Kenosha County, Wisconsin rests in the shadows of the bustling Chicago metropolitan area, on the outskirts of Milwaukee.  Formed from Racine County in 1850, Kenosha County derived its name from a Native American Indian word that means “pike” or “place of the pike”.  Located in the southeastern corner of WI, Kenosha County shares its borders with Racine County in the north, Lake Michigan to the east, Illinois to the south and Walworth County in the west.

Kenosha County covers 754 square miles, 64% of which is water, and was home to 149,577 individuals at the time of the 2000 Census.  Estimates in 2006 show the population at just over 162,000, which is an 8.3% increase.  Many moderately sized communities such as Bristol, Salem, Somers and Twin Lakes comprise Kenosha County.  The largest urban areas include Pleasant Prairie and Kenosha.

Kenosha, the county seat, is home to nearly 97,000 residents and is the fourth largest city in Wisconsin.  Kenosha, located along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, serves as a bedroom community for the massive Chicago-Milwaukee region.  This vibrant city holds many prestigious awards, such as placing 94^th in the nation on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” survey in 2005.  Kenosha remains the hub of culture and education in the region.  Higher learning facilities here include Carthage College, Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.  Kenosha also operates branch campuses for Cardinal Stritch University, Concordia University Wisconsin and Marquette University.

Situated midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, Pleasant Prairie occupies thirty-three square miles of the Greater Kenosha area.  This steadily growing village, which features stunning views of Lake Michigan, is home to 16,136 residents.  Rumor suggests That ‘70s Show town “Point Place” is modeled after a fictionalized version of this colorful village.

With convenient access via Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 45, Kenosha County features a pro-business climate with a centralized location and healthy economy.  At $46,970 per year, the median household income in Kenosha County exceeds the national average of $41,994.  In 2005, manufacturing was the primary leader of the local economy, where the average wage per job was more than $49,000.  Tourism also plays a significant role in the finances.

The communities of Kenosha County offers entertainment and recreation for families, especially boating, fishing and swimming.  The region is home to 33 lakes and several rivers, including the Des Plaines, Fox, Pike and Root.  Nature lovers have access to the splendor of the Bong State Recreation Area, Petrifying Springs Park and the Hawthorne Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, a bird watching hot spot.

Kenosha County boasts popular farmers markets, u-pick farms, such as the Back Acre Apple Farm and quaint local shops such as the AeppelTreow Winery (Apple True) and Tim & Tom’s Cheese Shop.  Other popular attractions include Dairyland Greyhound Park, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Lemon Street Gallery, the North Pierhead Light, Palumbo Civil War Museum and Southport Lighthouse.  In addition, Salem hosts the Kenosha County Fair each year, while Kenosha plays host to the sporting events of the UW/Parkside Rangers.  Residents and visitors also have easy access to recreational opportunities in nearby cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee also.

Kenosha County, Wisconsin affords its residents the scenic splendor of southeastern Wisconsin and a refreshing respite from the fast-paced lifestyle of surrounding cities.