Kenosha County

Gateway to the Chicago Market

Kenosha County is the region's flourishing gateway to the Chicago metropolitan market. Its high quality of living, affordable land, and easy access to Milwaukee and Chicago make it a magnet for both residents and businesses. It was ranked as part of one of the “hottest” mid-size urban areas in the nation by Inc. magazine.

Its location is ideal. Milwaukee is just 30 minutes to the north. Chicago is just 60 minutes to the south. Kenosha is easily accessible by both car and commuter train. The county's eastern edge overlooks majestic Lake Michigan; the western half is dotted with inland lake communities that spill into the popular Lake Geneva area. Because of low land costs and access to labor, several major business parks are located along I-94 just north of the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. Major employers in the area include Amazon, Uline, Snap-on, and Jockey.

Big City Amenities, Small Town Feel

Kenosha, the largest city and county seat, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities, including the Kenosha Public Museum, the HarborMarket, the Kenosha History Center, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Kenosha Civil War Museum, and the Bristol Renaissance Faire in the nearby Village of Bristol.

Learn more about Kenosha County's short commutes, affordable housing, a growing economy, beautiful lakefront, and a vibrant arts scene at Life Balanced Kenosha County.

Economic Development Information: The Kenosha Area Business Alliance

Visitor Information: Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kenosha County At-a-Glance

Major Cities

Kenosha (98,484)
Pleasant Prairie (21,840)

Colleges, Vocational Schools + Universities

Carthage College
Gateway Technical College
Herzing University
University of Wisconsin - Parkside

Major Industries

Company	Industry	Employment
Uline	Industrial Supplies	3,000+
Amazon	Retail	3,000+
Snap-on	Manufacturing	500 - 999
Associated Wholesale Grocers	Food + Beverage	250 - 499
Birchwood Foods/Kenosha Beef	Food + Beverage	250 - 499
Fair Oaks Farms	Food + Beverage	250 - 499
Good Foods Group	Food + Beverage	250 - 499
Gordan Food Service	Food + Beverage	250 - 499
Jockey International	Clothing	250 - 499

7 things you should know about Kenosha County

Kenosha County is home to one of the largest municipally owned recreational facilities in the nation: the RecPlex in Pleasant Prairie.
Kenosha County has 11 miles of publicly accessible Lake Michigan shoreline.
Taking one big, beautiful lake out of the equation, there are still 25 lakes and ponds throughout the County that adventurers can boat, swim, fish, and play in.
The Washington Park Velodrome, which opened in 1927, is the oldest operating velodrome in the country, and the only track in the state of Wisconsin.
Kenosha has a museum campus along its lakefront featuring 5 unique and interesting museums, all but one of which are completely free!
Kenosha County has many fairs and festivals throughout the year, including the five-time “country’s best” Renaissance Faire in Bristol.
LakeView Corporate Park in Pleasant Prairie is the largest industrial park in the State of Wisconsin with 2,400 acres of mixed-use development.