Major snowstorm paralyzes Midwestern United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and ties all-time record low temperature at −26 °F (−32.2 °C)

The Midwestern United States, commonly known as the Midwest or the American Midwest, constitutes one of the four principal census regions officially designated by the United States Census Bureau. Identified internally as "Region 2," this expansive area occupies the northern central portion of the contiguous United States. Historically, it was formally known as the North Central Region by the Census Bureau until this nomenclature was updated in 1984 to its current, more widely recognized name. Geographically, the Midwest serves as a significant transitional zone, positioned strategically between the Northeastern United States to its east and the Western United States to its west. It shares its northern border with Canada, specifically the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, and its southern boundary with the Southern United States.

The Census Bureau's comprehensive definition of the Midwest encompasses 12 distinct states, all situated within the north central expanse of the country. These states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Topographically, the region predominantly lies on the vast Interior Plain, a geologically stable and fertile lowland that stretches between the mountainous terrains of the Appalachian range to the east and the formidable Rocky Mountain range to the west. This geographical feature has profoundly influenced the region's agricultural prowess and development. Essential to its geography and history are its major river systems, which flow generally from east to west and include the Ohio River, a crucial tributary to the Mississippi; the Upper Mississippi River itself, forming a significant portion of the region's eastern boundary and a vital commercial waterway; and the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, which has historically facilitated trade and transportation across the Great Plains.

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of the Midwest reached 68,995,685 individuals, making it a densely populated and economically vital segment of the nation. To facilitate statistical analysis and regional understanding, the Census Bureau further subdivides the Midwest into two primary divisions:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Midwestern United States

What is the official designation of the Midwest?
The Midwestern United States is officially designated as one of the four census regions by the U.S. Census Bureau, also known as "Region 2."
How many states are included in the Midwest region?
The Midwest region, as defined by the Census Bureau, comprises 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
What are the major geographical features of the Midwest?
The Midwest primarily lies on the broad Interior Plain, situated between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain ranges. It is crisscrossed by significant rivers such as the Ohio River, the Upper Mississippi River, and the Missouri River.

The urban landscape of the American Midwest is dominated by Chicago, Illinois, which stands as the region's most populous city and holds the distinction of being the third most populous city in the entire United States. The expansive urban agglomeration of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, collectively known as Chicagoland, forms a colossal metropolitan area home to approximately 10 million people. This makes it the fourth largest metropolitan area in North America, following only Greater Mexico City, the New York Metropolitan Area, and Greater Los Angeles, underscoring its profound economic, cultural, and transportation significance on both national and international scales.

Beyond Chicago, the Midwest is home to numerous other significant urban centers, each contributing uniquely to the region's diverse economic and cultural fabric. In order of population, these include Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Wichita, Kansas; Cleveland, Ohio; St. Paul, Minnesota; St. Louis, Missouri; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Many of these cities anchor large, influential metropolitan areas that serve as engines of growth and innovation. Notable Midwestern metropolitan areas, which represent integrated economic and social hubs, include Metro Detroit (a historic center for the automotive industry), Minneapolis–St. Paul (the "Twin Cities" known for their vibrant arts scene and diverse economy), Greater St. Louis (a key Mississippi River port and industrial hub), Greater Cincinnati (a diverse economic center on the Ohio River), the Kansas City metro area (a major transportation and agricultural hub), the Columbus metro area (a fast-growing state capital), and Greater Cleveland (a revitalized industrial and healthcare center).

Key Urban Centers in the Midwest

What is the largest city in the American Midwest?
Chicago, Illinois, is the most populous city in the American Midwest and ranks as the third most populous city in the United States overall.
Which other major cities contribute to the Midwest's urban landscape?
Besides Chicago, other prominent Midwestern cities by population include Columbus, Indianapolis, Detroit, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, Wichita, Cleveland, St. Paul, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, each serving as vital economic and cultural centers.

Milwaukee, officially known as the City of Milwaukee, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and serves as the county seat of Milwaukee County. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 577,222 residents, ranking it as the 31st largest city in the United States. Within the Midwestern United States, Milwaukee holds the position of the fifth-largest city by population. Its prominent location on the western shore of Lake Michigan also makes it the second-largest city situated on the lake's coastline, surpassed only by Chicago.

As the main cultural and economic nucleus of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, which is notably the fourth-most densely populated metropolitan area in the Midwest, Milwaukee plays a crucial regional role. The Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC) has categorized Milwaukee as a "Gamma" global city, indicating its significant level of global connectedness and influence, particularly in specialized economic sectors. In 2020, the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Milwaukee metropolitan area exceeded $102 billion, highlighting its robust economic output and commercial vitality.

Today, Milwaukee is celebrated as one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the United States, reflecting a rich tapestry of communities. However, it continues to grapple with the legacy of historical urban planning practices, remaining one of the most racially segregated cities, a condition largely stemming from early-20th-century redlining policies that systematically restricted housing and investment opportunities for minority populations. The city's profound history was significantly shaped by a large influx of German immigrants during the 19th century, whose cultural contributions continue to define Milwaukee's identity. It remains a vibrant center for German-American culture, most notably becoming world-renowned for its historic brewing industry, earning it the nickname "Beer City."

In recent years, Milwaukee has experienced its most substantial construction boom since the 1960s, a testament to its ongoing urban revitalization and economic growth. Major contemporary additions and significant renovations to the city's infrastructure and cultural landscape since the turn of the 21st century include the expansive Wisconsin Center, a premier convention facility; American Family Field, the state-of-the-art home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team; The Hop, a modern streetcar system enhancing urban mobility; a significant expansion to the Milwaukee Art Museum, known for its distinctive architecture; the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, a hub for performing arts; the acoustically acclaimed Bradley Symphony Center; and Discovery World, an interactive science and technology museum. Furthermore, the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena has undergone major renovations. Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art multipurpose arena, dramatically opened in late 2018, serving as the home of the Milwaukee Bucks NBA team and a premier venue for major concerts and other sporting events.

Milwaukee has been the proud host of Summerfest, one of the largest and longest-running music festivals in the world, annually since 1968, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to its lakefront grounds. Educationally, the city is a hub for higher learning, home to the esteemed Medical College of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee), Marquette University (a prominent Jesuit institution), Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), and several other reputable universities and colleges, contributing significantly to its intellectual capital and workforce development. The city proudly supports two major professional sports teams: the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Additionally, Milwaukee serves as the corporate headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies, including Northwestern Mutual (financial services), WEC Energy Group (energy utility), Rockwell Automation (industrial automation), and Harley-Davidson (motorcycles), highlighting its diverse industrial and economic base.

Exploring Milwaukee: Facts and Features

What is Milwaukee's population and its ranking?
As of the 2020 Census, Milwaukee had a population of 577,222, making it the 31st largest city in the United States and the fifth-largest in the Midwestern United States.
What is Milwaukee's historical and cultural significance?
Milwaukee's history is heavily influenced by 19th-century German immigrants, making it a prominent center for German-American culture and renowned for its brewing industry. Despite its diversity, it continues to address historical racial segregation from practices like redlining.
What are some notable recent developments in Milwaukee?
Recent major additions and renovations include the Wisconsin Center, American Family Field, The Hop streetcar, expansions to the Milwaukee Art Museum and Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Bradley Symphony Center, Discovery World, renovated UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, and the new Fiserv Forum.
What major events and institutions are found in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee hosts Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals. It is home to several higher education institutions like UW-Milwaukee and Marquette University, professional sports teams (Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers), and Fortune 500 companies such as Northwestern Mutual and Harley-Davidson.