MADISON, WI

Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the second-most populous city in the state (after Milwaukee), with a population of 269,840 at the 2020 census. The Madison metropolitan area has an estimated 708,000 residents. With a downtown centrally located on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the city also encompasses Lake Wingra. Founded in 1836, Madison is named after American Founding Father and President James Madison. The city is the county seat of Dane County.

As the state capital, Madison is home to government chambers, including the Wisconsin State Capitol. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. Major companies in the city include American Family Insurance, Exact Sciences Corporation, and TruStage Financial Group. Tourism also plays a vital role in the local economy, generating over $1 billion in 2018.^[8] The city’s cultural and recreational institutions include the Chazen Museum of Art, Henry Vilas Zoo, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Overture Center for the Arts.

As of 2024, Madison was the fastest-growing city in the state.^[9] The city has a longstanding reputation for progressive political activity and is regarded as Wisconsin’s most politically liberal city. The presence of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and other educational institutions significantly shapes the local economy, culture, and demographics.^[10][11][12] Madison has one of the highest numbers of parks and playgrounds per capita among the 100 largest U.S. cities and has been recognized as a bicycle-friendly community.^[13][14] Within the city are nine National Historic Landmarks, including several buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.^[15]