Are you thinking about starting or expanding your business in Dane County, Wisconsin? Dane County is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., with several cities poised to experience notable growth over the next decade. In this article, we will explore five of the fastest growing cities in Dane County, uncover their unique characteristics, and highlight the industries flourishing within them.
Introduction
Dane County, Wisconsin, known for its vibrant communities and robust economy offers solid ground for new entrepreneurs and business owners. The county is experiencing significant population growth, which in turn, is fueling local economic development and presenting strong business opportunities. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to expand, these cities provide a promising landscape for success.
Here is our list — these are cities that we consider to be some of the strongest in the area for starting, expanding, or buying a business (in no particular order):
Madison
Madison, the capital city, is renowned for its high quality of life, excellent education system, and thriving technology and bio-tech sectors. The presence of the University of Wisconsin-Madison contributes to a robust talent pool, making it an ideal location for businesses, especially in the tech and research industries.
Population Growth
Current Population: Approximately 269,840
Growth Rate (Past 10 Years): 10.8%
Expected Growth Rate (Next 5 Years): 7.5%
Notable Industries
Technology
Education
Healthcare
Largest Employers
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Cuna Mutual Group
American Family Insurance
UW Health
Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie is known for its family-friendly environment and rapidly expanding residential areas. The city's strategic location near Madison makes it an attractive suburb with a growing commercial base. Like many other adjacent cities (to Madison), many entrepreneurs locate in Sun Prairie to be close to Madison, but located in a less population dense area.
Population Growth
Current Population: Approximately 36,894
Growth Rate (Past 10 Years): 36.5%
Expected Growth Rate (Next 5 Years): 14.3%
Notable Industries
Retail
Manufacturing
Construction
Largest Employers
General Casualty
QBE Investments
Sun Prairie Schools
Colony Brands
Fitchburg
Fitchburg offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living. With significant investments in infrastructure and business parks, the city supports a diverse range of businesses, from startups to established companies. Fitchburg has also experienced significant growth in the housing and multi-unit apartment sectors making it one of the top choices for relocation.
Population Growth
Current Population: Approximately 30,795
Growth Rate (Past 10 Years): 16.3%
Expected Growth Rate (Next 5 Years): 11.6%
Notable Industries
Biotechnology
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Largest Employers
Sub-Zero
Promega
Agrace HospiceCare
Placon
Verona
Home to Epic Systems, one of the largest healthcare software comspanies in the world, Verona has a strong presence in the healthcare technology industry. The city's rapid growth is also supported by excellent schools and community amenities.
Population Growth
Current Population: Approximately 13,233
Growth Rate (Past 10 Years): 31.4%
Expected Growth Rate (Next 5 Years): 13.7%
Notable Industries
Healthcare Technology
Education
Housing Development
Largest Employers
Epic
Cleary Building Corp.
Verona Area School District
Middleton
Middleton boasts a high concentration of corporate headquarters and technology firms. Its proximity to Madison, combined with a vast array of recreational facilities, makes it a highly sought-after location for both living and working.
Population Growth
Current Population: Approximately 21,894
Growth Rate (Past 10 Years): 11.6%
Expected Growth Rate (Next 5 Years): 7.2%
Notable Industries
Corporate Headquarters
Technology
Retail
Largest Employers
PPD
UW Medical Foundation
Electronic Theatre Controls
Spectrum Brands
Waunakee
Fun fact: Waunakee is the only Waunakee in the world! Situated just north of Madison, Waunakee is a popular destination for families. It's an easy 10-minute drive to Madison, but provides residents with many of the same amenities as a larger city, but without the population density. Waunakee is known for its thoughtful city layout and excellent school systems — it's definitely worth checking out!
Population Growth
Current Population: Approximately 15,150
Growth Rate (Past 10 Years): 11.7%
Expected Growth Rate (Next 5 Years): 4.4%
Notable Industries
Financial
Manufacturing
Medical Technology
Largest Employers
Uniek, Inc.
D&S Dental Laboratory
Summit Credit Union
Suttle-Straus
Conclusion
Dane County's continued growth and economic diversification present a golden opportunity for new and expanding businesses. Each city has its unique charm and advantages, making them ripe for entrepreneurial ventures. From technology and healthcare in Madison and Verona to manufacturing and retail in Sun Prairie and Fitchburg, the sky is the limit!
To your success,
Jason Huett Collaborative Commercial Business Brokers Business Broker | CEO
PS: If you have specific questions about any of these cities, please reach out anytime. I've operated businesses in several of these cities and more!
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