About Our City

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Founded in 1955, the City of Oak Creek is located along the western shore of Lake Michigan in the southeast corner of Milwaukee County and adjacent to the City of Milwaukee. Oak Creek, with its 28.4 square miles of area, enjoys an enviable location in the Midwest. Not only is Oak Creek a part of the Milwaukee Metropolitan area, but it is only 85 miles from the heart of Chicago and 330 miles from Minneapolis both via Interstate 94.

Many of our residents have moved here to enjoy the suburban and rural atmosphere while, at the same time, taking advantage of the urban services provided by the City, as well as the professional sports and cultural activities provided within the metropolitan area.

Oak Creek continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in Wisconsin. From 2000 to 2020 the population grew from 28,456 to 36,497 people, an increase of over 20 percent. In addition to population growth, over the last 15 years the City has seen significant retail and industrial growth.

In 2015, the Oak Creek’s government operations and Library moved into their new home: the Oak Creek Civic Center in the newly developed Drexel Town Square. This transformational, mixed-use development, situated on 85 acres once occupied by a Delphi plant, is now the heart of our community’s downtown. Surrounding the Civic Center with its iconic clock tower is a mix of upscale apartments, restaurants, and retail establishments, a medical facility, a hotel, a large public park, and a welcoming town square! As designed, Drexel Town Square has become the central meeting place for friends and families to stop for a meal and to enjoy the many City events throughout the year.