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Oak Creek, WI

Frequently asked questions

Oak Creek, WI

Oak Creek is a city in the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. Located in Milwaukee County, it sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan and is located immediately south of Milwaukee. The city is one of the fastest growing in Milwaukee County and all of Wisconsin. As of March 2024, the population is 36,497. The area has experienced an economic boom in recent years, with the addition of large companies such as Amazon, IKEA, and the Astronautics Corporation of America.

On January 2, 1838, the territorial legislature divided Milwaukee County into two towns: the Town of Milwaukee, encompassing everything north of the present Greenfield Avenue, and the Town of Lake encompassing everything south of the present Greenfield Avenue; "and the polls of election shall be opened at the house of Elisha Higgins, in said town." On March 8, 1839, a new Town of Kinnikennick was created, encompassing the western part of Lake (later the Towns of Greenfield and Franklin); finally, on August 13, 1840, the south portion of the Town of Lake was split off to form the town of Oak Creek. As of the 1840 census, the population of the Town of Lake (then including Oak Creek) was 418.

In 1955, the Town of Oak Creek, then still semi-rural with a population of 4,807 in the 1950 census, was incorporated as a city under the terms of Wisconsin statute 66.0215, also known as "The Oak Creek Law." The Oak Creek Law was crafted by Town Attorney Tony Basile to prevent Oak Creek's annexation by the City of Milwaukee, which by annexations (including the 1954 annexation of the remainder of the Town of Lake) was now bordering Oak Creek and had already annexed one small portion of the town; the law was shepherded through the legislature with the help of state Democratic party legislative joint committee chairman Leland McParland, who was the state senator for Oak Creek.

Oak Creek is located at 42°53′4″N 87°53′57″W (42.884347, −87.899209). It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area and borders the cities of Milwaukee and Greenfield to the north, the city of South Milwaukee to the north and east, Lake Michigan to the east, the village of Caledonia to the south, the city of Franklin and the village of Greendale to the west.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.45 square miles (73.69 km²), all of it land. A small section of the Root River flows north from Racine County through Oak Creek at its southern edge at the Root River Parkway. Additionally, the Oak Creek watershed originates in the city of Franklin and meanders through to Grant Park in South Milwaukee, and ultimately into Lake Michigan. The stream drains about 26 square miles.

Health and wellness are paramount in Oak Creek, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Froedtert Community Hospital is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Oak Creek 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 Unlimited Athletic Club, Impact Fitness Studio, and Oak Creek Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Oak Creek, such as the Forked Aster Hiking Trail: Perimeter Loop and Oak Leaf Trail via Oak Creek Parkway. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top Sites in Oak Creek, WI, are the Mitchell Gallery of Flight, Lake Vista Park, and Drexel Town Square.

Population: 36,087 (2022). Elevation: 692 feet (211 meters). Area: 28.46 square miles (73.68 km²). ZIP Code: 53154. Area code: 414.

FAQs

Is Oak Creek, WI a good place to live?

Median house prices in Oak Creek, WI are $248,081, meaning Oak Creek homes are less expensive than the US median of $318,879. Compared to Wisconsin, Oak Creek home prices are more expensive than the state's average of $220,185. These are the best neighborhoods as judged by the market: the places people most want to live. While these areas tend to have lower crime rates and higher quality of life, it is primarily a map of the best areas by median home value in Oak Creek, WI.

Is Oak Creek, WI a suburb?

Many of the residents move to Oak Creek to take advantage of the unique suburban-rural atmosphere while, at the same time, enjoying the sports and culture provided by the urban neighbors. Oak Creek has been and continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in Milwaukee County. From 2000 to 2010, our population grew from 28,456 to 34,451 people, an increase of over 20%. The city of Oak Creek has experienced a significant light industrial boom over the last 10 years as well.

When did Oak Creek, WI become a city?

The City Charter was finally signed by State officials on December 15, 1955, designating Oak Creek as a fourth-class city. This made it impossible for Milwaukee or anyone else to try to annex them. The City’s first officials were Mayor Arthur Abendschein, City Clerk John Trost, and Treasurer Fred Brinkman.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Oak Creek

Froedtert Community Hospital 

Oak Creek Parks and Recreation Department

Unlimited Athletic Club

Impact Fitness Studio 

Oak Creek Fitness

Forked Aster Hiking Trail: Perimeter Loop 

Oak Leaf Trail via Oak Creek Parkway

Mitchell Gallery of Flight

Lake Vista Park

Drexel Town Square

Best Neighborhood

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