Nearby city: Milwaukee
Population: 47,611
Median family income: $62,168
Runner-up: Nekoosa

Sheboygan, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, was one of the earliest jumping-off points for pioneers and settlers. River traffic, and later rail, helped the city become a substantial trading and manufacturing center. Today this thriving Midwest community is the county seat and enjoys the nickname of the Bratwurst Capital of the World, a tip of the hat to the largely German immigrants who were among the city's earliest inhabitants.