Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a state in the Great Lakes region of the Midwestern USA. It is bordered by Minnesota, Michigan, and Lake Superior in the north; Lake Michigan in the east; Illinois in the south; and Iowa and Minnesota in the west. Wisconsin is the 20th-most populous with 5,822,434 inhabitants in 2019. The state capital is Madison, and its largest city is Milwaukee. Its governor is Tony Evers.
Wisconsin’s climate is characterized by long, cold winters and warm, relatively short summers. It’s home to white-tailed deer, foxes, cottontail rabbits, skunks, woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, and gophers. In the 1990s, gray wolves were reintroduced but have since been listed as endangered.
Native American tribes formed over thousands of years after the mammoth hunters arrived. These groups included the Dakota Sioux, Winnebago, Menominee, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Fox, and Sauk. Eleven Native American tribes still live in Wisconsin today.
In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was most likely the first European to enter what would become the state of Wisconsin. The area remained under French control until 1763, when it was acquired by the British. It was subsequently ceded to the United States by the Peace of Paris treaties in 1783. In the 1820s, a lead-mining boom brought many settlers to the region. Native Americans fought to defend their homeland, but by 1832 most of the battles had stopped. The Wisconsin Territory was named in 1836, and in 1848 Wisconsin became a U.S. state.
Wisconsin’s three major economic sectors are manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. It ranks among the top one-fourth of all states in farm income and manufactured goods.
Wisconsin Statistics
| Number of cities/towns/villages | 1900 |
|---|---|
| Number of counties | 72 |
| Population | 5898000 |
| Area | 169639 km² |
| Density | 35 people/km² |
| Altitude | 595 m |
| Major cities | Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay |
| Ethnicity | White: 80% Black: 7% Hispanic: 7% Asian: 3% Native: 1% |
| Crime rate | 2845 per 100,000 people |
| GDP | $350 billion |
| Median household income | $64,000 |
Common questions about Wisconsin
What is the cheapest place to live in Wisconsin?The cheapest area to live in Wisconsin, known for its affordability, is Beloit. This city offers a low cost of living and is considered one of the most affordable places in the state. Beloit provides a range of amenities that make it an attractive option for residents looking for value in WI. |
What is the safest city, town or area in Wisconsin?Brookfield is frequently cited as one of the safest cities in Wisconsin. It boasts low crime rates and a strong community focus on safety. The city's proactive police force and community engagement programs contribute to its reputation as a secure and family-friendly area. |
What is the city with the best weather in Wisconsin?La Crosse owns a reputation for the best weather in Wisconsin due to its relatively moderate climate. With pleasant summer temperatures and less severe winters compared to other areas in the state, La Crosse provides a more agreeable and comfortable climate for residents year-round. |
Get the contact information for all cities in this state. Find general information, official websites, email, phone numbers, addresses, and much more.
Complete List of Cities in Wisconsin
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