Best Places for Business and Careers 2019

Madison, WI

Madison, WI
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Madison, WI

Madison, WI
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gross metro product
$50.3B
population
660.4K
median household income
$74,186
median home price
$301,000
cost of living
4% above nat'l avg
college attainment
45.9%
net migration
470 (year: 2018)
unemployment
2.4%
major industries
Agribusiness, Health care, Insurance, Education
job growth
0.8% (year: 2018)
As of October 2019
population
278.0K
median home price
$365,000
cost of living
101
As of May 2022
The Wisconsin state government and the University of Wisconsin-Madison remain the top two dominant economic influences within the city. However, Madison's economy today is evolving from a government-based economy to a consumer services and high-tech base, particularly in the health, biotech and advertising sectors. The main downtown thoroughfare is State Street, a cultural focal point of the city, which links the University of Wisconsin campus with the State Capitol Square, and is lined with restaurants, espresso cafes and
shops. Madison is also home to a number of historical sites and popular festivals, including the Rhythm and Booms celebration, the largest fireworks display in the Midwest as well as the Great Taste of the Midwest craft beer festival, the second longest running such event in North America. In winter months, sports enthusiasts enjoy ice boating, ice skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, ice hockey and snow-kiting.
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On forbes lists
Best Places to Retire 2022Dropped off in 2023
#57
Best Places for Business and Careers 2019
#128
In Cost of Doing Business
#111
In Job Growth
#14
In Education
Best Places to Retire In Each State 2018
By The Numbers
EmploymentHousingEducationQuality of Life
Job Growth
0.8% (year: 2018)
Projected Annual Job Growth
0.8%
Unemployment
2.4%
Median Household Income
$74,186
Household Income Growth
4.4%
High-Tech Employment
4.8%
  • Data is for the metro area
  • Sources: Moody's Analytics; Sperling's BestPlaces; U.S. Census.
  • Numbers as of October 2019


  • a - Value of 100 means that a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a typical mortgage on a median-priced single-family home. An index above 100 signifies that the family has surplus income.
Explore Trends
2018
2018
Key Connections
People
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Andy Burish
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Beth Norman
Companies
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SVA Certified Public Accountants
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American Family Insurance
Top Colleges
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University of Wisconsin, Madison

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