Racine , industrial city (1990 pop. 84,298), seat of Racine co., SE Wis., on Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Root River; inc. 1848. It is a port of entry, and its manufactures include farm machinery, automobile parts, stitching machines, tools, corrugated containers, waxes and polishes, and electrical equipment. The first permanent settlement was established in 1834. Improvement of the harbor (c.1844) and the coming of the railroad (1855) brought industrial growth. Three buildings in Racine were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright , and the reliefs at the county courthouse were designed by Carl Milles . The city has art and local heritage museums, and a zoo and other parks along the lakefront.

Racine

The City in Brief

Founded: 1834 (incorporated 1848)

Head Official: Mayor Gary Becker (since April 2003)

City Population

1980: 85,725

1990: 84,298

2000: 81,855

2003 estimate: 80,266

Percent change, 1990–2000: -3.0%

U.S. rank in 1990: 248th

U.S. rank in 2000: 356th (State rank: 5th)

Metropolitan Area Population

1990: 175,034

2000: 188,831

Percent change, 1990–2000: 7.9%

U.S. rank in 1980: 23rd

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 26th (CMSA)

Area: 16 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 620 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 47.2° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 35.3 inches

Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, services, trade

Unemployment Rate: 6.6% (March 2005)

Per Capita Income: $17,705 (2000)

2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 3,736.2

Major Colleges and University University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Gateway Technical College

Daily Newspaper: Journal Times