Washington County
Located in the northwestern corner of the Milwaukee Region, Washington County offers a distinct choice between urban and rural living - and everything in-between. Its inland lakes and woodland hills offer countless outdoor opportunities. It's home to the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Ice Age Trail, Holy Hill, and Lizard Mound County Park, one of the best-preserved archeological sites of Native American tribes. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI designated Holy Hill, National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians a Minor Basilica.
Washington County has a strong manufacturing heritage, accounting for 27 percent of the jobs in the county. It is home to manufacturers of many well-known consumer products, including Broan range hoods and appliances, and cookware from Regal Ware/West Bend.
West Bend is the county's largest city and county seat. Germantown is built around seven historic settlements with a distinct European feel. Other communities include Hartford, an industrial community located in the western portion of the county; Jackson, one of the fastest-growing villages in the state; and Slinger, a historic community tucked into the hills of the Kettle Moraine.
Read an OnMilwaukee.com profile of Washington County that highlights its unique attractions and appeal.
Economic Development Information:
Economic Development Washington County - www.businessreadywi.org
Visitor Information:
Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau - www.visitwashingtoncounty.com
Washington County At A Glance
Population (2013 Est.) | 132,739 |
Population Change 2000-2013 | +13.0% |
Labor Force (2013) | 74,108 |
Unemployment Rate (2013) | 6.1% |
Per Capita Personal Income (2013) | $48,935 |
Major Cities (2013) | West Bend (31,550), Germantown (19,788), Hartford (14,251), Richfield (11,382) |
Colleges, Vocational Schools and Universities | Moraine Park Technical School, University of Wisconsin-Washington County |
Largest Washington-County Based Private Employers (250+ Employees)
COMPANY | PRODUCT | LOCAL EMPLOYMENT |
Quad/Graphics Inc. | Commercial printing | 500-999 |
Broan-Nutone | Manufacturing - electric housewares | 500-999 |
West Bend Mutual Insurance Co. | Property & casualty insurers | 500-999 |
Serigraph Inc. | Commercial printing | 500-999 |
St. Joseph's Hospital | Medical care services | 500-999 |
West Bend Clinic | Medical clinic | 500-999 |
Signicast Corp. | Steel investment foundry | 500-999 |
Aurora Medical Center | Health care services | 250-499 |
Tecstar Manufacturing | Plastic products | 250-499 |
Maysteel LLC | Fabricated metal products | 250-499 |