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Oshkosh

city

Oshkosh 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

Overview
Classification
City
Country
United States
County
Winnebago County
Geography
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
Demographics
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.
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
Common Council
School District
Oshkosh Area School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
Economy
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
Education
Graduation Rate
55%
School Districts
Oshkosh Area School District
Colleges & Universities
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh · Fox Valley Technical College
Infrastructure
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
Recreation
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
History
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