Madison, Wisconsin - State Capital

Madison is Wisconsin's vibrant capital city, a platinum-level bicycle-friendly community home to the University of Wisconsin with 49,605 students, situated on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona with 276,000 residents.

Madison at a Glance

Population

275,568

(2023-2024)
Metro Area

708,000+

2nd Largest

In Wisconsin

UW Students

49,605

(2023-2024)

Overview

Madison is Wisconsin's capital and the state's second-most populous city with 275,568 residents and a metro area exceeding 708,000. Centrally located on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, with Lake Wingra nearby, Madison's strategic geography has defined its character as a vibrant, water-connected community. Founded in 1837 and named for the fourth U.S. president, Madison has served as Wisconsin's capital since statehood. The city is a premier college town and research hub, home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison with 49,605 students (36,797 undergraduate and 12,808 graduate), plus Edgewood College, Madison Area Technical College (13,281 students), Concordia University, Herzing College, and others. The combined student population significantly exceeds 65,000, creating a vibrant, intellectually dynamic community.

Government & Capitol Campus

The Wisconsin State Capitol, completed in 1917, is an architectural masterpiece designed by George B. Post & Sons. The building features the only granite dome in the United States and the world—the largest dome by volume in the nation, rising 284 feet 5 inches from ground level to the Wisconsin statue atop. The dome is faced entirely with White Bethel Vermont granite, which compares to marble in appearance and is the hardest, most durable stone used in construction. The rotunda rises over twenty stories with a diameter of approximately 80 feet. The inner dome ceiling features a 34-foot-diameter mural titled "The Resources of Wisconsin" painted by Edwin Blashfield in 1912. The Wisconsin statue, sculpted by Daniel Chester French in 1920, stands atop the dome with her left hand holding a globe surmounted by an eagle and right arm outstretched, symbolizing the state motto "Forward." The Capitol was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001 and offers free guided tours featuring exquisite marble, mosaics, and murals.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Madison's cultural landscape is exceptional. The Chazen Museum of Art on the UW-Madison campus houses 20,000-23,000 works spanning multiple eras and continents, available free to the public with extended Thursday hours until 8 p.m. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and Wisconsin Veterans Museum all offer free admission, with the Historical Museum currently preparing its new history center. The Monona Terrace, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a stunning convention center on Lake Monona shores featuring rooftop gardens with skyline views and free summer events including Concerts on the Rooftop and Yoga on the Terrace. The Madison Children's Museum and numerous galleries throughout downtown and State Street enhance the cultural experience. The University of Wisconsin campus hosts the Geology Museum and other specialized collections supporting academic and public engagement.

Parks, Recreation & Lakes

Madison's geography creates unparalleled outdoor recreation. The city manages 6,000 acres of parkland across 270 parks, with access to five lakes: Mendota, Monona, Wingra, Waubesa, and Kegonsa, connected by the Yahara River. Madison is a platinum-level "Bicycle Friendly Community" (one of only four in the U.S. and sole city east of the Mississippi River with this honor), featuring over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails with Dane County offering 100+ additional miles of shared-use trails connecting communities and natural areas. Popular trails include the 13-mile Lake Monona Loop, 17-mile Capital City State Trail, 40-mile Badger State Trail, and 4.5-mile Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota. Lakes offer swimming, fishing (perch, crappie, bluegill, walleye, bass, northern pike), boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing with rentals at multiple locations. Madison has 12 beaches, including Vilas Beach on Lake Wingra. Henry Vilas Zoo is an admission-free, 28-acre facility opened in 1924, attracting nearly a million visitors annually with diverse animals from multiple habitats. The zoo's admission-free status is perpetually protected by the family bequest.

Downtown Culture, Dining & Shopping

State Street is a vibrant pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare connecting the University of Wisconsin campus to the Capitol Square, featuring over 300 mostly locally-owned retail, restaurant, and entertainment establishments. The street pulses with energy offering specialty foods, luxury gifts, trendy clothing, fair-trade goods, fine art, and jewelry. Downtown dining ranges from casual eateries serving Wisconsin classics (cheese curds, fish fry, burgers) to sophisticated fine dining establishments. Cuisine options include sushi, ramen noodles, wood-fired pizza, farm-fresh vegetables, and international fare. Street performers enhance summer atmosphere, while annual events like Madison Night Market and Art Fair on the Square celebrate the neighborhood's cultural richness. Downtown Madison offers boutique shopping with unique local vendors, breweries, galleries, theaters, and live music venues. The dining and shopping district seamlessly blends academic culture with vibrant urban energy, creating a distinctive community character that attracts residents and visitors.

Education & Employment

Madison is an educational powerhouse with the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the state's largest public post-secondary institution, comprising 13 schools and colleges. UW-Madison enrolled 49,605 students in 2023-2024: 36,797 undergraduates across CALS (Agriculture & Life Sciences), Wisconsin School of Business, School of Education, College of Engineering, School of Human Ecology, College of Letters & Science, School of Nursing, and Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; plus 12,808 graduate and professional students. The School of Education ranks No. 1 nationally among 255 programs. Madison Area Technical College serves 13,281 students. Additional institutions include Edgewood College, Concordia University, Herzing College, and others. Madison's economy is the most industrially diverse MSA in the nation with key sectors including healthcare (UW Health, SSM Health, American Family Children's Hospital); information technology (37,081 employees, with Forbes recognition as an innovation hub); advanced manufacturing (71,508 employees); agriculture, food, beverage (61,096 employees); and insurance (home offices of 30+ companies including American Family, CUNA Mutual). Top occupational groups include office and administrative support (11.8%), sales and related (8.2%), and food preparation/serving (8.2%).

Climate & Cost of Living

Madison experiences four distinct seasons with harsh, cold winters (temperatures frequently dropping to single digits) and mild summers (63-82°F). The city receives 36 inches of rain annually, with heavy snow, frigid winds, and occasional tornadoes. The cost of living index is 101.4, approximately 3.4% above the national average, with housing 8% higher than national average, healthcare 13% higher, but groceries 1% lower. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,403, two-bedroom $1,662, with recommended monthly salary of $4,676 or $56,120 annually. The median household income is $76,983 (2023), with median age of 31.8. Madison's demographics are 70.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 7.94% Asian, 7% Black or African American, 4.19% Hispanic (Two Races Including Other), and 4.03% Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic). The city attracts a diverse population with 15.37% of UW-Madison students being international, representing countries worldwide.

FAQ

Madison hosts the University of Wisconsin-Madison with 49,605 students (36,797 undergraduate and 12,808 graduate), plus Madison Area Technical College (13,281 students) and other institutions. Combined post-secondary students exceed 65,000 in a city of 275,000, creating a vibrant academic, cultural, and intellectual atmosphere. The University of Wisconsin is Wisconsin's flagship research institution with national rankings (School of Education ranks No. 1 nationally).

Madison has over 200 miles of scenic biking and hiking trails with Dane County adding 100+ miles of shared-use trails. The city was designated a platinum-level "Bicycle Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists in 2015, becoming one of only four U.S. cities with this honor and the sole city east of the Mississippi River. Popular trails include the 13-mile Lake Monona Loop, 17-mile Capital City State Trail, 40-mile Badger State Trail, and Lakeshore Path.

The Capitol, completed in 1917, features the only granite dome in the United States and world—the largest dome by volume in the nation. The dome rises 284 feet 5 inches from ground to the Wisconsin statue atop. It's faced with White Bethel Vermont granite, the hardest and most durable stone used in construction. The rotunda's 34-foot-diameter mural "The Resources of Wisconsin" was painted by Edwin Blashfield in 1912. The Wisconsin statue by Daniel Chester French symbolizes the state motto "Forward." The Capitol was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001.

Madison sits on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, with Lake Wingra nearby. The region includes Waubesa and Kegonsa lakes, all connected by the Yahara River. These five lakes offer swimming, fishing (walleye, bass, pike, perch, crappie, bluegill), boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and water recreation. Madison maintains 12 beaches including family-friendly Vilas Beach on Lake Wingra with rentals and water sports available year-round.

Madison offers world-class cultural attractions including the Chazen Museum of Art (free admission, 20,000-23,000 works), Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (free), Wisconsin Historical Museum (free), Wisconsin Veterans Museum (free), and Monona Terrace designed by Frank Lloyd Wright with free summer concerts. Henry Vilas Zoo is admission-free with diverse animals. Madison Children's Museum, UW campus museums (Geology Museum), galleries, theaters, and annual Art Fair on the Square enhance cultural experiences. State Street features over 300 shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Downtown Madison, centered on State Street connecting the Capitol to UW-Madison campus, features over 300 mostly locally-owned retail, restaurant, and entertainment establishments. Dining ranges from casual eateries serving Wisconsin classics (cheese curds, fish fry, burgers) to fine dining. Cuisine includes sushi, ramen, wood-fired pizza, farm-fresh vegetables, and international options. Shopping includes specialty foods, luxury gifts, trendy clothing, fair-trade goods, fine art, jewelry, and bookstores. Street performers perform during warmer months, with annual events like Madison Night Market and Art Fair on the Square.

Madison's cost of living index is 101.4, approximately 3.4% above the national average. Housing is 8% higher than national average, healthcare 13% higher, while groceries are 1% lower. Rent averages $1,403 for one-bedroom, $1,662 for two-bedroom, with recommended salary of $56,120 annually. The median household income is $76,983. Despite costs slightly above national average, Madison offers excellent value as a vibrant capital city with world-class education, culture, and outdoor recreation.

Madison experiences four distinct seasons with harsh, cold winters (temperatures frequently dropping to single digits or below) and mild summers (63-82°F). The city receives 36 inches of annual rainfall with heavy snowfall, frigid winds, and occasional tornadoes. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and beautiful seasonal changes. While winters are challenging, the city's abundant lakes and parks provide year-round outdoor recreation opportunities including winter ice skating and summer water sports.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 24, 2025