in the central part of western Wisconsin, Eau Claire is the eighth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 66,730.
An unusually large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Arranged by age, 19.8% of the population is under 18, 21.7% is 18 to 24, 25.5% is 25 to 44, 21.4% is 45 to 64, and 11.6% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 30.5.
The racial mix of the city is 92.7% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. The population is 1.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 30.28 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,203.76 people per square mile.
9. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Oshkosh, WI
Located in the central part of eastern Wisconsin, Oshkosh is the ninth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 64,114.
A comparatively large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Categorized by age, 18.7% of the population is under 18, 18.1% is 18 to 24, 28.8% is 25 to 44, 22.0% is 45 to 64, and 12.4% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 33.7.
The racial profile of the city is 91.6% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. The population is 2.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 23.63 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,713.25 people per square mile.
10. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Janesville, WI
Located in the central part of southern Wisconsin, Janesville is the tenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 63,202.
Sorted by age, 24.8% of the population is under 18, 8.0% is 18 to 24, 29.7% is 25 to 44, 24.3% is 45 to 64, and 13.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 36.8.
The racial makeup of the city is 92.7% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 2.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. The population is 5.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 27.54 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,294.92 people per square mile.
11. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): West Allis, WI
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, West Allis is the eleventh largest city in the state with an estimated population of 59,780.
Grouped by age, 22.2% of the population is under 18, 7.3% is 18 to 24, 27.3% is 25 to 44, 28.4% is 45 to 64, and 14.8% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 40.9.
The racial composition of the city is 90.3% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.9% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. The population is 7.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 11.35 square miles. The city’s population density is 5,266.96 people per square mile.
12. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): La Crosse, WI
Situated in the central part of western Wisconsin, La Crosse is the twelfth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 51,016.
An especially large percentage of the population is college-aged: the city is home to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Classified by age, 16.4% of the population is under 18, 25.6% is 18 to 24, 23.6% is 25 to 44, 20.1% is 45 to 64, and 14.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 29.5.
The racial complexion of the city is 91.6% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. The population is 1.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 20.14 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,533.07 people per square mile.
13. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Sheboygan, WI
Situated in the central part of eastern Wisconsin, Sheboygan is the thirteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 47,825.
Sorted by age, 23.9% of the population is under 18, 9.7% is 18 to 24, 28.4% is 25 to 44, 23.6% is 45 to 64, and 14.4% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 36.
The racial makeup of the city is 82.3% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 7.6% Asian, 6.7% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. The population is 9.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 13.91 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,438.17 people per square mile.
14. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Wauwatosa, WI
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Wauwatosa is the fourteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 45,112.
Categorized by age, 25.5% of the population is under 18, 4.8% is 18 to 24, 27.8% is 25 to 44, 27.0% is 45 to 64, and 14.9% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 40.7.
The racial profile of the city is 91.2% White, 4.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. The population is 2.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 13.24 square miles. The city’s population density is 3,407.25 people per square mile.
15. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Fond du Lac, WI
Located in the central part of eastern Wisconsin, Fond du Lac is the fifteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 42,193.
Arranged by age, 22.3% of the population is under 18, 11.3% is 18 to 24, 28.5% is 25 to 44, 23.6% is 45 to 64, and 14.3% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 35.1.
The racial mix of the city is 92.6% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 1.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. The population is 4.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 16.87 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,501.07 people per square mile.
16. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Brookfield, WI
Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Brookfield is the sixteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 39,166.
Grouped by age, 22.5% of the population is under 18, 6.7% is 18 to 24, 19.3% is 25 to 44, 31.8% is 45 to 64, and 19.7% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 45.7.
The racial composition of the city is 91.1% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 5.4% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. The population is 1.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 27.20 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,439.93 people per square mile.
17. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): New Berlin, WI
Situated in southeastern Wisconsin, New Berlin is the seventeenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 39,122.
Arranged by age, 20.8% of the population is under 18, 7.3% is 18 to 24, 22.6% is 25 to 44, 34.2% is 45 to 64, and 15.1% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 44.5.
The racial mix of the city is 94.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 3.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. The population is 2.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 36.84 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,061.94 people per square mile.
18. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Wausau, WI
Located in the northern part of central Wisconsin, Wausau is the eighteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 38,218.
Sorted by age, 22.1% of the population is under 18, 10.3% is 18 to 24, 26.0% is 25 to 44, 25.4% is 45 to 64, and 16.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 38.1.
The racial makeup of the city is 86.1% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 10.7% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. The population is 1.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 16.49 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,312.19 people per square mile.
19. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Beloit, WI
Located in the central part of southern Wisconsin, Beloit is the nineteenth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 36,657.
Categorized by age, 26.9% of the population is under 18, 12.1% is 18 to 24, 24.9% is 25 to 44, 23.9% is 45 to 64, and 12.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 32.6.
The racial profile of the city is 74.7% White, 14.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 5.6% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. The population is 15.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 16.4 square miles. The city’s population density is 2,235.18 people per square mile.
20. Largest Cities in Wisconsin (2012): Franklin, WI
Situated in southeastern Wisconsin, Franklin is the twentieth largest city in the state with an estimated population of 36,608.
Classified by age, 23.5% of the population is under 18, 7.6% is 18 to 24, 25.1% is 25 to 44, 31.6% is 45 to 64, and 12.2% is 65 or older. The median age of the population is 41.
The racial complexion of the city is 86.2% White, 6.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 3.6% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. The population is 4.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The land area of the city is 34.63 square miles. The city’s population density is 1,057.11 people per square mile.
Source(s):
” American Community Survey ,” U.S. Census Bureau
” American Fact Finder ,” U.S. Census Bureau
“Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2000,” U.S. Census Bureau
