Seal of Dane County County of Dane
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Team Dane

Culture and Community

Dane County is the second-largest county in the State of Wisconsin with a population of approximately 546,000 as of 2019. There are over 60 cities, towns, and villages within the county. The governing body is the Dane County Board of Supervisors.

Madison is Dane County's largest city. It is the county seat and the Wisconsin State Capitol. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin. The population of the city of Madison is estimated at over 259,500 people, making it the second-largest city in Wisconsin and one of the fastest-growing communities in the state.

Why is Dane County, Wisconsin a Great Place to Live?

Madison

  • Ranked the #8 best place to live in America in 2019 (Money.com)
  • Ranked #2 best place in the nation to educate your family (Forbes.com)
  • Ranked #3 best place to live in 2016 (Forbes.com)
  • Ranked in the 30 best places to live for an active lifestyle (Outside Magazine)
  • Ranked #1 city for women in 2006 (Ladies Home Journal)

Middleton

  • Ranked #1 best place to live in America in 2007 and #4 in 2009 (Money.com)

Dane County Farmer's Market

  • Rated #1 farmer's market in the US (Eating Well Magazine)

Madison Public Schools

  • Ranked #3 public schools in the nation in 2005 (Expansion Magazine)