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Grafton, WI

Frequently asked questions

Grafton, WI

Grafton is a village in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. Located about 20 miles (32 km) north of Milwaukee and near Interstate 43, it is a suburban community in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The village was incorporated in 1896, and at the time of the 2020 census, the population was 12,094.

Like many of Ozaukee County's cities and villages, the Village of Grafton has rural roots and began as a mill town. The German and Irish immigrants who settled in Grafton in the 1840s utilized the Milwaukee River as a source of hydropower for gristmills and woolen mills. Manufacturing grew and prospered in the village in the 20th century, including the Paramount Records studio and plant, which was in Grafton from 1929 to 1935. Paramount was one of the first and largest producers of blues and jazz records marketed to African-American consumers. Paramount's role in Grafton's history and Blues music history earned the village a spot on the historic Mississippi Blues Trail.

Grafton changed significantly during the period of post-World War II suburbanization. Even though the last woolen mill closed in 1980, the village experienced rapid population growth and the development of new commercial properties and housing subdivisions. The construction of Interstate 43 in the mid-1960s eased travel to neighboring communities. In the 21st century, Grafton is home to many big-box stores as well as an Aurora hospital.

Grafton is located at 43°19′4″N 87°57′14″W (43.317904, −87.954113). According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 5.10 square miles (13.21 km²), of which 5.06 square miles (13.11 km²) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km²) is water. The village is bordered by the City of Cedarburg and the Town of Cedarburg to the west and by the Town of Grafton to the north, east, and south.

The village is located in the Southeastern Wisconsin glacial till plains that were created by the Wisconsin glaciation during the most recent ice age. The soil in the area is a mixture of well-draining material, loess, and loam, which all overlie a layer of glacial till. The village contains 40-foot high Silurian dolomite outcrops in Lime Kiln Park, which were used for quarrying in the 19th century and have since been used for geological studies.

Health and wellness are paramount in Grafton, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Aurora Medical Center is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Grafton Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include the AMRAP Method, Form & Fitness Health Club, and 9Round Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Grafton, such as the Lion's Den Trail and Pleasant Valley Trails Mountain Bike Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Grafton, WI, are Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, Cedarburg Art Museum, and Lime Kiln Park.

Population: 12,741 (2024). ZIP code: 53024. Area code: 262. Elevation: 709 ft (216 m). Area: 5.15 sq mi (13.34 km²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Grafton, WI?

Grafton has an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Grafton is 1 in 103. Grafton's crime rate is lower than approximately 30% of Wisconsin communities.

Is Grafton, WI a safe place to live?

Grafton is in Ozaukee County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Grafton offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Grafton and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Grafton are highly rated.

What is the history of Grafton, WI?

This area, now known as Grafton, is one of the oldest in Ozaukee County. In 1838, Timothy Wooden purchased approximately 145 acres of land, which would become the business district of Grafton. By 1841, development was underway with the area comprised mainly of settlers of German descent.

Sources

Wikipedia

Village of Grafton

Aurora Medical Center

Grafton Parks and Recreation Department

AMRAP Method

Form & Fitness Health Club 

9Round Fitness

Lion's Den Trail 

Pleasant Valley Trails Mountain Bike Loop

Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts

Cedarburg Art Museum

Lime Kiln Park

Neighborhoodscout

Niche

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