Milwaukee: Wisconsin's Largest City by Population (2020 Census)

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Milwaukee is Wisconsin's most populous city with 594,833 residents. It anchors the state's largest metropolitan area (1.57 million in the 4-county MSA).

Top 5 Wisconsin Cities (2020)

1. Milwaukee – 594,833
2. Madison (capital) – 269,840
3. Green Bay – 107,395
4. Kenosha – 99,986
5. Racine – 77,816

Milwaukee's Profile

• Location: Lake Michigan's western shore, 90 mi north of Chicago.
• Economy: Brewing heritage (Miller, Pabst), manufacturing (Harley-Davidson, Rockwell Automation), healthcare, finance, freshwater technology.
• Culture: Summerfest (world's largest music festival), Milwaukee Art Museum (Calatrava), historic Pabst Theater, vibrant neighborhoods (Third Ward, Brady St., Bay View).
• Challenges: Population decline since 1960 peak (741,324), racial segregation, economic disparities, aging infrastructure.

While Madison grows rapidly as a tech/education hub, Milwaukee remains Wisconsin's undisputed urban center by population and economic weight.