Southeast Wisconsin is the state’s most urban and densely populated region, shaped by Lake Michigan’s shoreline and major metropolitan centers. Milwaukee stands at the center with its museums, breweries, sports arenas, lakefront festivals, and rich cultural heritage. Surrounding cities and suburbs offer beaches, marinas, parks, and historic districts.
This region also includes manufacturing hubs, corporate centers, universities, and some of Wisconsin’s busiest tourist attractions. The lakefront provides miles of recreation opportunities, from sailing and fishing to scenic walking trails. Visitors enjoy a mix of big-city experiences and small-town waterfront charm, making Southeast Wisconsin one of the most diverse and dynamic areas in the state.
| City | Population (estimate) | County |
|---|---|---|
| Beloit | 36,657 | Rock County |
| Brookfield | 41,020 | Waukesha County |
| Burlington | 11,023 | Racine / Walworth County |
| Caledonia | 25,300 | Racine County |
| Cedarburg | 12,600 | Ozaukee County |
| City of Pewaukee | 14,500 | Waukesha County |
| Cudahy | 18,500 | Milwaukee County |
| Delafield | 7,600 | Waukesha County |
| Delavan | 26,000 | Walworth County |
| Elkhorn | 10,300 | Walworth County |
| Franklin | 37,900 | Milwaukee County |
| Germantown | 21,200 | Washington County |
| Glendale | 13,000 | Milwaukee County |
| Grafton | 12,200 | Ozaukee County |
| Greendale | 14,700 | Milwaukee County |
| Greenfield | 37,400 | Milwaukee County |
| Hartford | 15,600 | Washington / Dodge County |
| Janesville | 66,800 | Rock County |
| Kenosha | 100,240 | Kenosha County |
| Lake Geneva | 8,400 | Walworth County |
| Manitowoc | 34,600 | Manitowoc County |
| Mequon | 25,200 | Ozaukee County |
| Milwaukee | 563,305 | Milwaukee County |
| Mukwonago | 8,500 | Waukesha County |
| Muskego | 26,400 | Waukesha County |
| New Berlin | 40,500 | Waukesha County |
| Oak Creek | 36,200 | Milwaukee County |
| Oconomowoc | 18,800 | Waukesha County |
| Oostburg | 3,100 | Sheboygan County |
| Pewaukee | 15,500 | Waukesha County |
| Pleasant Prairie | 21,500 | Kenosha County |
| Port Washington | 12,400 | Ozaukee County |
| Plymouth | 8,900 | Sheboygan County |
| Racine | 76,800 | Racine County |
| Richfield | 11,800 | Washington County |
| Salem Lakes | 14,700 | Kenosha County |
| Sheboygan | 49,500 | Sheboygan County |
| Sheboygan Falls | 8,100 | Sheboygan County |
| Shorewood | 13,400 | Milwaukee County |
| Slinger | 6,300 | Washington County |
| South Milwaukee | 20,400 | Milwaukee County |
| Sussex | 11,500 | Waukesha County |
| Two Rivers | 11,200 | Manitowoc County |
| Union Grove | 5,000 | Racine County |
| Watertown | 23,800 | Dodge / Jefferson County |
| Waukesha | 71,500 | Waukesha County |
| Wauwatosa | 48,500 | Milwaukee County |
| West Allis | 60,100 | Milwaukee County |
| West Bend | 31,800 | Washington County |
| Whitefish Bay | 14,100 | Milwaukee County |
| Whitewater | 14,600 | Walworth / Jefferson County |