Kenosha County () is located in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 169,151, and was estimated to be 168,448 in 2025, the fourth-largest city in Wisconsin.
Kenosha County is situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The county has a direct rail link to Chicago via Metra's Union Pacific North Line. In 2022, Kenosha County was ranked 16th out of 72 Wisconsin counties for tourism revenue, at $424 million in 2022.
History
The Potowatomi inhabited the area that would become Kenosha County for centuries prior to the acquisition of the area in 1833. The city of Kenosha was founded in 1835, and Kenosha County was formed from Racine County on January 30, 1850. Its location led to development and factories being built in the 19th century. Manufacturing continued to be a key component of the economy into the 20th century.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (63.95%) is water. It is the 69th largest county in Wisconsin by total area (fourth-smallest county). Although the county contains area from Lake Michigan.
Major highways
- 20px Interstate 41
- 20px Interstate 94
- 20px U.S. Highway 41 (Skokie Highway)
- 20px U.S. Highway 45
- 20px Highway 31 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 32 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 50 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 75 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 83 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 142 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 158 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 165 (Wisconsin)
Railroads
- Canadian National
- Canadian Pacific
- Metra
- Union Pacific
- Kenosha station
- Kenosha Streetcar
Buses
- Kenosha Area Transit
- Jefferson Lines
Airport
Kenosha Regional Airport (KENW) serves the county and surrounding communities.
Adjacent counties
- Racine County (north)
- Allegan County, Michigan (east across Lake Michigan)
- Lake County, Illinois (south)
- McHenry County, Illinois (southwest)
- Van Buren County, Michigan (southeast)
- Walworth County (west)