Grant County, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Grant County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. As of 2000, the population was 49,597. Its county seat
is Lancaster
. Estimates for 2008 show a population of 49,238. Grant County also is in the tri-state area with Illinois
, Iowa
, and Wisconsin
, and is crossed by travelers commuting to Madison
from a number of eastern Iowan cities, and by residents of northern Illinois
traveling to the Twin Cities or La Crosse, Wisconsin
.
, the county has a total area of 1183 square miles (3,064 km²), of which 1148 square miles (2,973.3 km²) is land and 35 square miles (90.6 km²) (3.1%) is water.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 49,597 people, 18,465 households, and 12,390 families residing in the county. The population density
was 43 people per square mile (17/km²). There were 19,940 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.23% White
, 0.52% Black
or African American
, 0.13% Native American
, 0.46% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.14% from other races
, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.56% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 52.0% were of German, 9.2% English
, 8.8% Irish
, 6.6% American
and 6.4% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 18,465 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples
living together, 7.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.70% under the age of 18, 14.60% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 21.60% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 103.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.00 males.
(WSPF), a Wisconsin Department of Corrections
prison for men, is located in Boscobel
in Grant County.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. As of 2000, the population was 49,597. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Lancaster
Lancaster, Wisconsin
Lancaster is a city in and the county seat of Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 4,070.-History:...
. Estimates for 2008 show a population of 49,238. Grant County also is in the tri-state area with Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
, and Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, and is crossed by travelers commuting to Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
from a number of eastern Iowan cities, and by residents of northern Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
traveling to the Twin Cities or La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse is a city in and the county seat of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States. The city lies alongside the Mississippi River.The 2011 Census Bureau estimates the city had a population of 52,485...
.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 1183 square miles (3,064 km²), of which 1148 square miles (2,973.3 km²) is land and 35 square miles (90.6 km²) (3.1%) is water.
Major highways
U.S. Highway 18.svg.png)
U.S. Highway 151
U.S. Highway 61
Adjacent counties
- Crawford County, Wisconsin - north
- Richland County, Wisconsin - northeast
- Iowa County, WisconsinIowa County, WisconsinIowa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 22,780. Its county seat and largest city is Dodgeville.Iowa County is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:According to the U.S...
- east - Lafayette County, WisconsinLafayette County, WisconsinLafayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 16,137. Its county seat is Darlington.-Geography:According to the U.S...
- east - Jo Daviess County, IllinoisJo Daviess County, IllinoisJo Daviess County is a county located in the northwest corner of U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 22,678, which is an increase of 1.7% from 22,289 in 2000. Its county seat is Galena....
- southeast - Dubuque County, IowaDubuque County, IowaDubuque County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 93,653 in the 2010 census, an increase from 89,143 in the 2000 census. The county seat is the city of Dubuque. Dubuque County is coterminous with the Dubuque, Iowa Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the seventh...
- south - Clayton County, IowaClayton County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 18,129 in the county, with a population density of . There were 8,999 housing units, of which 7,599 were occupied.-2000 census:...
- west
Demographics
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 49,597 people, 18,465 households, and 12,390 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 43 people per square mile (17/km²). There were 19,940 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.23% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.52% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.13% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.46% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.14% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.50% from two or more races. 0.56% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 52.0% were of German, 9.2% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 8.8% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 6.6% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 6.4% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 18,465 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.10% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.90% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.70% under the age of 18, 14.60% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 21.60% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 103.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.00 males.
Cities, villages, and towns
Unincorporated communities
- AnnatonAnnaton, WisconsinAnnaton is an unincorporated community located in the town of Clifton, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- ArthurArthur, Grant County, WisconsinArthur is an unincorporated community located in the town of Lima, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- BigpatchBigpatch, WisconsinBigpatch is an unincorporated community located in the town of Smelser, in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- British HollowBritish Hollow, WisconsinBritish Hollow is an unincorporated community located in the town of Potosi, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- BrodtvilleBrodtville, WisconsinBrodtville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Wyalusing, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Buena VistaBuena Vista, Grant County, WisconsinBuena Vista is an unincorporated community located in the town of Potosi, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- BurtonBurton, WisconsinBurton is an unincorporated community located in the town of Waterloo, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- CentervilleCenterville, Grant County, WisconsinCenterville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Wingville, in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- CorneliaCornelia, WisconsinCornelia is an unincorporated community located in the town of Harrison, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- EllenboroEllenboro (community), WisconsinEllenboro is an unincorporated community located in the town of Ellenboro, Wisconsin, Grant County, Wisconsin. United States....
- ElmoElmo, WisconsinElmo is an unincorporated community located in the town of Smelser, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Fair PlayFair Play, WisconsinFair Play is an unincorporated community located in the town of Jamestown in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States.-Notes:...
- Five PointsFive Points, Grant County, WisconsinFive Points is an unincorporated community in the town of Beetown, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Flora FountainFlora Fountain, WisconsinFlora Fountain is an unincorporated community located in the town of Beetown, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- GeorgetownGeorgetown, Grant County, WisconsinGeorgetown is an unincorporated community located in the town of Smelser, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Glen HavenGlen Haven (community), WisconsinGlen Haven is an unincorporated census-designated place in the town of Glen Haven, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. Glen Haven is located on the Mississippi River northwest of Cassville. Glen Haven has a post office with ZIP code 53810. As of the 2010 census, its population is 73....
- Hickory GroveHickory Grove, Grant County, WisconsinHickory Grove is an unincorporated community located in the town of Hickory Grove, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- HurricaneHurricane, WisconsinHurricane is an unincorporated community located in the town of Beetown, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- KielerKieler, WisconsinKieler is an unincorporated census-designated place in the Town of Jamestown in Grant County, Wisconsin. It is located about seven miles northeast of the Iowa-Wisconsin border and the city of Dubuque, Iowa, and about four miles southwest of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, along U.S. Highway 61 and U.S....
- Lancaster JunctionLancaster Junction, WisconsinLancaster Junction is an unincorporated community located in the town of Fennimore, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- LouisburgLouisburg, WisconsinLouisburg is an unincorporated community in Grant County, Wisconsin, within the town of Jamestown. The zipcode is 53807. Louisburg Creek flows through the area....
- McCartneyMcCartney, WisconsinMcCartney is an unincorporated community located in the town of Waterloo, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- MillvilleMillville (community), WisconsinMillville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Millville, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Mount IdaMount Ida (community), WisconsinMount Ida is an unincorporated community located in the town of Mount Ida in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. It is located along U.S. Route 18....
- Prairie CornersPrairie Corners, WisconsinPrairie Corners is an unincorporated community located in the town of Hazel Green, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- RockvilleRockville, Grant County, WisconsinRockville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Potosi, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- RutledgeRutledge, WisconsinRutledge is an unincorporated community located in the town of Jamestown, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Saint RoseSaint Rose, WisconsinSaint Rose is an unincorporated community located in the town of Smelser, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Sandy HookSandy Hook, WisconsinSandy Hook is a census-designated place in the town of Jamestown, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 185 as of the 2010 census....
- SinsinawaSinsinawa, WisconsinSinsinawa is an unincorporated community in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. The community is in the Town of Jamestown, and the Town of Hazel Green, one mile north of the border with Illinois. The community is 7.5 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa and 6.5 miles west of the village of Hazel Green,...
- StitzerStitzer, WisconsinStitzer is an unincorporated community in the town of Liberty in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
- UnionUnion, Grant County, WisconsinUnion is an unincorporated community located in the town of Lima, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. Union is located at the junction of County Highways A and D north-northwest of Platteville....
- WyalusingWyalusing (community), WisconsinWyalusing is an unincorporated community located in the town of Wyalusing, Grant County, Wisconsin, United States....
Government and infrastructure
The Wisconsin Secure Program FacilityWisconsin Secure Program Facility
The Wisconsin Secure Program Facility , originally the Supermax Correctional Institution, is a Wisconsin Department of Corrections prison for men, located in Boscobel, Wisconsin."." Wisconsin Department of Corrections. Retrieved on October 10, 2010...
(WSPF), a Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is an administrative department in the executive branch of the state of Wisconsin responsible for corrections in Wisconsin, including state prisons. As of 2011, the department is administered by Secretary Gary Hamblin. The DOC secretary is appointed by the...
prison for men, is located in Boscobel
Boscobel, Wisconsin
Boscobel is a city in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,047 at the 2000 census. Approximately 0.6 mi. to the north of the city, across a riparian swamp, is the Wisconsin River. U.S. Route 61 crosses the Wisconsin River at Boscobel. To the south, the city is...
in Grant County.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Grant County, Wisconsin
- Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeUpper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish RefugeThe Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a . 261 river mile long National Wildlife Refuge located in and along the Upper Mississippi River. It runs from Wabasha, Minnesota in the north to Rock Island, Illinois in the south....