Appleton, Wisconsin

Appleton, Wisconsin
Downtown Appleton viewed from the Fox River
Interactive map of Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton
Appleton
Coordinates: 44°16′N 88°24′W / 44.267°N 88.400°W / 44.267; -88.400
Country United States
State Wisconsin
CountiesOutagamie, Calumet, Winnebago
Settled1847
Incorporated1853 (village)
1857 (city)
Named afterSamuel Appleton
Government
 • TypeMayor–council
 • MayorJake Woodford
Area
 • City
25.29 sq mi (65.49 km2)
 • Land24.79 sq mi (64.20 km2)
 • Water0.50 sq mi (1.29 km2)  1.97%
Elevation
790 ft (240 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • City
75,644
 • Rank6th in Wisconsin
 • Density2,989.2/sq mi (1,154.12/km2)
 • Urban
230,967 (US: 171st)
 • Urban density2,143/sq mi (827/km2)
 • Metro
243,147 (US: 194th)
DemonymAppletonians
Time zoneUTC−06:00 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−05:00 (CDT)
ZIP Code
54911, 54912, 54913, 54914, 54915, 54919
Area code920
FIPS code55-02375
GNIS feature ID1560914
Major airportAppleton International Airport (ATW)
Major Routes
Public Transit
Websitewww.appletonwi.gov

Appleton (Menominee: Ahkōnemeh) is the county seat of Outagamie County, Wisconsin, United States, with small portions extending into Calumet and Winnebago counties. Located on the Fox River north of Lake Winnebago, it is 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Green Bay and 100 miles (160 km) north of Milwaukee. The city had a population of 75,644 at the 2020 census, making it the sixth-most populous city in Wisconsin. The Appleton metropolitan statistical area had 243,147 residents. Appleton is part of the broader Fox Cities region.

Appleton was founded in the mid-19th century and developed as an industrial and educational center; Lawrence University was established in 1847. Its economy was historically based on paper manufacturing and has since expanded to include retail and healthcare sectors, with major facilities including St. Elizabeth Hospital and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Appleton. The city serves as a cultural center for the Fox River Valley, home to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and the History Museum at the Castle, which features exhibits on local history and notable residents such as magician Harry Houdini. It also hosts regional events such as Octoberfest and the Mile of Music.