RANK #184 / 1001 NAT · #10 / 29 WI · POP 117,991
1YR FORECAST: +3.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, is recognized as the "Bratwurst Capital of the World" and the "Freshwater Surf Capital of the World," offering a unique blend of culinary and recreational identities. Located on the Lake Michigan shoreline, approximately 50 miles north of Milwaukee and 60 miles south of Green Bay, the county provides access to urban centers while maintaining a distinct community atmosphere. Commuting within the county and to nearby cities is facilitated by Interstate 43. The area features diverse natural landscapes, including sandy beaches, forests, and the Kettle Moraine State Forest, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Life in Sheboygan County offers a balance of community and opportunity. The public school districts, including Sheboygan Area School District and Kohler School District, are noted for being above average. Transportation options include the Shoreline Metro bus service in Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, and Kohler, along with specialized services for elderly and disabled residents in rural areas. The economy is supported by manufacturing, with companies like Kohler Co., Sargento, and Johnsonville providing various job opportunities. Recent economic developments include new housing projects in Sheboygan Falls and Plymouth, and ongoing expansions by major manufacturers. The region's economic landscape is evolving with investments in energy sectors.
Sheboygan County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — near the profile average on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +6.6% runs above the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.8x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Onion River Solar Project
Alliant Energy
|
$150M | Operating |
|
Edgewater Battery Energy Storage System
Alliant Energy
|
$99M | Under Construction |
|
Founders' Pointe Housing Development
The Forward Fund, City of Sheboygan Falls, SCEDC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Logistics Facility (Project Malibu)
Amazon
|
$40M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Sheboygan County ranks #184 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 82/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $73,094 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Sheboygan County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $232,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $934/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Sheboygan County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs -0.1%. Home values shifted +6.6% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.7% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Sheboygan County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +6.6% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Sheboygan County is now valued at $232,700. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.