Beloit
cityBeloit, Wisconsin, is a city located on the state's southern border with Illinois, along the Rock River. Known as the "Gateway to Wisconsin", Beloit offers a blend of urban and rural environments. The city has a population of approximately 36,633 as of 2024. Beloit is characterized by its historic architecture, revitalized downtown, and access to outdoor recreation. Beloit's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education. Major employers contribute to the local job market. The city is also home to Beloit College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1846, which adds to the city's cultural and intellectual environment. Beloit's history is rich, with roots in both Native American trade and New England settlement. The city played a role in the Underground Railroad and later became an industrial hub. Today, Beloit is working to revitalize its economy and celebrate its diverse heritage.
Beloit, Wisconsin
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 55-06500
- Country
- United States
- County
- Rock County
- Region
- Southwest Wisconsin
- Elevation
- 751 ft
- Total Area
- 17.66 sq mi
- Land Area
- 17.33 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.32 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.50833
- Longitude
- -89.03167
- Climate
- Beloit experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- Rock River · Turtle Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Town of Beloit · Town of Turtle · South Beloit, Illinois
- Population (2020)
- 36,657
- Est. Population (2024)
- 36,633
- Median Age
- 33.8
- Median Income
- $62,663
- Poverty Rate
- 14.97%
- Family Households
- 57.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 59.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Beloit includes 63.72% White, 14.11% Black or African American, 5.47% Other race, and smaller percentages for Asian, Native American and multiracial populations. Approximately 21% of the population is Hispanic.
- Government Type
- City Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 7 members
- School District
- School District of Beloit
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.2%
- Economic Profile
- Industrial · Manufacturing · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Education
- Major Employers
- Regal Beloit Corporation · Frito-Lay Inc. · Follett Corporation
- Schools
- 9
- Students
- 4,954
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- School District of Beloit · School District of Beloit Turner · Clinton School District · South Beloit School District · Hononegah School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Beloit College · Blackhawk Technical College · UW Whitewater at Rock County
- Transportation
- Interstate 39/90 · Interstate 43 · Rail service
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Riverside Park · Big Hill Park · Turtle Creek Greenway
- Parks & Trails
- City of Beloit Parks · Turtle Creek Greenway Trail
- Founded
- 1836
- Incorporated
- 1856
- Named After
- Originally named New Albany, the name was changed to Beloit, reminiscent of Detroit.
- Historical Significance
- Beloit played a significant role in westward expansion, industrial development, and the abolitionist movement.
- Key Events
- Settled by New England Immigrating Company · Became a stop on the Underground Railroad · Developed as a manufacturing hub · Home to Beloit College