View source for Racine, Wisconsin

{{about|the city|the county|Racine County, Wisconsin}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name                   = Racine, Wisconsin
| settlement_type                 = [[List of cities in Wisconsin|City]]
| nicknames                        = The Belle City of the Lakes, The Kringle Capital of America, Kringleville, Invention City<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Content.aspx?dsNav=Ny:True,Ro:0,N:4294963828-4294963805&dsNavOnly=Ntk:All%7cRacine%7c3%7c,Ny:True,Ro:0&dsRecordDetails=R:CS2534&dsDimensionSearch=D:Racine,Dxm:All,Dxp:3&dsCompoundDimensionSearch=D:Racine,Dxm:All,Dxp:3 |access-date=July 15, 2007 |title=Racine, Wisconsin -- A Brief History|publisher=The Wisconsin Historical Society}}</ref>
| image_skyline                   = City of Racine Monument Square.jpg
| imagesize                       = 
| image_caption                   = Monument Square
| image_flag                      = Flag of Racine, Wisconsin.gif
| image_seal                      = 
| image_map                       = File:Racine County Wisconsin Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Racine Highlighted.svg
| map_caption                     = Location of Racine in Racine County, Wisconsin.
| pushpin_map                     = USA Wisconsin#USA
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in Wisconsin##Location in the United States
| pushpin_relief                  = yes
| pushpin_label                   = Racine
| pushpin_label_position          = left
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_name                = {{USA}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1               = {{flag|Wisconsin}}
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|County]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Racine County, Wisconsin|Racine]]
| government_type                 = 
| leader_title                    = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name                     = [[Cory Mason]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
| established_title               = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] (village)
| established_date                = {{Start date and age|1841|02|13}}
| established_title1              = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]] (city)
| established_date1               = {{Start date and age|1848|08|08}}
| area_footnotes                  = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2                  = 40.56
| area_land_km2                   = 40.08
| area_water_km2                  = 0.48
| population_footnotes            = <ref name="wwwcensusgov" />
| population_as_of                = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est                  = 
| pop_est_as_of                   = 
| pop_est_footnotes               = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
| population_total                = 77816
| population_rank                 = [[List of municipalities in Wisconsin by population|5th in Wisconsin]]
| population_density_sq_mi        = 4960.26
| population_density_km2          = 1915.13
| population_urban                = 133,700 (US: [[List of United States urban areas|239th]])
| population_metro                = 195,041 (US: [[List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas|221st]])
| timezone                        = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset                      = &minus;6
| timezone_DST                    = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST                  = &minus;5
| area_total_sq_mi                = 15.66
| area_land_sq_mi                 = 15.47
| area_water_sq_mi                = 0.18
| elevation_m                     = 188
| elevation_ft                    = 618
| coordinates                     = {{coord|42|43|34|N|87|48|21|W|region:US-WI_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type                = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code                     = 53401–53408<ref>{{cite web|title=Look Up a ZIP Code|url=https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&companyName=&address1=&address2=&city=racine&state=WI&urbanCode=&postalCode=&zip=|access-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref>
| area_code                       = [[Area code 262|262]]
| blank_name                      = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info                      = 55-66000<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name                     = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info                     = 1572015<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
| website                         = {{URL|cityofracine.org}}
| footnotes                       = 
| unit_pref                       = Imperial
| name                            = 
}}

'''Racine''' ({{IPAc-en|r|ə|ˈ|s|i|n}} {{respell|rə|SEEN}}, {{IPAc-en|also|ˈ|r|eɪ|s|i|n|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Racine.wav}} {{respell|RAY|seen}})<ref>{{cite web |url=https://misspronouncer.com/cities/ |title=Cities |last=Johnson |first=Jackie |date=2020-09-06<!--date from page source--> |df=mdy |orig-year=2005 |website=MissPronouncer |accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Holt |first=Alfred H. |url=https://archive.org/details/americanplacenam00holt/page/157/ |title=American Place Names |publication-place=New York |publisher=[[Thomas Y. Crowell Company]] |year=1938 |page=157 |oclc=1039502450 |quote=Racine, Wis. Properly, rhymes with 'machine,' but the brakeman says '<i>Ray</i> seen,' as in 'Has ''Ray'' seen my new book?'}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Drosner |first=Chris |date=February 1, 2019 |title=How the heck do you pronounce 'Racine'? |url=https://www.milwaukeemag.com/how-to-pronounce-racine/ |magazine=[[Milwaukee Magazine]] |publisher=[[Quad (company)|Quad]] |access-date=October 10, 2025}}</ref> is a city in [[Racine County, Wisconsin]], United States, and its [[county seat]]. It is located on the shore of [[Lake Michigan]] at the mouth of the [[Root River (Wisconsin)|Root River]], {{convert|22|mi}} south of [[Milwaukee]] and {{convert|60|mi}} north of [[Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reference.allrefer.com/gazetteer/R/R00086-racine.html |title=Racine, Wisconsin (WI), United States |access-date=April 5, 2007 |work=AllRefer.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312015218/http://reference.allrefer.com/gazetteer/R/R00086-racine.html |archive-date=March 12, 2007 }}</ref> It is the [[List of cities in Wisconsin|fifth-most populous city]] in Wisconsin, with a population of 77,816 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. The Racine [[metropolitan statistical area]], consisting solely of Racine County, has an estimated 199,000 residents.<ref name=PopEstCBSA>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-metro-and-micro-statistical-areas.html#v2024 |title=Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas Population Totals: 2020-2024 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division |date=March 13, 2025 |access-date=March 13, 2025 }}</ref>

Racine is the headquarters of several industrial companies, namely [[Case IH]],  [[Dremel]], [[InSinkErator]], [[Modine Manufacturing]], [[Reliance Controls]], and [[S. C. Johnson & Son]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/22/AR2007082200724.html | title=Grist for the Daily Grind | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | author=Denise DiFulco | date=August 23, 2007 | access-date=October 22, 2009}}</ref> Historically, the [[Mitchell & Lewis Company]] began making motorcycles and automobiles in Racine at the start of the 20th century. Racine was also home to the [[Horlicks]] malt factory, where [[malted milk balls]] were first developed; the Western Publishing factory, where ''[[Little Golden Books]]'' were printed; and [[Twin Disc]] transmissions. Prominent architects in Racine's history include [[A. Arthur Guilbert]] and [[Edmund Bailey Funston]], and the city is home to works by renowned architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]], most notably the [[Johnson Wax Headquarters]].

== History ==
[[File:BishopMainSt1 copy.jpg|thumb|left|Looking north down Main Street in Racine {{circa|1905}}]]
Human prehistory in Racine began with Paleoindians after the last Ice Age. After the arrival of Europeans, the Historic period saw the [[Miami people|Miami]] and later the [[Potawatomi]] expand into the area under the pressures of the French fur trade.

In November 1674, while traveling from [[Green Bay (Lake Michigan)|Green Bay]] to the territory of the [[Illinois Confederation]], Father [[Jacques Marquette]] and his assistants, Jacques Largillier, Pierre Porteret, and Nathan Kowitt camped at the mouth of the Root River.<ref>[Racine: Growth and Change in a Wisconsin County]</ref> These were the first Europeans known to visit what is now Racine County. Further expeditions were made in the area by [[René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle]] in 1679 and by François Jolliet De Montigny and [[Jean Baptiste Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes]] in 1698. Nearly a century later, in 1791, a trading post would be established along [[Lake Michigan]] near where the [[Root River (Wisconsin)|Root River]] empties into it.

Following the [[Black Hawk War]], the area surrounding Racine, which had previously been off-limits, was settled by [[Yankee]]s from upstate [[New York (state)|New York]] and [[New England]]. In 1834 Captain [[Gilbert Knapp]] [[United States Revenue Cutter Service|USRM]], who was from [[Chatham, Massachusetts]], founded the settlement of "Port Gilbert" at the place where the [[Root River (Wisconsin)|Root River]] empties into [[Lake Michigan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Tablet to Honor Racine's Founder at Knapp School |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/857397/gilbert_knapp_founder_of_racine/|newspaper=The Racine Journal-Times|date=February 13, 1936|page=4|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = August 14, 2014 }} {{Open access}}</ref> Knapp had first explored the area of the Root River valley in 1818, and returned with financial backing when the war ended. Within a year of Knapp's settlement hundreds of other settlers from [[New England]] and western [[New York (state)|New York]] had arrived and built log cabins in the area surrounding his own.  Some of the settlers were from the town of [[Derby, Connecticut]], and others came from the [[New England]] states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.<ref>Rosenberry, Lois Kimball Mathews. [https://books.google.com/books?id=B8YMAAAAYAAJ&pg=PR9 ''The Expansion of New England: The Spread of New England Settlement and Institutions to the Mississippi River, 1620-1865''],</ref>  The area was previously called "Kipi Kawi" and "Chippecotton" by the indigenous peoples, both names for the Root River. The name "Port Gilbert" was never really accepted, and in 1841 the community was incorporated as the village of Racine, after the [[French language|French]] word for "root". After Wisconsin was admitted to the Union in 1848, the new legislature voted in August to incorporate Racine as a city.

In 1852, [[Racine College]], an [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal]] college, was founded; it closed in 1933.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/wmh/archives/search.aspx?area=browse&volume=35&articleID=19098|title=Wisconsinhistory.org|accessdate=March 14, 2023|archive-date=March 12, 2014|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140312142839/http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/wmh/archives/search.aspx?area=browse&volume=35&articleID=19098|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its location and many of its buildings are preserved today by the [[Community of St. Mary]] as part of the DeKoven Center.

Also in 1852, [[Racine High School]], the first public high school in Wisconsin, opened. The high school operated until 1926, when it was torn down to make way for the new [[Racine County Courthouse]], an Art Deco highrise. [[Washington Park High School]] was built to replace the original high school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vindustries.com/racinehistory/features/racine-high-school/|title=Racine High School &#124; Racine History|website=www.vindustries.com|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

Before the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], Racine was well known for its strong opposition to [[slavery]], with many slaves escaping to freedom via the [[Underground Railroad]] passing through the city. In 1854 [[Joshua Glover]], an escaped slave who had made a home in Racine, was arrested by [[United States Marshals Service|federal marshals]] and jailed in [[Milwaukee]]. One hundred men from Racine, and ultimately 5,000 Wisconsinites, rallied and broke into the jail to free him. He was helped to escape to [[Canada]]. Glover's rescue gave rise to many legal complications and a great deal of litigation. This eventually led to the [[Wisconsin Supreme Court]] declaring the [[Fugitive Slave Law of 1850]] unconstitutional, and later, the [[Wisconsin State Legislature]] refusing to recognize the authority of the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rogan |first1=Adam |title=The story of Joshua Glover and how Racine freed him from slavery in 1854 |url=https://journaltimes.com/news/local/the-story-of-joshua-glover-and-how-racine-freed-him-from-slavery-in-1854/article_06007066-31af-5a66-a693-26f16554088d.html |access-date=19 April 2024 |publisher=[[Racine Journal Times]] |date=July 3, 2020}}</ref> This saga played a significant role in the [[Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War|building up of tensions that preceded the Civil War]].

=== Industry ===
Racine was a factory town almost from the beginning. The first industry in Racine County included the manufacture of fanning mills, machines that separate [[wheat]] grain from [[chaff]]. Racine also had its share of captains of industry, including [[Case Corporation|J. I. Case]] (heavy equipment), [[S. C. Johnson & Son]] (cleaning and chemical products), and Arthur B. Modine (Heat Exchangers). Racine's harbor was central to the shipping industry in Wisconsin in the late 19th century. Racine was also an early [[car manufacturing]] center. One of the world's first [[automobile]]s was built there in 1871 or 1872 by J. W. Cathcart,<ref>Clymer, Floyd. ''Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877–1925'' (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950), p.2 & 153.</ref> as was the [[E. J. Pennington|Pennington]] Victoria [[tricycle]],<ref>It had no less than two 4.75 hp (3.5 kW) engines. Clymer, p.6.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Pennington |website=Grace's Guide to British Industrial History |title=Pennington |access-date=April 4, 2016 }}</ref> the [[Mitchell Motor Car Company|Mitchell]],<ref>Before 1926. Clymer, p.36.</ref> and the Case.<ref>Also before 1926. Clymer, p.153.</ref>

In 1887, [[malted milk]] was invented in Racine by English immigrant [[William Horlick]], and [[Horlicks]] remains a global brand. The [[garbage disposal]] was invented in 1927 by [[architect]] John Hammes of Racine, who founded the company [[InSinkErator]], which still produces millions of garbage disposers every year in Racine.<ref>James R. Hagerty, ''Disposal Maker Gives China a Whirl'', The Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2014, p. B6.</ref> Racine is also the home of [[S.C. Johnson & Son]], whose [[Johnson Wax Headquarters|headquarters]] were designed in 1936 by [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]. Wright also designed the [[Wingspread]] Conference Center and several homes and other buildings in Racine. The city is also home to the [[Dremel]] Corporation, Reliance Controls Corporation and  [[Twin Disc]].  [[Case New Holland]]’s Racine manufacturing facility, which builds two types of tractors (the New Holland T8 and the Case IH Magnum), offers public tours throughout the year.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/be-a-tourist-in-racine-county/article_61c57fc2-6b1f-11e2-ac6e-0019bb2963f4.html ‘’Be a tourist in Racine County’’], Racine Journal Times, January 31, 2013.</ref>

=== Historic districts and buildings ===
[[File:MainStreetRacine.jpg|thumb|[[Old Main Street Historic District (Racine, Wisconsin)|Old Main Street Historic District]], looking north]]

Racine includes the [[Old Main Street Historic District (Racine, Wisconsin)|Old Main Street Historic District]]. Historic buildings in Racine include the [[Badger Building]], [[Racine Elks Club, Lodge No. 252]], [[St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church (Racine, Wisconsin)|St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church]], [[YMCA Building (Racine, Wisconsin)|YMCA Building]], [[Chauncey Hall House]], [[Eli R. Cooley House]], [[George Murray House (Racine, Wisconsin)|George Murray House]], [[Hansen House (Racine, Wisconsin)|Hansen House]], [[Racine College]], [[McClurg Building (Racine, Wisconsin)|McClurg Building]], [[First Presbyterian Church (Racine, Wisconsin)|First Presbyterian Church]], [[Memorial Hall (Racine, Wisconsin)|Memorial Hall]], [[Racine Depot]], [[United Laymen Bible Student Tabernacle]], [[Chauncey Hall Building]], [[Thomas P. Hardy House]], and [[Horlick Field]]. The area is home to several National Register of Historic Places listed structures: [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Racine County, Wisconsin]]. The city is also home to [[Regency Mall (Racine)|Regency Mall]].

[[Frank Lloyd Wright]] designed and built the [[Johnson Wax Headquarters]] building in Racine. The building was and still is considered a marvel of design innovation, despite its many practical annoyances such as rainwater leaks. Wright urged then-president Hib Johnson to build the structure outside of Racine, a city that Wright, a Wisconsin native, thought of as "backwater." Johnson refused to have the Johnson Wax Headquarters sited anywhere other than Racine.{{Citation needed|date=December 2015}}

== Geography ==
[[File:Root River Racine 070107.jpg|thumb|The mouth of the [[Root River (Wisconsin)|Root River]]]]

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|15.66|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|15.47|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.18|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="gaz2020">{{cite web|title=2020 Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.2020.html |website=census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Racine has a warm-summer [[Continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Dfb''). Summers are warm and short while winters are cold. Precipitation is dispersed evenly throughout the year, although summers are slightly wetter and more humid than winters.
{{Weather box|width=auto
| location = Racine WWTP, Wisconsin (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1896–present)
| single line = Y
| Jan record high F = 64
| Feb record high F = 67
| Mar record high F = 83
| Apr record high F = 92
| May record high F = 96
| Jun record high F = 106
| Jul record high F = 107
| Aug record high F = 104
| Sep record high F = 102
| Oct record high F = 91
| Nov record high F = 79
| Dec record high F = 66
| year record high F = 107

|Jan avg record high F = 48.9
|Feb avg record high F = 51.9
|Mar avg record high F = 64.9
|Apr avg record high F = 75.4
|May avg record high F = 82.8
|Jun avg record high F = 89.5
|Jul avg record high F = 93.1
|Aug avg record high F = 91.1
|Sep avg record high F = 86.4
|Oct avg record high F = 77.4
|Nov avg record high F = 64.3
|Dec avg record high F = 53.1
|year avg record high F = 94.7

| Jan high F = 29.6
| Feb high F = 32.4
| Mar high F = 40.8
| Apr high F = 50.7
| May high F = 61.3
| Jun high F = 71.9
| Jul high F = 78.5
| Aug high F = 77.3
| Sep high F = 70.5
| Oct high F = 58.8
| Nov high F = 46.0
| Dec high F = 34.8
| year high F = 54.4
| Jan mean F = 22.1
| Feb mean F = 25.1
| Mar mean F = 33.9
| Apr mean F = 43.6
| May mean F = 53.5
| Jun mean F = 64.1
| Jul mean F = 71.0
| Aug mean F = 70.4
| Sep mean F = 63.1
| Oct mean F = 51.0
| Nov mean F = 38.9
| Dec mean F = 27.9
| year mean F = 47.0
| Jan low F = 14.5
| Feb low F = 17.9
| Mar low F = 26.9
| Apr low F = 36.4
| May low F = 45.6
| Jun low F = 56.3
| Jul low F = 63.5
| Aug low F = 63.4
| Sep low F = 55.7
| Oct low F = 43.1
| Nov low F = 31.7
| Dec low F = 21.0
| year low F = 39.7

|Jan avg record low F = -5.2
|Feb avg record low F = -0.3
|Mar avg record low F = 9.9
|Apr avg record low F = 26.0
|May avg record low F = 37.1
|Jun avg record low F = 47.2
|Jul avg record low F = 56.1
|Aug avg record low F = 55.9
|Sep avg record low F = 42.9
|Oct avg record low F = 30.6
|Nov avg record low F = 17.5
|Dec avg record low F = 2.2
|year avg record low F = -9.3

| Jan record low F = -31
| Feb record low F = -24
| Mar record low F = -12
| Apr record low F = 10
| May record low F = 25
| Jun record low F = 33
| Jul record low F = 42
| Aug record low F = 40
| Sep record low F = 28
| Oct record low F = 14
| Nov record low F = -5
| Dec record low F = -23
| year record low F = -31
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.98
| Feb precipitation inch = 1.92
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.42
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.94
| May precipitation inch = 4.32
| Jun precipitation inch = 4.35
| Jul precipitation inch = 3.27
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.75
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.34
| Oct precipitation inch = 3.07
| Nov precipitation inch = 2.53
| Dec precipitation inch = 2.09
| year precipitation inch = 36.98
| Jan snow inch = 13.3
| Feb snow inch = 10.9
| Mar snow inch = 5.5
| Apr snow inch = 1.0
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.0
| Nov snow inch = 1.9
| Dec snow inch = 8.4
| year snow inch = 41.0
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 10.2
| Feb precipitation days = 8.4
| Mar precipitation days = 9.7
| Apr precipitation days = 11.8
| May precipitation days = 12.6
| Jun precipitation days = 11.2
| Jul precipitation days = 9.0
| Aug precipitation days = 9.4
| Sep precipitation days = 9.2
| Oct precipitation days = 9.9
| Nov precipitation days = 8.8
| Dec precipitation days = 9.7
| year precipitation days = 119.9
| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 6.4
| Feb snow days = 4.5
| Mar snow days = 2.7
| Apr snow days = 0.7
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 1.1
| Dec snow days = 4.2
| year snow days = 19.6
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name = nws>
{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mkx
| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00476922&format=pdf
| title = Station: Racine, WI
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 15, 2021}}</ref>
}}

== Demographics ==
{{US Census population
|1850= 5107
|1860= 7822
|1870= 9880
|1880= 16031
|1890= 21014
|1900= 29102
|1910= 38002
|1920= 58593
|1930= 67542
|1940= 67195
|1950= 71193
|1960= 89144
|1970= 95162
|1980= 85725
|1990= 84298
|2000= 81855
|2010= 78860
|2020= 77816
|estyear= 
|estimate= 
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 22, 2014}}</ref><br /> [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]<ref>https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/racinecitywisconsin,US/PST045219 {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
}}

[[File:Racine, Wisconsin Chautauqua presentation under a tent, July 14-23, 1911. Photo by Wright Photo.jpg|thumb|Racine, Wisconsin [[Chautauqua]] presentation under a tent, July 14–23, 1911. Photo by Wright Photo.]]

Waves of European immigrants, including [[Danes]], [[German people|Germans]], and [[Czech people|Czechs]], began to settle in Racine between the Civil War and the [[First World War]]. African Americans started arriving in large numbers during World War I, as they did in other [[Midwestern]] industrial towns, and [[Hispanics]] migrated to Racine from roughly 1925 onward.

[[Unitarianism|Unitarians]], [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalians]] and [[Congregationalist Church|Congregationalists]] from [[New England]] initially dominated Racine's religious life. Racine's Emmaus Lutheran Church, the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in North America, was founded on August 22, 1851. Originally a founding member of the Danish American Lutheran Church, it has subsequently been a member of the United Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (UDELCA), the [[American Lutheran Church]] (ALC), and, since 1988, the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] (ELCA). There was also a large Catholic movement to the city, opening up churches for their own ethnicity, such as St. Stanislaus (Polish), St. Rose (Irish), Holy Name (German), St. Patrick (Irish), Sacred Heart (Italian), St. Joseph (German), St. Mary (German), Holy Trinity (Slovak), St. Casimir (Lithuanian), and others. As years passed, populations moved and St. Stanislaus, Holy Name, Holy Trinity, St. Rose, and St. Casimir merged in 1998, forming St. Richard. With new waves of people arriving, older parishes received a boost from the [[Hispanic]] community, which formed [[Cristo Rey Parish|Cristo Rey]], re-energizing St. Patrick's into the strong Catholic community of today.

[[File:Kringle.jpeg|thumb|[[Kringle]] from Racine]]
Racine has the largest [[Danes|Danish]] population in North America.<ref>[https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1725&context=thebridge The Bridge]</ref> The city has become known for its Danish pastries, particularly [[kringle]]. Several local bakeries have been featured on the [[Food Network]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_rd/episode/0,2857,FOOD_26716_45958,00.html |title=Road Tasted |access-date=April 5, 2007 |work=FoodNetwork.com |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725203715/http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_rd/episode/0,2857,FOOD_26716_45958,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_fi/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9962_18881,00.html |title=Food Finds |access-date=April 5, 2007 |work=FoodNetwork.com |archive-date=September 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920190350/http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_fi/episode/0,1976,FOOD_9962_18881,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> highlighting the pastry.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Racine, Wisconsin – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Racine city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?q=p004&g=160XX00US5566000|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Racine city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US5566000&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Racine city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US5566000&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|51,962
|42,189
|style='background: #ffffe6; |35,771
|63.48%
|53.50%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |45.97%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|16,349
|17,341
|style='background: #ffffe6; |18,003
|19.97%
|21.99%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |23.14%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|229
|279
|style='background: #ffffe6; |200
|0.28%
|0.35%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.26%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|473
|578
|style='background: #ffffe6; |575
|0.58%
|0.73%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.74%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|30
|17
|style='background: #ffffe6; |14
|0.04%
|0.02%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.02%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|106
|143
|style='background: #ffffe6; |398
|0.13%
|0.18%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.51%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|1,284
|2,004
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3,999
|1.57%
|2.54%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |5.14%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|11,422
|16,309
|style='background: #ffffe6; |18,856
|13.95%
|20.68%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |24.23%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''81,855'''
|'''78,860'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''77,816'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|census of 2020]], the city's population was 77,816, roughly a 1% decrease from its 2010 population.<ref name="2020-census-5566000">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Racine city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5566000&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref> The [[population density]] was {{convert|5,028.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 33,871 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2,188.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 51.5% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 23.9% [[Black (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.7% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 10.4% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|other races]], and 12.7% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 24.2% [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

According  to the [[American Community Survey]] estimates for 2016–2020, the median income for a household in the city was $44,346, and the median income for a family was $54,161. Male full-time workers had a median income of $42,864 versus $36,299 for female workers. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $22,837. About 15.7% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 29.0% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="2020-EconChar-5566000">{{cite web|title=Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Racine city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5566000&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP03 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref> Of the population age 25 and over, 86.5% were high school graduates or higher and 17.2% had a bachelor's degree or higher.<ref name="2020-SocChar-5566000">{{cite web|title=Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Racine city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5566000&y=2020&d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Data%20Profiles&tid=ACSDP5Y2020.DP02 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=10 October 2022}}</ref>

=== 2010 census ===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 78,860 people, 30,530 households, and 19,222 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|5094.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 33,887 housing units at an average density of {{convert|2189.1|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 58.8% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 22.6% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.5% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 10.3% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 4.0% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 20.7% of the population.

There were 30,530 households, of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.5% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 20.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.17.

The median age in the city was 33 years. 27.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.8% were from 45 to 64; and 10.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

* Population estimates, July 1, 2017: 77,542<ref name="census.gov">{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/en.html|title=Census.gov|website=Census.gov|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref>
* Population estimates base, April 1, 2010: 78,860<ref name="census.gov" />
* Veterans, 2011–2015: 4,861<ref name="census.gov" />

;Income and poverty<ref name="census.gov" />
* Median household income for Racine (in 2015 dollars), 2011–2015: $41,455<ref name="census.gov" />
* Per capita income in past 12 months in Racine (in 2015 dollars), 2011–2015: $20,580<ref name="census.gov" />
* Poverty rate in Racine: 21.6%<ref name="census.gov" />

===2023 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey one-year estimates===
{| class="cx-linter-tag"
| valign="top" |
{{Pie chart
 | thumb   = left
 | caption = Racial Makeup of Racine (2023)<ref name=Racine-B03002-2023>{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2023.B03002?q=B03002&g=160XX00US5566000|title=B03002 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – Racine, Wisconsin – 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates|date=July 1, 2023 |publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 21, 2024}}</ref>
 | label1 = White alone
 | value1 = 54.16 | color2=#36A
 | label2 = Black alone
 | value2 = 18.34 | color1=#6A5
 | label3 = Native American alone
 | value3 = 0.39 | color3=#FF33AC
 | label4 = Asian alone
 | value4 = 0.06 | color4=#1A9
 | label5 = Pacific Islander alone
 | value5 = 0.06 | color5=#E17720
 | label6 = Some other race alone
 | value6 = 8.04 | color6=#F0FF00
 | label7 = Two or more races 
 | value7 = 18.95 | color7=#64ECDF
 }}
| valign="top" |
{{Pie chart
 | thumb   = left
 | caption = Racial Makeup of Racine treating Hispanics as a Racial Category (2023)<ref name=Racine-B03002-2023 /><br />''NH=Non-Hispanic''
 | label1 = White NH
 | value1 = 48.06 | color2=#36A
 | label2 = Black NH
 | value2 = 18.05 | color1=#6A5
 | label3 = Native American NH
 | value3 = 0.39 | color3=#FF33AC
 | label4 = Asian NH
 | value4 = 0.06 | color4=#1A9
 | label5 = Pacific Islander NH
 | value5 = 0.06 | color5=#E17720
 | label6 = Other race NH
 | value6 = 0.38 | color6=#F0FF00
 | label7 = Two or more races NH
 | value7 = 7.03 | color7=#64ECDF
 | label8 = Hispanic Any Race
 | value8 = 25.96 | color8=#9400D3
 }}
| valign="top" |
{{Pie chart
 | thumb   =left
 | caption = Racial Makeup of Hispanics in Racine (2023)<ref name=Racine-B03002-2023 /> 
 | label1 = White alone
 | value1 = 23.51 | color2=#36A
 | label2 = Black alone
 | value2 = 1.11 | color1=#6A5
 | label3 = Native American alone
 | value3 = 0.00 | color3=#FF33AC
 | label4 = Asian alone
 | value4 = 0.00 | color4=#1A9
 | label5 = Pacific Islander alone
 | value5 = 0.00 | color5=#E17720
 | label6 = Other race alone
 | value6 = 29.48 | color6=#F0FF00 
 | label7 = Two or more races
 | value7 = 45.90 | color7=#64ECDF
 }}
|}

=== Crime rates ===
Racine employs [[Community policing|community-oriented policing]], the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to address the immediate conditions that give rise to crime. The number of crimes committed in the city in 2013 dropped in several categories to the lowest point in decades. Racine saw a 38.3 percent drop in violent crime from 2009 to 2013, making it the 10th largest decrease in the country. Property crimes were at their lowest point since 1965, while the number of violent crimes was the lowest for any year on record.<ref>Aaron Knapp, [http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/fewest-violent-crimes-on-record-in/article_84cee170-8d97-11e3-b18b-001a4bcf887a.html "Fewest violent crimes on record in 2013"], ''Racine Journal Times'', February 4, 2014.</ref><ref>The Journal Times Editorial Board, [http://journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/friday-finishers-good-news-on-crime/article_d6180acc-8f7f-11e3-9e22-0019bb2963f4.html "Friday Finishers: Good news on crime"], ''Racine Journal Times'', February 7, 2014.</ref><ref>Heather Asiyanbi, [http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/02/04/city-robberies-property-crime-homicide-lowest-decades/ "City Robberies, Property Crime, Homicide Lowest in Decades"], ''Racine County Eye'', February 4, 2012. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407073008/http://racinecountyeye.com/2014/02/04/city-robberies-property-crime-homicide-lowest-decades/ |date=April 7, 2014 }}</ref>

However, that trend has since changed. As of 2018, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Racine is 1 in 37, thus making the city's crime rate higher than 92% of Wisconsin's other cities and towns.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Racine, WI Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout|url=https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/wi/racine/crime#:~:text=The%20chance%20of%20becoming%20a,and%20towns%20of%20all%20sizes.|access-date=2020-06-19|website=www.neighborhoodscout.com}}</ref>

== Arts and culture ==
{{see also|List of arts and culture resources in Racine, Wisconsin}}
[[File:Aerial Racine Lakefront.jpg|thumb|Downtown and marina]]

Racine is home to museums, theater companies, visual arts organizations, galleries, performance groups, music organizations, dance studios, concert series and special art events.<ref>Mary Billard, [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/travel/escapes/30american.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 ''On Lake Michigan, a Port of Call for Art''], ''The New York Times'', November 30, 2007.</ref>

[[File:Racine October 2023 044 (Racine Art Museum).jpg|thumb|[[Racine Art Museum]]]]

The [[Racine Art Museum]] is the site of the largest collection of contemporary craft in America, with over 4,000 pieces in art jewelry, ceramics, fibers, glass, metals, polymer, and wood, and over 4,000 works on paper and sculptures.<ref>Rafael Francisco Salas,[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/magic-mud-at-racine-art-museum-a-must-during-nceca-b99229951z1-251276191.html "Magic Mud at Racine Art Museum a must during NCECA"], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', March 20, 2014.</ref> RAM's satellite campus, Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, presents exhibitions of regional artists along with art classes and workshops.<ref>Peggy Sue Dunigan, [http://expressmilwaukee.com/article-permalink-19610.html ''Wustum Museum Highlights Wisconsin Photography''], ''Express Milwaukee'', August 20, 2012.</ref><ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/senior_news/learn-something-new/article_bfa1d6f0-3fb0-11e0-b6df-001cc4c03286.html ''Learn something new: Local Continuing Education Opportunities Abound''], ''Racine Journal Times'', February 23, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.ramart.org/education/art-classes ''Wustum Studio Art Program''], Racine Art Museum.</ref>  The Racine Arts Council's exhibitions feature local and regional artists.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/scene-heard-racine-county-potters-play-with-fire-for-artspace/article_39fbc5c4-af1f-11e3-849f-001a4bcf887a.html "Scene & Heard: Racine County potters play with fire for ArtSpace show"], ''Racine Journal Times'', March 20, 2014.</ref> The annual 16th Street Studios Open House offers a look inside artists’ workspaces at the Racine Arts and Business Center.<ref>Liz Snyder, [https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-racines-16th-street-studios-hosting-open-house-art-market/article_cf4afcd8-70d3-11ed-98d0-d304fe930d47.html "WATCH NOW: Racine's 16th Street Studios hosting open house, art market"], ''Kenosha News'', December 1, 2022.</ref>

The Racine Theater Guild annually offers a season of seven to eight main-stage plays and musicals, Racine Children's Theatre, Jean's Jazz Series and Comedy Tonight.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/local-theater-groups-ready-to-take-the-stage/article_a4d2b7f2-1a75-11e3-945d-0019bb2963f4.html ''Local theater groups ready to take the stage''], ''Racine Journal Times'', September 12, 2013.</ref> Every winter, Over Our Head Players at 6th Street Theatre hosts Snowdance, a playwriting contest in which audience members determine the winning plays. Entries for the contest come from all over the world.<ref>Jessica Tuttle, [http://www.kenoshanews.com/entertainment/laughs_by_the_minute_475409195.html "Laughs by the minute: Racine’s Sixth Street Theatre site of annual Snowdance 10-Minute Comedy Festival"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331113212/http://www.kenoshanews.com/entertainment/laughs_by_the_minute_475409195.html |date=March 31, 2014 }}, ''Kenosha News'', January 30, 2014.</ref>

The Racine Symphony Orchestra performs 2-3 Masterworks concerts per year, several free pops concerts, and an annual concert for fifth graders.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/trio-of-upcoming-rso-concerts-feature-music-for-a-lifetime/article_75b4eef4-a98b-11e3-93c7-0019bb2963f4.html ''Trio of upcoming RSO concerts feature music for a lifetime''], ''Racine Journal Times'', March 13, 2014.</ref> Local bands perform free noontime and evening concerts at downtown's centrally located Monument Square throughout the summer.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/free-outdoor-concerts-abound-this-summer/article_34a597ba-c804-11e2-8640-0019bb2963f4.html "Free outdoor concerts abound this summer"], ''Racine Journal Times'', May 30, 2013.</ref> Weekly open mic opportunities for musicians and other performers are hosted by Family Power Music.<ref>[http://journaltimes.com/calendar/music/live-music-by-family-power-music-with-bryan-cherry/event_b6a0b2b6-18bf-11e3-bf73-10604b9f2f3c.html "Live Music by Family Power Music with Bryan Cherry"], ''Racine Journal Times'', September 27, 2013.</ref>

[[File:Racine Zoo, Racine, Wisconsin, USA-10July2010.jpg|thumb|Primate building at the [[Racine Zoo]]]]

The monthly BONK! Performance Series showcases local, regional and national poets.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/bonk-series-to-present-its-th-show/article_f02728d0-9385-11e3-a3e1-0019bb2963f4.html "BONK! series to present its 65th show"], ''Racine Journal Times'', February 13, 2014.</ref><ref>The Library as Incubator Project, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130621215957/http://www.libraryasincubatorproject.org/?p=8833 ''BONK! Performance Series at Racine Public Library'']}}, February 8, 2013.</ref>

There are four opportunities for area artists and poets to receive recognition for their work: The RAM Artist Fellowship Program awards four $3,000 Artist Fellowships and one $1,500 Emerging Artist Award every two years with recipients given solo exhibits;<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/ram-artist-fellowship-exhibit-at-wustum-spotlights-work-of-four/article_6652574e-410d-11e3-959f-001a4bcf887a.html ''RAM Artist Fellowship exhibit at Wustum spotlights work of four local artists''], ''Racine Journal Times'', October 31, 2013.</ref><ref>[https://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/winners-of-the-2020-racine-art-museum-artist-fellowship-named/article_566b14dc-1d89-5ab0-a090-8179d7903502.html "Winners of the 2020 Racine Art Museum Artist Fellowship named"], Racine Journal Times, April 15, 2020.</ref> The Racine Arts Council ArtSeed Program provides grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 to projects that are new, innovative, experimental and collaborative;<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/news/local/grant-program-seeks-to-expand-local-arts-scene/article_53793e0a-9436-11e2-ab19-001a4bcf887a.html ''Grant program seeks to expand local arts scene''], Racine Journal Times, March 23, 2013.</ref> the Racine Writer in Residence Program awards two 6-month residencies each year with a stipend of $1,500;<ref>[https://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/mauer-is-new-racine-writer-in-residence/article_7c123932-af9e-515d-97e9-b935809d18b5.html "Mauer is new Racine Writer-in-Residence"], Racine Journal Times, January 22, 2020.</ref> the Racine/Kenosha Poet Laureate Program chooses one poet from Racine and one poet from Kenosha every 2 years.<ref>Lee Roberts, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/a-passion-for-poetry-racine-s-first-co-poets-laureate/article_c0c6e7bc-831e-11e0-83c0-001cc4c002e0.html ''A passion for poetry: Racine’s first co-poets laureate want to enlighten, entertain''], ''Racine Journal Times'', May 21, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://journaltimes.com/news/local/poets-laureate-for-racine-and-kenosha-to-be-announced-at/article_c6be8bec-3ce5-11e3-96c3-001a4bcf887a.html ''Poets Laureate for Racine and Kenosha to be announced at Oct. 25 event''], ''Racine Journal Times'', October 24, 2013.</ref>

===Architecture===
[[File:Aerial view of Wind Point Lighthouse, Wisconsin, US julesvernex2.jpg|thumb|[[Wind Point Lighthouse]]]]

Racine has several examples of [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]'s work, including the [[Johnson Wax Headquarters]], [[Wingspread]], the [[Thomas P. Hardy House]] and the [[Keland House]]. S.C. Johnson offers free tours of its corporate campus, and receives about 9,000 visitors per year.  The [[Johnson Wax Headquarters#Research Tower|Research Tower]], which is located on the SC Johnson campus,  is one of only 2 existing high rise buildings designed by [[Frank Lloyd Wright]].<ref>Robert Sharoff, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/30/realestate/commercial/memorializing-a-frank-lloyd-wright-corporate-legacy.html "A Corporate Paean to Frank Lloyd Wright"], ''The New York Times'', April 29, 2014.</ref><ref>Blair Kamin, [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/04/23/frank-lloyd-wrights-tower-worthy-of-debate-and-a-trip/ "Frank Lloyd Wright's tower worthy of debate, and a trip"], ''Chicago Tribune'', April 23, 2014.</ref>  Fortaleza Hall, designed by [[Norman Foster]], houses the "SC Johnson Gallery: Frank Lloyd Wright At Home" and a [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] library.<ref>Blair Kamin, "[https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/01/28/frank-lloyd-wrights-legacy-lifts-off-anew/ Frank Lloyd Wright's legacy lifts off anew: Norman Foster's Fortaleza Hall an update of iconic S.C. Johnson campus in Racine, Wis.]", ''Chicago Tribune'', January 28, 2010.</ref> The Johnson Wax disc-shaped [[Golden Rondelle Theater]] was originally constructed as the Johnson Wax pavilion for the [[1964 New York World's Fair]] and then [[1964 New York World's Fair#Reuse of pavilions and major exhibits elsewhere|relocated]] to Racine.<ref>Bill Cotter, Bill Young, ''The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair: Creation and Legacy'', Arcadia Publishing, 2008, p. 90.</ref>

The [[Racine Art Museum]], designed by the Chicago architecture firm [[Brininstool + Lynch]], is a modern reuse of an existing structure to house RAM's permanent collection of contemporary craft. The building has an exterior façade of translucent acrylic panels that are illuminated at night, making the museum glow in the dark like a Japanese lantern.<ref>Philip Berger, [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/04/20/racine-art-museum-aims-high/ "Racine Art Museum aims high"], ''Chicago Tribune'', April 20, 2003.</ref>

The OS House, a private residence designed by the Milwaukee architecture firm [[Johnsen Schmaling Architects]], was recognized in 2011 as one of the top 10 residential projects in the United States by the [[American Institute of Architects]].<ref>Craig Nakano, [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2011/03/aia-housing-awards-2011.html "AIA names housing design award winners for 2011"], ''Los Angeles Times'', March 19, 2011.</ref>  The [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED Platinum]]-certified home was also named in 2011 as one of the top 10 green projects in the country by the AIA,<ref>Katie Weeks, [http://www.architectmagazine.com/awards/aia-cote-2011-top-ten-green-projects--os-house.aspx "AIA COTE 2011 Top Ten Green Projects: OS House: A single-family residence in Racine, Wisc., designed by Johnsen Schmaling Architects:], ''Architect: The Magazine of the American Institute of Architects'', April 12, 2011.</ref><ref>Mary Louise Schumacher, [http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/119836964.html "Two of nation's top 10 green buildings in Wisconsin"], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', April 14, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/photos/103798859.html "Photos: OS House in Racine is one of Wisconsin's greenest homes"], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', September 25, 2010.</ref> and in 2012 as one of 11 national winners in the Small Projects category.<ref>Karissa Rosenfield, [http://www.archdaily.com/?p=258981 "AIA selects the 2012 Recipients of the Small Project Awards"], ''ArchDaily'', July 31, 2012.</ref> The OS House has been featured in the ''New York Times''.<ref>Fred Bernstein, [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/26/garden/26racine.html "A Box of Fresh Air"], ''The New York Times'', August 25, 2010.</ref> The house, an example of 21st-century modern architecture, is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Racine's [[Southside Historic District (Racine, Wisconsin)|Southside Historic District]].<ref>David Steinkraus, [http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/modern-squared-main-street-house-boasts-both-modern-architecture-and/article_5c5d680c-b167-11df-8467-001cc4c03286.html "Modern squared: Main Street house boasts both modern architecture and green technologies"], ''Racine Journal Times'', August 27, 2010.</ref>

====Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places====
* [[Hansen House (Racine, Wisconsin)|Hansen House]]
* [[Memorial Hall (Racine, Wisconsin)|Memorial Hall]]
* [[St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Chapel, Guildhall, and Rectory]]
* [[St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church (Racine, Wisconsin)|St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church]]
* [[Wind Point Lighthouse]]
* [[YMCA Building (Racine, Wisconsin)|YMCA Building]]
* [[Racine Elks Club, Lodge No. 252|Racine Elks Club, Lodge No. 252 (Racine, Wisconsin)]]
* [[McClurg Building (Racine, Wisconsin)|McClurg Building (Main Place)]]
* [[Racine Depot]]

===Prom===
The city is known for its large [[prom]] celebration, at which students from all the high schools in the city participate in an after prom party. This was featured on the radio show ''[[This American Life]]'' in Episode #186 "Prom", which originally aired on June 8, 2001;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=875 |title=This American Life |access-date=May 28, 2008 |work=ThisLife.org }}</ref> Racine's prom tradition was also the subject of the 2006 documentary ''[[The World's Best Prom]]''. In addition to the large prom Racine has become known for, the city has also been hosting a special needs prom called A Night To Remember every year since 2013. The A Night To Remember prom always takes place on the Sunday following Racine's larger prom and includes those from age 13 to 30.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://journaltimes.com/news/local/special-needs-prom-now-in-its-sixth-year-transitions-into/article_fc0d16cc-16c3-519a-a0b8-7f849c5adfaf.html|title=Special-needs prom, now in its sixth year, transitions into new era|last=Rogan|first=Adam|website=Journal Times|date=May 19, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-01}}</ref>

== Government ==
{{see also|List of mayors of Racine, Wisconsin}}
[[File:Racine October 2023 131 (Racine City Hall).jpg|thumb|Racine City Hall]]
Racine has a [[Mayor–council government|mayor-council form of government]]. The mayor is the chief executive, elected for a term of four years. The mayor appoints commissioners and other officials who oversee the departments, subject to Common Council approval.  The current mayor is [[Cory Mason]] (D); he is the 58th mayor of Racine, currently serving his second full four-year term after taking office in a special election in October 2017.

Racine's other citywide elected official is the Municipal Judge. The city council is made up of 15 aldermen, one elected from each aldermanic district in the city. The council enacts local ordinances and approves the city budget. Government priorities and activities are established in a budget ordinance usually adopted each November. Being a diverse community with a history of organized labor, the city predominantly votes for the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]].  The city's youngest city council president was Tom Mortenson, 28, who was a leading Progressive Republican who led ethical reform that served as a model for other municipal governments.

For federal representation, Racine is part of [[Wisconsin's 1st congressional district]], represented by [[Bryan Steil]] (R).  Wisconsin's two U.S. senators are [[Ron Johnson]] (R) and [[Tammy Baldwin]] (D).

In Wisconsin's lower state legislative chamber, the [[Wisconsin State Assembly]], Racine is split between the [[Wisconsin's 62nd Assembly district|62nd Assembly district]] in the north, represented by [[Robert Wittke]] (R), and the [[Wisconsin's 66th Assembly district|66th Assembly district]] in the south, represented by [[Greta Neubauer]] (D).  In Wisconsin's upper chamber, the [[Wisconsin Senate]], the area represented by the 66th Assembly district falls within [[Wisconsin's 22nd Senate district]], represented by [[Robert Wirch]] (D).  The area represented by the 62nd Assembly district falls within the [[Wisconsin's 21st Senate district|21st Senate district]], represented by [[Van H. Wanggaard]] (R).

=== Public safety ===
Fire protection and ambulance service is provided by the Racine Fire Department with six fire stations. Law enforcement services are provided by the Racine Police Department.

== Education ==

=== Public schools ===
{{Main|Racine Unified School District}}

Racine's public schools are administered by the Racine Unified School District, which oversees one early education center, seven elementary schools, eight K-8 schools, two 6-12 schools, three high schools and one alternative education center with a combined student enrollment of around 16,000. Programs such as [[International Baccalaureate]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rusd.org/district/international-baccalaureate|title=About Racine Unified School District &#124; RUSD|date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> and [[Montessori]] are utilized in the District.

=== Private schools ===
Private schools in the city include:
* [[Racine Lutheran High School]]
* [[St. Catherine's High School (Racine, Wisconsin)|St. Catherine's High School]]

[[The Prairie School]] is in nearby [[Wind Point, Wisconsin|Wind Point]]. It was co-founded by [[Imogene Powers Johnson|Imogene "Gene" Powers Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Burke, Michael|url=https://journaltimes.com/news/local/gene-johnson-widow-of-the-late-sam-johnson-dies/article_d89a89e8-25a0-5540-979a-20c5d314d2b7.html#5|title='Gene' Johnson, widow of the late Sam Johnson, dies |work=[[The Journal Times]]|date=2018-03-04|access-date=2019-07-02}}</ref>

=== Higher education ===
[[University of Wisconsin–Parkside]] is located south of Racine in the Town of [[Somers, Wisconsin|Somers]]. Prior to Parkside's creation there were state college campuses in both Racine and Kenosha, but with their proximity it was decided they would be better served by one larger campus in between the two cities. A campus of [[Gateway Technical College]], which serves the tri-county area of the southeastern corner of Wisconsin, is located in the downtown district on Lake Michigan.

==Sports==
The [[Racine Legion]], a professional [[American football|football]] team and part of the [[National Football League]], played here from 1922 to 1924. Its official name was the Horlick-Racine Legion.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Snyder|first1=Matthew|title=Welcome To Horlickville!|date=November 19, 2014|publisher=Matthew C. Snyder publishing|isbn=9781634523684|page=1|edition=First|url=http://www.RacineLegion.com|access-date=November 20, 2014}}</ref> The team then operated as the '''Racine Tornadoes''' in 1926. They played at [[Horlick Field]].

==Media==
Racine is served by the daily newspaper ''The Journal Times'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://journaltimes.com/|title=journaltimes.com &#124; Read Racine, WI and Wisconsin breaking news. Get latest news, events and information on Wisconsin sports, weather, entertainment and lifestyles.|first=Journal|last=Times|website=Journal Times|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}</ref> which is the namesake (but not current owner) of radio station [[WRJN]] (1400), and is owned by [[Lee Enterprises]]. The ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'' formerly published a Racine-specific page on Thursdays and a Racine County section on Sundays, but dropped them in 2007. ''The Insider News'' covers issues specific to the city's Black community. The ''[https://racinecountyeye.com/ Racine County Eye]'' also covers Racine County news. [https://happeningsmag.com Happenings Magazine] covers local entertainment events in Racine.

The city has one television station owned by [[Weigel Broadcasting]], [[WMLW-TV]] (Channel 49), an [[Independent station (North America)|independent station]] which airs syndicated content, and had its analog transmitter just north of the Milwaukee County line in [[Oak Creek, Wisconsin|Oak Creek]]. For all intents and purposes, the station serves all of southeastern Wisconsin, with the station offices located in [[West Allis, Wisconsin|West Allis]] and the station's current transmitter is located on the Weigel tower in Milwaukee's Lincoln Park. [[WDJT-TV]] (its sister [[CBS]] station) continues to produce a weekend [[public affairs (broadcasting)|public affairs]] program called ''Racine & Me'' which is devoted to topics of interest to Racine residents.

FM radio stations serving the area are [[country music]] [[WVTY]] (92.1 FM) and [[urban contemporary]] [[WKKV]]-FM (100.7). WVTY specifically targets Racine and Kenosha and is locally owned (though with some competition with market leader [[WMIL-FM]]), while WKKV is a station owned by [[iHeartMedia]] that, although licensed to Racine and having a transmitter in north-central Racine County, is targeted towards Milwaukee audiences and has its offices in [[Greenfield, Wisconsin|Greenfield]]. [[Sturtevant, Wisconsin|Sturtevant]]-licensed [[WDDW]]-FM (104.7) broadcasts a traditional Mexican music format targeting the metro area's [[Mexican-American]] population. [[WGTD]] (91.1 FM) is operated by Gateway Technical College in Kenosha. While licensed to the city of Kenosha, the station provides  news coverage to the cities of Kenosha and Racine.

==Infrastructure==
[[File:Racine Depot.jpg|thumb|The [[Racine Depot]] was located along the [[Chicago and North Western Transportation Company|Chicago and North Western Railway]]]]

===Water===
Racine's municipal water is drawn from [[Lake Michigan]]. In 2011, the city's water was named the best tasting tap water in the United States by a panel of the [[U.S. Conference of Mayors]].<ref>[http://journaltimes.com/news/local/racine-s-water-hailed-as-best-tasting-city-wins/article_a7b348d4-9b78-11e0-8ea3-001cc4c002e0.html "Racine's water hailed as best tasting, city wins $15,000"], ''Racine Journal Times'', June 20, 2011.</ref>

=== Transportation ===
{{See also|Streetcars in Kenosha, Wisconsin}}
Mass transit is provided by the [[Belle Urban System]] or "BUS" for short.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racinetransit.com/ |title=City of Racine |publisher=Racine Transit |access-date=December 17, 2015}}</ref> Taxi service is provided by Racine Taxi.<ref>Michael Burke, [http://journaltimes.com/news/local/racine-taxi-open-for-business/article_3028d61a-2fac-11e3-a69b-0019bb2963f4.html "Racine Taxi open for business"], ''Racine Journal Times'', October 7, 2013.</ref>

Racine is also served by [[Amtrak]]'s [[Hiawatha (Amtrak train)|''Hiawatha'']] from the [[Sturtevant (Amtrak station)|Sturtevant station]] in [[Racine County, Wisconsin|Racine County]].<ref>Lydia Mulvany, [http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/amtraks-hiawatha-route-tops-monthly-ridership-record-in-july-b9975764z1-219778801.html "Amtrak's Hiawatha route tops monthly ridership record"], ''Milwaukee Journal Sentinel'', August 15, 2013</ref>  Additional train service to Chicago is provided by [[Metra]]'s [[Union Pacific North Line]] from the downtown [[Kenosha (Metra station)|Kenosha station]], which is located 6 miles from the [[Racine County, WI|Racine County]] line and 11 miles from downtown Racine. Up until 1971, residents could catch a train in downtown Racine at the [[Racine Depot]]. Today, the equivalent route between the Kenosha and Milwaukee train stations is covered by a bus route co-provided by Racine's public transit system and [[Wisconsin Coach Lines]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee schedule |url=https://web.coachusa.com/CoachUsaAssets/files/105/Kenosha%20and%20Racine.pdf |publisher=Wisconsin Coach Lines |access-date=9 February 2024}}</ref>

Racine has several bridges connecting various parts of the city across the Root River, such as the [[Main Street Bridge (Racine, Wisconsin)|Main Street Bridge]] and the [[West 6th Street Bridge (Racine, Wisconsin)|West 6th Street Bridge]].

===Airport===
[[John H. Batten Airport|Batten International Airport]] (KRAC) is a public use airport located in Racine, and the largest privately owned airport in the United States.  Racine is one of only three Wisconsin cities, along with Milwaukee and Green Bay, to have airports with customs intake capabilities.<ref>Michael Burke, [http://journaltimes.com/news/local/batten-to-build-new-space-would-be-for-customs-clearances/article_09faa61e-4f44-11e3-bd4d-0019bb2963f4.html "Batten to build — New space would be for Customs clearances on international flights"], ''Racine Journal Times'', November 16, 2013</ref>  Commercial air service is provided by [[O'Hare International Airport]] and [[Mitchell Airport|General Mitchell International Airport]].

==Sister cities==
Racine's [[sister cities]] are:<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Sister Cities|url=https://racinesistercities.weebly.com/our-sister-cities.html|publisher=Racine's Sister Cities Planning Committee|access-date=2020-10-29}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Aalborg Municipality|Aalborg]], [[Region Nordjylland]],  [[Denmark]]
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Montélimar]], [[Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes]],  [[France]]
*{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Ōiso]], [[Kanagawa]],  [[Japan]]
*{{flagicon|MEX}} [[Zapotlanejo]], [[Jalisco]], [[Mexico]]
*{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Fortaleza]], [[Ceará]],  [[Brazil]]

== Notable people ==
{{Main|List of people from Racine, Wisconsin}}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{NIE Poster|Racine}}
* [http://www.cityofracine.org City of Racine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919132052/http://cityofracine.org/ |date=September 19, 2010 }}
* [http://www.racine.org/ Racine County Convention and Visitors Bureau]
* {{cite NSRW|wstitle=Racine, Wis.}}
* [https://racinewir.com/ Racine Writer in Residence Project]
{{Racine, Wisconsin}}
{{Racine County, Wisconsin}}
{{Wisconsin}}
{{Great Lakes Megalopolis}}
{{Wisconsin county seats}}
{{Geographic location|Center=Racine|Northwest=[[Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin|Mount Pleasant]]/[[Franksville]]|North=[[Wind Point]]|Northeast=[[Muskegon, Michigan]]|East=[[Holland, Michigan]]}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Racine, Wisconsin| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Racine County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Wisconsin populated places on Lake Michigan]]
[[Category:County seats in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1834]]
[[Category:1834 establishments in Michigan Territory]]