Green Bay
RANK #170 / 996 NAT · #19 / 29 WI · POP 268,393
1YR FORECAST: +5.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
Brown County, Wisconsin, is often recognized first for Green Bay, its largest city and county seat, known for its professional football legacy. Located in northeast Wisconsin, the county sits along Lake Michigan and the Fox River. Commuting within the county is generally manageable, with most destinations accessible within a 15- to 20-minute drive. The community offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban charm. Outdoor recreation is a notable feature, with numerous parks, multi-use trails like the Fox River Trail, and the 1,400-acre Reforestation Camp providing opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and winter sports.
Life in Brown County appeals to families and young professionals, with highly rated public schools across its eight districts. The economy is diverse, with a strong manufacturing sector and a growing presence in educational, health, and social services. Major investments have been directed towards these sectors, contributing to job growth and economic expansion. The county's strategic location with access to major highways, rail, and an international port on the Great Lakes supports its economic activity.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.0x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Wood Violet Energy Center
NextEra Energy Resources, LLC
|
$600M | Proposed |
|
Green Bay Packaging Mill Expansion
Green Bay Packaging
|
$500M | Operating |
|
Georgia Pacific Paper Mill
Georgia Pacific
|
$500M | Operating |
|
Green Bay Data Center
Ark Data Centers
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Brown County Fiber Optic Network Expansion (Pittsfield segment)
Bug Tussel
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Central Library Renovation Project
Brown County
|
$30M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Brown County ranks #170 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 83/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.0% and a median household income of $74,066 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Brown County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $226,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $935/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Brown County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +1.0%. Home values shifted +5.4% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.0% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Brown County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.4% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Brown County is now valued at $226,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.