RANK #162 / 996 NAT · #18 / 29 WI · POP 197,068
1YR FORECAST: +2.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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 ranks #162 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 84/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.0% and a median household income of $72,658 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Racine County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $226,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $985/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Racine County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs +1.0%. Home values shifted +4.3% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.37% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Racine County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.