Waukesha, Wisconsin
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| Waukesha, Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
| Name | Waukesha |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Spring City" |
| Pushpin label | Waukesha |
| Coordinates | 43, 00, 42, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Wisconsin |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Waukesha County |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1834 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1896 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Shawn N. Reilly |
| Area total km2 | 66.55 |
| Area total sq mi | 25.70 |
| Area land km2 | 65.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 25.17 |
| Area water km2 | 1.35 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.52 |
| Elevation m | 271 |
| Elevation ft | 889 |
| Population total | 71855 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 1102.1 |
| Population density sq mi | 2854.5 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | −6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | −5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 53186, 53187, 53188, 53189 |
| Area code | 262 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 55-84250 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1576320 |
| Website | www.waukesha-wi.gov |
Waukesha, Wisconsin is the county seat of Waukesha County and a principal city of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Known historically as the "Spring City" for its once-famous mineral springs, it has evolved from a health resort destination into a major suburban hub. The city is home to institutions like Carroll University and hosts annual events such as the Waukesha County Fair.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement. The first permanent Euro-American settler, Morris D. Cutler, arrived in 1834, with the community initially known as "Prairieville". It was renamed in 1847 after the Potawatomi word for "fox". The discovery of mineral springs in 1868, notably by Colonel Richard Dunbar, transformed the city into a nationally renowned health resort, attracting visitors like the Pabst family and figures from Chicago's elite. The arrival of the Chicago and North Western Railway and the Milwaukee Road facilitated this growth. The Waukesha Freeman, founded in 1846, is one of Wisconsin's oldest continuously operating newspapers. The city was incorporated in 1896 and later became a center for manufacturing, including the production of Les Paul's iconic electric guitars.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.70 square miles, of which 25.17 square miles is land and 0.52 square miles is water. The Fox River flows through the city, and the landscape includes several glacial features like the Holy Hill area to the north. Waukesha is located approximately 18 miles west of Downtown Milwaukee and 59 miles north of Chicago. The city's geography is part of the Eastern Ridges and Lowlands region of Wisconsin. Major parks include Frame Park along the river and Minooka Park.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 71,855. The racial makeup was 85.5% White, 2.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.8% Asian, and 5.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.5% of the population. The median household income was $71,099, and the per capita income was $37,228. Approximately 7.5% of the population lived below the poverty line. Educational attainment is high, with over 40% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy
Waukesha's economy has diversified from its health resort and early manufacturing roots. It is a significant center for precision manufacturing, health care, and professional services. Major employers include Generac Power Systems, a global leader in power generation equipment, and Waukesha Memorial Hospital, part of the ProHealth Care system. The city is also home to the corporate headquarters of HUSCO International and Kohl's Corporation maintains a major distribution center nearby. The downtown area has seen revitalization efforts, supporting a mix of retail, dining, and service sector businesses. The presence of Carroll University contributes to the local economy and workforce.
Culture and recreation
The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and community events. The Waukesha County Museum chronicles local history, while the Waukesha Civic Theatre provides live performances. Music is deeply rooted, celebrated at the annual Waukesha Jazz Festival and through its connection to legendary guitarist and inventor Les Paul, who spent his youth here. Recreational amenities include an extensive park system with over 40 parks, the Fox River trail system, and the Waukesha County Expo Center, which hosts the Waukesha County Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair's annual kickoff parade. The historic Mineral Spring Park nods to the city's spa heritage.
Government
Waukesha operates under a mayor–council form of government. The mayor is elected to a four-year term, and the Common Council consists of 15 aldermen representing districts. The current mayor is Shawn N. Reilly. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including a police department and a fire department. A significant recent infrastructure project was the approval of a new water supply from Lake Michigan via the Great Lakes Compact, managed by the Waukesha Water Utility. The city is part of Wisconsin's 5th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Scott L. Fitzgerald, and in the Wisconsin State Legislature by members such as Chris Kapenga in the Wisconsin Senate.
Category:Cities in Wisconsin Category:Waukesha County, Wisconsin Category:County seats in Wisconsin