Oak Creek
cityOak Creek, Wisconsin, is a vibrant city located in Milwaukee County, on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, immediately south of Milwaukee. As of 2026, the estimated population is approximately 39,222. Oak Creek offers a blend of suburban living with access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place for families and young professionals. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by economic development and a high quality of life. Oak Creek's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and transportation. Several large companies, such as Amazon, IKEA, and Astronautics Corporation of America, have established a presence in the city, contributing to its economic vitality. The city's strategic location, with access to major highways and proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago, further enhances its appeal for businesses and residents. Oak Creek distinguishes itself with a combination of historical roots and modern development. Founded as a township in 1840 and incorporated as a city in 1955, Oak Creek has evolved from a rural farming community to a thriving suburban center. The city's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in the Oak Creek Historical Society Museum, which showcases the city's past. Drexel Town Square, a mixed-use development in the heart of the city, serves as a central gathering place and symbolizes Oak Creek's blend of tradition and progress.
Oak Creek, Wisconsin
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 55-58800
- Country
- United States
- County
- Milwaukee
- Region
- Milwaukee metropolitan area
- Elevation
- 702 ft
- Total Area
- 28.45 sq mi
- Land Area
- 28.45 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.008 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.88444
- Longitude
- -87.89917
- Climate
- Oak Creek experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
- Notable Features
- Lake Michigan · Root River · Oak Creek watershed
- Neighboring Areas
- Milwaukee · Greenfield · South Milwaukee · Caledonia · Franklin · Greendale
- Population (2020)
- 36,497
- Est. Population (2026)
- 39,222
- Median Age
- 39.4
- Median Income
- $96,555
- Poverty Rate
- 4.92%
- Family Households
- 58.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 57.45%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Oak Creek is approximately 75.69% White, 6.05% Asian, 4.57% Black or African American, and 10.06% Two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 12.17% of the population.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 0 members
- School District
- Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library










- Unemployment Rate
- 2.3%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Transportation and Warehousing · Administrative and Support Services
- Major Employers
- Amazon · IKEA · Astronautics Corporation of America · Aurora Health Care · Ziegler CAT
- Schools
- 11
- Students
- 6,527
- Teachers
- 421
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- School Districts
- Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District
- Transportation
- Interstate access · Milwaukee County Transit System · General Mitchell International Airport (nearby) · Freight Rail
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Emission Test Facility · Ascension Medical Group Primary Care Clinic · Children's Wisconsin Pediatric Clinic
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Bender Park · Drexel Town Square · Parks throughout the city
- Parks & Trails
- City parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open play areas · Walking trails · Bike trails · Skate Park · Splash Pad
- Founded
- 1840
- Incorporated
- 1955
- Named After
- Oak Creek
- Historical Significance
- Oak Creek's incorporation was a pivotal moment, leading to the creation of the 'Oak Creek Law' and shaping the municipal landscape of the Milwaukee area. The city's growth reflects its ability to adapt from a rural community to a modern suburban center while preserving its heritage.
- Key Events
- Established as a township in 1840 · Railroads arrived in 1855 · Incorporated as a city in 1955 to avoid annexation by Milwaukee · Delco Electronics plant built in 1957, spurring population growth · Drexel Town Square development in recent years
