Mequon
RANK #320 / 996 NAT · #25 / 29 WI · POP 91,745
1YR FORECAST: +3.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
Cedarburg, a town known for its preserved limestone buildings and historic district, anchors Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Located directly north of Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County offers a blend of rural charm and Lake Michigan shoreline. The county seat, Port Washington, is a harbor town overlooking Lake Michigan, about 25 miles north of downtown Milwaukee. Commuting to Milwaukee is facilitated by Interstate 43, and a shared-ride taxi service also connects to Milwaukee County bus routes. The community feel across Ozaukee County is often described as friendly and close-knit, with many residents choosing to stay in the area where they grew up. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, numerous parks, and the 30-mile Ozaukee Interurban Trail for biking and walking.
Life in Ozaukee County is characterized by a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. The public school districts, such as Mequon-Thiensville, Cedarburg, and Grafton, are highly rated. The county has seen population growth in recent years, with many residents owning their homes. The local economy is supported by various sectors, with ongoing efforts in workforce development and support for existing and new businesses. While manufacturing has seen some job declines, the construction and healthcare industries have experienced growth.
Above national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.7x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Lighthouse Campus Data Center
Vantage Data Centers (for Oracle and OpenAI)
|
$15,000M | Under Construction |
|
Saukville (Cedarsauk) Battery Storage
Undisclosed
|
$200M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 68/100, Ozaukee County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.2%, and median household income stands at $92,258 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in WI.
Housing in Ozaukee County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $344,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,103/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Ozaukee County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.8% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.2% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +4.7% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.62% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Ozaukee County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.