Business & Economy
Sun Prairie Ranks 2nd in Nation for Top Economic Cities. Livability.com has ranked Sun Prairie as #2 in the nation on their list of “Top 10 Economic Cities” for 2015-2016.
The list recognizes communities that have a combination of a focus on small business, successful redevelopment strategies, and high growth employment sectors. Specific metrics that boosted Sun Prairie’s ranking were the low unemployment rate and growth of major employers like Thermal Spray Technologies. Livability.com tracks information on what makes a community more attractive to live in, including community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing, and the economy.
Demographics
Sun Prairie is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. According to the 2009-2013 American Community Survey, the population was 29,880 at 2013. The City of Sun Prairie is located partially within the town. The unincorporated communities of Pierceville and Schey Acres are also located in the town.
2013 Census Highlights:
- Population 29,880
- 11,819 households
- Median age 33.5
- Median Household Income: $66,544
- Number of Businesses: 567
- Unemployment rate: 3.6%
History
President Martin Van Buren commissioned a party of 45 men, including Augustus A. Bird, to build a territory capitol in Madison. The group of men left Milwaukee on May 26, 1837 and traveled for days in the rain. On June 9, the group emerged at the edge of the prairie and with the sun shining for the first time in days, carved the words “Sun Prairie” into a tree. Charles Bird returned to the area two years later and became the first settler.The town of Sun Prairie was created on February 2, 1846.