Kenosha County, Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
 TheKenosha County Courthouse and Jail in Kenosha | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofWisconsin | |
| Coordinates:42°35′15″N87°52′48″W / 42.587526°N 87.879996°W /42.587526; -87.879996 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| Founded | January 30, 1850 |
| Seat | Kenosha |
| Largest city | Kenosha |
| Area | |
• Total | 754.025 sq mi (1,952.92 km2) |
| • Land | 271.833 sq mi (704.04 km2) |
| • Water | 482.192 sq mi (1,248.87 km2) 63.95% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 169,151 |
• Estimate (2024) | 168,754 |
| • Density | 92.549/sq mi (35.733/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 262 |
| Congressional district | 1st |
| Website | kenoshacountywi.gov |
Kenosha County (/kəˈnoʊʃə/ ⓘ) is located in the southeastern corner of theU.S. state ofWisconsin. As of the2020 census, the population was 169,151,[1] and was estimated to be 168,754 in 2024,[2] making it theeighth-most populous county in Wisconsin. Itscounty seat and the largest city isKenosha,[3][4] thefourth-largest city in Wisconsin.
Kenosha County is situated on the southwestern shore ofLake Michigan. It is part of theChicago metropolitan area.[5] The county has a direct rail link toChicago viaMetra'sUnion Pacific North Line. In 2022, Kenosha County was ranked 16th out of 72 Wisconsin counties for tourism revenue, at $424 million in 2022.[6]
ThePotowatomi inhabited the area that would become Kenosha County for centuries prior to the acquisition of the area in 1833. The city of Kenosha was founded in 1835, and Kenosha County was formed from Racine County on January 30, 1850.[7][8] Its location led to development and factories being built in the 19th century. Manufacturing continued to be a key component of the economy into the 20th century.[9]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 754.025 square miles (1,952.92 km2), of which 271.833 square miles (704.04 km2) is land and 482.192 square miles (1,248.87 km2) (63.95%) is water.[10] It is the 69th largest county in Wisconsin by total area (fourth-smallest county). Although the county contains area fromLake Michigan.[11]
Kenosha Regional Airport (KENW) serves the county and surrounding communities.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 10,734 | — | |
| 1860 | 13,900 | 29.5% | |
| 1870 | 13,147 | −5.4% | |
| 1880 | 13,550 | 3.1% | |
| 1890 | 15,581 | 15.0% | |
| 1900 | 21,707 | 39.3% | |
| 1910 | 32,929 | 51.7% | |
| 1920 | 51,284 | 55.7% | |
| 1930 | 63,277 | 23.4% | |
| 1940 | 63,505 | 0.4% | |
| 1950 | 75,238 | 18.5% | |
| 1960 | 100,615 | 33.7% | |
| 1970 | 117,917 | 17.2% | |
| 1980 | 123,137 | 4.4% | |
| 1990 | 128,181 | 4.1% | |
| 2000 | 149,577 | 16.7% | |
| 2010 | 166,426 | 11.3% | |
| 2020 | 169,151 | 1.6% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 168,754 | [12] | −0.2% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[13] 1790–1960[14] 1900–1990[15] 1980[16] 1990[17] 2000[18] 2010–2020[2] | |||
As of the third quarter of 2024, the median home value in Kenosha County was $284,600.[19]
As of the 2023American Community Survey, there are 67,631 estimated households in Kenosha County with an average of 2.43 persons per household. The county has a median household income of $79,412. Approximately 11.3% of the county's population lives at or below thepoverty line. Kenosha County has an estimated 67.0% employment rate, with 30.8% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 95.0% holding a high school diploma.[2]
The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (85.8%), Spanish (9.5%), Indo-European (3.3%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.9%), and Other (0.5%).[citation needed]
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 1980[16] | Pop 1990[17] | Pop 2000[20] | Pop 2010[21] | Pop 2020[22] | % 1980 | % 1990 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 115,691 | 116,223 | 127,287 | 129,892 | 121,936 | 93.95% | 90.71% | 85.10% | 78.08% | 72.09% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 2,850 | 5,190 | 7,446 | 10,655 | 11,480 | 2.31% | 4.05% | 4.98% | 6.40% | 6.79% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 349[23] | 443 | 491 | 513 | 371 | 0.32% | 0.35% | 0.33% | 0.31% | 0.22% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 401[24] | 648 | 1,350 | 2,343 | 2,793 | 0.33% | 0.51% | 0.90% | 1.41% | 1.65% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | 7[25] | 24 | 53 | 67 | 67 | 0.01% | 0.02% | 0.04% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 268[26] | 267 | 160 | 177 | 528 | 0.22% | 0.01% | 0.11% | 0.11% | 0.31% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | x[27] | x[28] | 2,033 | 3,187 | 7,430 | x | x | 1.36% | 1.91% | 4.39% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3,578 | 5,580 | 10,757 | 19,592 | 24,546 | 2.91% | 4.36% | 7.19% | 11.77% | 14.51% |
| Total | 123,137 | 128,121 | 149,577 | 166,426 | 169,151 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2023 estimate, there were 167,488 people and 67,631 households residing in the county. There were 73,786 housing units. The racial makeup of the county was 86.3% White(72.8% NH White), 7.7% African American, 0.8% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, _% from some other races and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 15.4% of the population.[29]
As of the2020 census, there were 169,151 people, 66,842 households, and 42,891 families residing in the county.[30] Thepopulation density was 622.3 inhabitants per square mile (240.3/km2). There were 72,451 housing units at an average density of 266.5 per square mile (102.9/km2).[31]
The median age was 39.0 years; 22.3% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.2% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 97.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.1 males age 18 and over.[30]
There were 66,842 households in the county, of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 45.2% were married-couple households, 19.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 27.2% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. Of the 72,451 housing units, 7.7% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 65.2% were owner-occupied and 34.8% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 6.2%.[30]
The racial makeup of the county was 75.9%White, 7.1%Black or African American, 0.4%American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%Asian, 0.1%Native Hawaiian andPacific Islander, 5.2% from some other race, and 9.5% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 14.5% of the population.[32]
86.9% of residents lived in urban areas, while 13.1% lived in rural areas.[33]
As of the2010 census, there were 166,426 people, 62,650 households, and _ families residing in the county. The population density was 611.9 inhabitants per square mile (236.3/km2). There were 69,288 housing units at an average density of 254.7 per square mile (98.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 83.77%White, 6.64%African American, 0.49%Native American, 1.44%Asian, 0.05%Pacific Islander, 4.73% from some other races and 2.87% from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 11.77% of the population.
As of the2000 census, there were 149,577 people, 56,057 households, and 38,455 families residing in the county. The population density was 548.0 inhabitants per square mile (211.6/km2). There were 59,989 housing units at an average density of 220.0 per square mile (84.9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.38%White, 5.08%African American, 0.38%Native American, 0.92%Asian, 0.04%Pacific Islander, 3.29% from some other races and 1.91% from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.19% of the population.
In terms of ancestry, 28.8% were ofGerman, 10.4%Italian, 7.9%Irish, 7.6%Polish and 7.5%English.
There were 56,057 households, out of which 34.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.70% weremarried couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.40% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.10% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 31.30% from 25 to 44, 20.70% from 45 to 64, and 11.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.
The county legislature is known as the Board of Supervisors. It consists of 23 members, each elected from single-member districts. The county executive is elected in a spring countywide, nonpartisan vote. The county executive isSamantha Kerkman.[34] The district attorney, treasurer, clerk, and register of deeds are elected in fall countywide, partisan elections held in presidential years, while the sheriff and clerk of circuit court are elected in fall countywide, partisan elections held in gubernatorial years.
In presidential elections, Kenosha County has voted Democratic for most of the past century. In 2016,Donald Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to win the county sincePresident Nixon in 1972. In 2020 and 2024, Trump was able to gain more of the vote share with 2024 being the highest share for a Republican since 1972.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1892 | 1,628 | 44.71% | 1,928 | 52.95% | 85 | 2.33% |
| 1896 | 2,827 | 60.54% | 1,732 | 37.09% | 111 | 2.38% |
| 1900 | 3,078 | 58.37% | 2,101 | 39.84% | 94 | 1.78% |
| 1904 | 3,293 | 60.86% | 1,592 | 29.42% | 526 | 9.72% |
| 1908 | 3,409 | 54.50% | 2,006 | 32.07% | 840 | 13.43% |
| 1912 | 1,671 | 27.21% | 2,216 | 36.09% | 2,254 | 36.70% |
| 1916 | 3,537 | 50.99% | 2,813 | 40.55% | 587 | 8.46% |
| 1920 | 9,791 | 77.81% | 1,724 | 13.70% | 1,069 | 8.49% |
| 1924 | 10,341 | 55.45% | 1,517 | 8.13% | 6,791 | 36.41% |
| 1928 | 11,330 | 50.66% | 10,638 | 47.57% | 395 | 1.77% |
| 1932 | 7,307 | 30.57% | 14,373 | 60.13% | 2,223 | 9.30% |
| 1936 | 7,268 | 26.68% | 18,137 | 66.57% | 1,840 | 6.75% |
| 1940 | 12,182 | 40.91% | 17,174 | 57.68% | 421 | 1.41% |
| 1944 | 12,436 | 39.96% | 18,325 | 58.88% | 360 | 1.16% |
| 1948 | 12,780 | 39.80% | 17,987 | 56.02% | 1,342 | 4.18% |
| 1952 | 18,917 | 48.72% | 19,768 | 50.91% | 142 | 0.37% |
| 1956 | 21,367 | 55.08% | 17,094 | 44.06% | 335 | 0.86% |
| 1960 | 19,969 | 46.43% | 22,956 | 53.37% | 86 | 0.20% |
| 1964 | 14,764 | 32.55% | 30,522 | 67.29% | 70 | 0.15% |
| 1968 | 17,089 | 40.57% | 21,427 | 50.86% | 3,610 | 8.57% |
| 1972 | 24,041 | 53.93% | 19,441 | 43.61% | 1,094 | 2.45% |
| 1976 | 22,349 | 43.61% | 27,585 | 53.82% | 1,316 | 2.57% |
| 1980 | 24,481 | 43.82% | 26,738 | 47.86% | 4,644 | 8.31% |
| 1984 | 26,118 | 46.89% | 29,233 | 52.49% | 344 | 0.62% |
| 1988 | 21,661 | 41.55% | 30,089 | 57.72% | 379 | 0.73% |
| 1992 | 19,854 | 32.11% | 27,341 | 44.21% | 14,642 | 23.68% |
| 1996 | 18,296 | 34.06% | 27,964 | 52.06% | 7,457 | 13.88% |
| 2000 | 28,891 | 45.35% | 32,429 | 50.90% | 2,389 | 3.75% |
| 2004 | 35,587 | 46.56% | 40,107 | 52.48% | 734 | 0.96% |
| 2008 | 31,609 | 40.12% | 45,836 | 58.18% | 1,344 | 1.71% |
| 2012 | 34,977 | 43.24% | 44,867 | 55.46% | 1,053 | 1.30% |
| 2016 | 36,037 | 47.23% | 35,799 | 46.92% | 4,468 | 5.86% |
| 2020 | 44,972 | 50.68% | 42,193 | 47.55% | 1,573 | 1.77% |
| 2024 | 47,478 | 52.36% | 41,826 | 46.12% | 1,376 | 1.52% |
Library services are provided by theKenosha County Library System (KCLS), comprising theKenosha Public Library (KPL), serving the city of Kenosha and the village of Pleasant Prairie, and the Community Library, which serves the town ofRandall and the villages ofPaddock Lake,Salem Lakes, andTwin Lakes.[36]
Places adjacent to Kenosha County, Wisconsin | |
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Municipalities and communities ofKenosha County, Wisconsin,United States | ||
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| City |  | |
| Villages | ||
| Towns | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Other communities | ||
| Former communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
