RANK #209 / 996 · POP 197,068 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.0%
Racine County, Wisconsin, is known for its distinctive Danish kringle pastry and the historic Wind Point Lighthouse, which offers public climbs. The county is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, roughly 30 minutes south of Milwaukee and less than an hour north of Chicago, making it a commuter-friendly location. Its communities range from the urban feel of the city of Racine to the rural landscapes of towns like Caledonia and Union Grove. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the Root and Fox Rivers, extensive biking and hiking trails, and Lake Michigan beaches.
Life in Racine County offers a blend of community types, attracting families and professionals. Public schools in the county are generally above average. Commute times average around 24 minutes, with many residents driving alone to work, though public bus services and Amtrak connections to Milwaukee and Chicago are available. The economy is experiencing growth, particularly in new construction, with Racine County leading the state in 2024. Major investments are flowing into commercial and residential developments, data centers, and advanced manufacturing, contributing to job creation and a changing economic landscape.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Data Center Campus (Mount Pleasant)
Microsoft
|
$7,300M | Under Construction |
|
Microsoft Project Nova Data Center (Caledonia)
Microsoft
|
$4,000M | Proposed |
|
Paris Solar Farm
Wisconsin Electric Power Co.
|
$200M | Operating |
|
Regency Mall Redevelopment
|
$120M | Under Construction |
|
Lincoln-King Community Center
|
$68M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Racine County has a Boom Town Index score of 79/100, ranking #209 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $72,658, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Racine County is $226,500 with median rent at $985/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3208, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +4.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.37% of Racine County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.