Oshkosh
cityOshkosh is a city located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, serving as its county seat. As of 2024, the city has an estimated population of 67,242, making it the ninth-most populous city in Wisconsin. Oshkosh is part of the Fox Cities region and the Oshkosh-Neenah Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city blends its historical roots with modern development, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial activity, and industrial presence. Oshkosh's economy is diverse, with manufacturing as a key sector. Major industries include specialized trucks and transportation equipment, packaging, and paper products. The city is home to major employers such as Oshkosh Corporation and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh contributes significantly to the local economy and provides educational opportunities. Oshkosh is known for its rich history, stemming from its lumbering past as the "Sawdust Capital of the World". The city was named after Menominee Chief Oshkosh. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including water sports on Lake Winnebago and the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest airshow. Oshkosh combines its historical charm with a focus on community development and quality of life.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Winnebago County
- Region
- East-central Wisconsin, Fox Cities region
- Elevation
- 767 ft
- Total Area
- 24.24 sq mi
- Land Area
- 25.59 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1.02 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.034294
- Longitude
- -88.547745
- Climate
- Oshkosh has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa). Summer days are warm to hot with cool to mild nights. Winters are cold and long with moderate snowfall. Precipitation peaks from late spring to early fall.
- Notable Features
- Lake Winnebago · Fox River · Lake Butte des Morts
- Neighboring Areas
- Town of Oshkosh · Algoma · Nekimi · Black Wolf
- Population (2020)
- 66,816
- Est. Population (2024)
- 67,242
- Median Age
- 34.4
- Median Income
- $62,188
- Poverty Rate
- 17.5%
- Family Households
- 47.6%
- Owner-Occupied
- 55%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Oshkosh includes 81.6% White, 4.9% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian. 4.26% of the population is Hispanic.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- Common Council
- School District
- Oshkosh Area School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation










- Unemployment Rate
- 2.7%
- Economic Profile
- Manufacturing · Education · Healthcare · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- Oshkosh Corporation · Bemis · University of Wisconsin Oshkosh · Oshkosh Area School District · US Bank · Winnebago County · Aurora Medical Center & Aurora Medical Group · 4imprint · Winnebago Mental Health Institute · Ascension Mercy Hospital
- Graduation Rate
- 55%
- School Districts
- Oshkosh Area School District
- Colleges & Universities
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh · Fox Valley Technical College
- Transportation
- Interstate 41 · U.S. Route 45 · Wisconsin Highway 21 · Wittman Regional Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal wastewater · Broadband access
- Major Facilities
- Aurora Medical Center · Ascension Mercy Hospital · Wittman Regional Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Winnebago · Menominee Park · Pollock Community Water Park · Leach Amphitheater · Fox River · Lake Butte des Morts
- Parks & Trails
- Menominee Park · Riverwalk · 30 miles of walking and biking trails
- Founded
- 1836
- Incorporated
- 1853
- Named After
- Menominee Chief Oshkosh
- Historical Significance
- Oshkosh played a significant role in Wisconsin's lumber industry and has evolved into a diverse city with a strong educational presence and a focus on community development.
- Key Events
- Early settlement and trading post established in 1836 · Lumber industry boom in the mid-19th century · The "Great Fire" of 1875 destroyed much of downtown Oshkosh · Establishment of Oshkosh State Normal School in 1871 (now UW Oshkosh) · Home to OshKosh B'Gosh, founded in 1895
