About Kenosha:

Kenosha is a city in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. As of a 2002 census estimate, its population is 92,513. It is the county seat of Kenosha County, the southeasternmost county in Wisconsin.

On the western shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha is the 4th largest city in Wisconsin. Only Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay have more people. Kenosha has had commuter rail service to/from Chicago since May 19, 1855 and the city also has the only Metra station in Wisconsin, though not all Union Pacific/North trains (schedule) go to Kenosha; most conclude at Waukegan, Illinois. Plans are underway to extend passenger rail service northwards into Milwaukee.

Kenosha Geography:

Kenosha is located at 42°34'56" North, 87°50'44" West (42.582220, -87.845624).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 62.1 km² (24.0 mi²). 61.7 km² (23.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.63% water.

The street system in Kenosha is somewhat unusual. While numbered streets run east-west and numbered avenues run north-south like in many American cities, the street numbering does not begin in the center of the city but rather at Kenosha County's northern border. As such, the downtown area is in the area between 50th and 60th streets. Avenue numbers increase as one heads west from the lakefront. This numbering system continues through all of Kenosha County ending with 402nd Ave. Edmonton, Alberta has a similar numbering system.

Kenosha has an operating streetcar system in its downtown, making it a destination for "traction" rail fans. Shoppers visit the outlet malls on the western side of town.

Kenosha Demographics:

As of the census of 2000, there are 90,352 people, 34,411 households, and 22,539 families residing in the city.

The population density is 1,465.1/km² (3,795.1/mi²). There are 36,004 housing units at an average density of 583.8/km² (1,512.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 83.64% White, 7.68% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.99% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 4.83% from other races, and 2.38% from two or more races. 9.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 34,411 households out of which 34.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% are married couples living together, 13.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% are non-families. 28.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.54 and the average family size is 3.13. In the city the population is spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $41,902, and the median income for a family is $51,016. Males have a median income of $38,217 versus $26,678 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,578. 9.5% of the population and 7.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.9% of those under the age of 18 and 7.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Kenosha History:

According to National Geographic, the Kenosha area is the site of the earliest traces of human life discovered on Earth, dating to 19,000 years BC. The Paleo Indians were among the earliest settlers. An early group of American Indians originally named Kenosha Mas-ke-no-zha which means "place of the Pike". In 1836, after more settlers arrived and the first post office was established, it was renamed to Pike Creek. In the ensuing years, the area became an important Great Lakes shipping port and the village was once again renamed -- to Southport. In 1850, one last change gave Kenosha its current title, a modernized version of the early Mas-ke-no-zha, and the name for which the county is also named.

The transportation industry developed much of the area's great economic resources. Kenosha has been the home to many well-known automotive industry leaders such as Nash Motor Company, American Motors Company and DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Other industry giants that make the Kenosha Area their home include Snap-on, Ocean Spray, G.LeBlanc Corporation, Jelly Belly Candy Co. and Jockey International.

Some local residents refer to the city as K-town