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The 8-County Madison Region of Wisconsin: Intellectual Curiosity. Innovative Energy.


The Madison Region is the ideal place for you to thrive.

The region's physical geography, agricultural land base, natural, social, economic, and cultural resources and our world-class educational institutions make us stand out in a global economy.

We invite you to explore our region and our communities - locate buildings and sites, start or grow your business, or move your family here - and see how you can thrive.
View a detailed map of the region.

Did you know?

  • Madison ranks as the U.S. metropolitan area with the strongest brainpower

  • The Madison region is rated as the second best place in the country to educate a child

  • Middleton, centrally located in the Madison region, was named the best place to live in the country in 2007

  • The regional airport was named one of the world's most noteworthy airports for 2008

  • Business taxes are lower in Wisconsin than in 35 other states


  • The Madison region was named in the top 10 metro areas for income growth in 2007

    • Regional Assets

    The industries of agriculture, biotechnology, and healthcare are key strengths of the Madison region, continuing to offer the possibility of sustainable growth and contributing to the region's high quality of life.

    Agriculture
    • Over 70% of our landscape is farmland - great urban-rural balance
    • Agriculture generates $9 billion in economic activity in the region
    • A leader in dairy: more than 3,000 dairy farms in the region and 218,000 cows

    Biotechnology
    • Over 160 biotechnology companies
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison is second in the nation for R&D funding
    • Home of WARF and the National Stem Cell Bank
    • Named one of 5 emerging international biotech hotspots, and ranked in the top 10 in biotechnology employment growth

    Healthcare
    • 3 Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award winners in the region, out of only six in the nation
    • Home to 5 local, provider-owned health plans
    • International headquarters of Epic Systems

    Our economy also thrives on several important base sectors: financial services, insurance, education and government.
    Learn more.

    Quality of Life

    What makes people come to and stay in the Madison region? Our strong and nationally-recognized quality of life.
    • 37% greater than national average of post-bachelors education
    • 12 state parks, 85 state natural areas, and 176 named lakes
    • National performing arts center
    • Intellectual, cultural, and entertainment opportunities afforded by the UW-Madison

    Learn more.

    Thrive - the Economic Development Enterprise for the Madison Region

    Vision: To grow the Madison Region's economy in ways that preserve and enhance the quality of life.

    Region: Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock and Sauk counties.

    Target Sectors: Agriculture, biotechnology, and healthcare.

    Learn more.