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Wisconsin State: Population, Rankings, and Facts

#17 in Overall Ranking out of 50 in 2021

Those looking to start a new life in the Midwestern American region of the United States should strongly consider Wisconsin. It has healthy, breathable air, nice professional opportunities, and affordable homes. Of course, there are many other factors, such as the weather, history, and demographics, to balance into the equation. Below, we cover all of them in 2021.

Updated: April 5, 2021
  • Area
    65,498.37 SQ MI
  • Capital
    Madison
  • Population
    5,822,434
  • Income
    $59,305
  • Home Value
    $213,537
  • Crime
    17,070
  • Unemployment
    4.0%
  • Education
    29%
  • Medicine
    33
  • Poverty
    12%
  • Environment
    11
  • Infrastructure
    11.1%

This community, which is made of 65,498.37 square miles, is made of three types of municipalities. These include the largest cities, villages, and towns in each county. Yet, the county around Lake Michigan is considered to be a megalopolis. One-third of the Wisconsin population lives in the Greater Milwaukee area and Madison, the state’s capital.

This is not one of the original 13 colonies, according to history. But it became a part of the United States in 1848. At that time, the economy was based on manufacturing industries, but soon exporters with an important logo like Generac Power Systems took over. Today, dairy products generate more than 20 million dollars a year. Other essential products include cranberries, ginseng, and paper in 2021.

The state is also known for being the cradle of the Republican Party and its logo. Reputable sources claim it was born there in 1854. The Wisconsin abbreviation is WI, Wis or Wisc and is one of the main producers of green energy on the map, no matter the county.

Those who love nature and geography will be happy with their diversity. Here, anyone can find highlands, beautiful lakes like Michigan, and forests with a rich fauna. 60% of residents live in urban areas in a different county with another history, and the rest dedicate themselves to raising agricultural products.

Ever since 2008, the government provided companies with tax incentives for the film industry. So, new movies started to be produced here. The largest hit was Public Enemies, which raised $18 million.

Following the census, there is also great connectivity here. For example, people can find 18 commercial service airports and eight interstate highways that connect it with other cities.

How We Figured out Which Were the Best States to Live in

To rank all of the United States provinces, we considered essential metrics for people’s well-being. These include education, health, infrastructure, and many others. For this, we gauged reputable data sources and determined relevant numbers for each category.

Then, we ranked all of them and put them to discover the best states to live in America. Below are all the details.

Wisconsin Rankings

  • Population
    #20
    Population
    Data: 5,822,434

    It is in the middle of the United States’ provinces when it comes to population density. There are 107.3 persons per square mile, as shown by the 2010 census, which is quite low when compared to other places like New York, with 27,000. And almost ⅓ of them live in Milwaukee.

  • Median Income
    #45
    Income in $
    Data: $59,305

    The median income is decent here. However, according to the latest census information, it’s nowhere near more thriving places like Washington or Maryland. Still, it’s quite balanced when compared to the cost of living. Most families live off agriculture and dairy products. Other popular industries include energy and finance in 2021.

  • Home Value
    #34
    Home Value
    Data: $213,537

    The median home value in this area is a bit expensive when considering a standard wage, following the latest census. It’s not that easy to buy a house, even with the support of a bank loan. The value of homes decreased in the last few years, with a sharp point in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Unemployment Rate
    #8
    Unemployment
    Data: 4.0%

    The Wisconsin unemployment rate is very low. Less than 5% of the population with enough age to work cannot find a job. This is in sharp contrast with other places in the United States, such as Hawaii or California, which almost double this rate.

  • Poverty
    #17
    Poverty
    Data: 10.9%

    While most people in this community have a job, 10% of them are poor. This means their wage or salary is not enough for them to have a decent lifestyle. For instance, the price of houses or apartments is much higher than what a person can earn per month, so people are forced to live with family or friends and rent for long years before accessing their own home.

  • Education
    #26
    Education
    Data: 29%

    The number of people with a bachelor’s or master’s degree is good but could improve. It cannot compare, for instance, with other provinces like Maryland or Massachusetts. Still, there are many reputable universities like Alverno or Bellin College where people can pursue a degree.

  • Medicine
    #19
    Medicine
    Health Outcomes: 33

    The health indicator in this area could improve. It is 22 out of 50, which shows a lot of people who don’t receive sufficient healthcare. As such, their medical attention may not be that good because treatments are expensive, and they don’t have an insurance policy to take care of that cost.

  • Crime Rate
    #10
    Crime
    Violent Crime: 17,070

    Even though this looks like a peaceful place, this may not always be the case. The murder rate is low, but other violent crimes are more common. Some examples include aggravated assault or burglary. Other property crimes, like theft, can also open often in urban areas like Milwaukee.

  • Natural Environment
    #38
    Environment
    Air: 11

    The air here is quite healthy, but it doesn’t happen the same with water. The number of violations is really high, with more than 1,500 points. As a result, inhabitants tend (or should) resort to having bottled liquids instead of drinking directly from the faucet. The government is making an effort to put green measures on the map to raise these standards.

  • Infrastructure
    #36
    Infrastructure
    Poor Roads: 11.1%

    Infrastructure here could improve, in particular when it comes to roads. Almost 12% of them are in poor condition. On the other hand, highways that connect WI state with other provinces are usually taken care of, so road conditions are not that poor.

Wisconsin Facts

  • Its nickname is the Badger State. 
  • The Wisconsin State motto is “Forward”. This stresses its positivity and its will to always advance and never go backward. 
  • The state flower is the wood violet, which grows in many trees. 
  • The number of national parks is a bit low, with 66 across the land.
  • All the zip codes start at 53215 and are 530.
  • Taxes are somewhat high. For example, the state tax is 7.65%, the property tax is 1.73%, while the sales tax is 5%.
  • The flag features a coat of arms and is colored in dark blue. 
  • The capital of Wisconsin is Madison, although many believe it’s Milwaukee.
  • Inhabitants can find more than 7,000 rivers and lakes here, an impressive number.
  • This is the home of the first hydroelectric plant in the USA, back in the 19th century.
  • The state has a territorial dog called American Water Spaniel.

Wisconsin in Photos

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Wisconsin Madison Downtown
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FAQ Section

  • Where Is Wisconsin?

    This state is located in the American East North Central part of the United States. It has borders with many other provinces and bodies of water. To the north, it has Lake Superior and Michigan, while to the south, it has Illinois. Plus, Lake Michigan is to the east, and Iowa and Minnesota are in the west.

  • How Many Counties Are There in WI?

    There are 72 different Wisconsin counties. These go from Menominee, the poorest county and the least populated region in this part of the USA, to Milwaukee, which has the highest GDP in the province.

  • What Time Zone Is Wisconsin in?

    This land is in the GMT-6 time zone. The state is fair to the west, so it has a similar time zone to that of New York or New Jersey. For example, it only has a 1-hour difference from Albany in NY.

  • What to Do in the Badger State?

    This state may not be so well known as other areas like New York or Florida, but it still has a lot of things to do and beautiful counties to visit.

    Here are some of them:

    • Visit the art and logo museum in Milwaukee and have a look at contemporary and local pieces.
    • Enjoy the Devil’s Lake state park. There, tourists can have water bike rides, swim during the summer, and spend the day under the sun in a stunning landscape.
    • Access the House on the Rock, a building that stores bizarre collections.

  • What Is Wisconsin Known For?

    This province has a lot of remarkable things and is famous for the following milestones:

    • Stunning nature and landscapes, such as the Apostle Island Sea Caves. These are accessible by boat in the summer. Another option is the Cave of the Mounds.
    • There are pebble beaches to visit, such as Schoolhouse Beach.
    • Other landmarks include the Devil’s Lake and Willow state parks. The lake is called like this because it’s tricky and many people have drowned there. Only experienced swimmers should dive deep into it.