Kenosha, WI, United States

Capital City

The population of 99,986 may seem manageable, but Kenosha's bureaucratic headaches and snowstorms are no joke. Deindustrialization has taken its toll, with manufacturing jobs now making up only 11.7% of the workforce - less than the state average. And while the city boasts a $196.6 million tourism industry, the homicide rate spiked to 14 in 2021, nearly triple the norm. For those seeking an affordable commuter hub to Chicago with ample parks and museums, Kenosha may be worth a look, but the harsh winters and lingering economic struggles are a persistent reality.