RANK #77 / 996 · POP 168,693 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.1%
The Washington Park Velodrome, the oldest operating velodrome in the United States, is a notable landmark in Kenosha County. Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Kenosha County sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 30 minutes south of Milwaukee and an hour north of Chicago. The community offers a blend of urban amenities and a smaller-town feel, with its eastern edge along Lake Michigan and its western half featuring inland lakes. Commuters have access to both car routes via I-94/41 and a direct rail link to Chicago through Metra's Union Pacific North Line. The county also boasts over 1,500 acres of parkland and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and golf.
Kenosha County attracts families and young professionals, with many residents owning their homes. Public schools in the Kenosha Unified School District and several smaller districts generally perform above average. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in manufacturing, logistics, and corporate headquarters. This development has contributed to an increase in job opportunities across diverse industries. The county's location between major metropolitan areas, combined with a comparatively lower cost of living, contributes to its appeal for those seeking a balance of lifestyle and economic prospects.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Eli Lilly & Company Manufacturing Facility Expansion
Eli Lilly & Company
|
$3,000M | Under Construction |
|
Red Oak Ridge Energy Center (Proposed Natural Gas Plant)
Invenergy
|
$1,200M | Proposed |
|
Paris Solar-Battery Park
We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Madison Gas and Electric (developed by Invenergy)
|
$900M | Operating |
|
Microsoft Data Center Campus (Kenosha County addition)
Microsoft
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Highland Estates (735-unit subdivision)
ZL River Development LLC
|
$450M | Planned |
|
Natural Gas Plant (Town of Paris)
We Energies
|
$280M | Approved |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kenosha County has a Boom Town Index score of 92/100, ranking #77 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.1% and a median household income of $76,583, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Kenosha County is $234,700 with median rent at $1,110/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3263, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.1%. Home values changed +5.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.31% of Kenosha County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.