Experience Madison

The City of Four Lakes

Nightime picture of Wisconsin state capital building.
Photo by caroline gunderson on Unsplash

Overview of Madison

Madison is the capital and second-largest city in Wisconsin, located in the south-central part of the state. This urban city was established in 1836 and currently has a population of 270,000. It is also known for its high quality of life stemming from a slightly higher household median income than the rest of the state and in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2022), Madison has an average of $74,000 compared to Wisconsin's $72,000. Additionally, Madison enjoys a shorter average commute time than many other cities in the United States. The city is also home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the first public established in Wisconsin, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country. Madison also offers plenty of recreational activities, with four lakes-Mendota, Monona, Wingra, and Waubesa-which provide the residents with various options such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Madison also offers several miles of scenic biking trails, as well as several parks, golf courses, and outdoor ice rinks. These qualities make Madison a great place to live and a destination that continues to attract new residents and visitors.