Monroe County, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Monroe County is a county
in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. As of 2000, the population was 40,899. Its county seat
is Sparta
.
, the county has a total area of 908 square miles (2,351.7 km²), of which 901 square miles (2,333.6 km²) is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) (0.83%) is water.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 40,899 people, 15,399 households, and 10,794 families residing in the county. The population density
was 45 people per square mile (18/km²). There were 16,672 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.52% White
, 0.46% Black
or African American
, 0.92% Native American
, 0.48% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 0.85% from other races
, and 0.74% from two or more races. 1.81% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 45.5% were of German, 13.4% Norwegian, 7.6% Irish
, 6.3% American
and 5.0% English
ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.9% spoke English
, 3.1% German
and 2.2% Spanish
as their first language.
There were 15,399 households out of which 34.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples
living together, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.90% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.10% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 101.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.60 males.
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...
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 40,899. 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 Sparta
Sparta, Wisconsin
Sparta is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States, along the La Crosse River. The population was 9,522 at the 2010 census.-Notable people:*William Hawley Atwell, U.S. District Court Judge in Texas*Larry Baumel, NASCAR...
.
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 908 square miles (2,351.7 km²), of which 901 square miles (2,333.6 km²) is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) (0.83%) is water.
Major highways
U.S. Highway 12
Adjacent counties
- Jackson CountyJackson County, WisconsinJackson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2009, the population estimate was 19,886. Its county seat is Black River Falls. Jackson County was formed from Crawford County in 1853.-Geography:According to the U.S...
- north - Juneau CountyJuneau County, WisconsinJuneau County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2000 census, the population was 24,316. Its county seat is Mauston. It should not, however, be confused with the city of Juneau, Wisconsin, to which it has no connection.-Geography:...
- east - Vernon CountyVernon County, WisconsinVernon County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2009, the population estimate was 29,324. Its county seat is Viroqua.-History:...
- south - La Crosse County - 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 40,899 people, 15,399 households, and 10,794 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 45 people per square mile (18/km²). There were 16,672 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.52% 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...
, 0.46% 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...
, 0.92% 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...
, 0.48% 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...
, 0.04% 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...
, 0.85% 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 0.74% from two or more races. 1.81% 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. 45.5% were of German, 13.4% Norwegian, 7.6% 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...
, 6.3% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 5.0% 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...
ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.9% spoke English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, 3.1% German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
and 2.2% Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
as their first language.
There were 15,399 households out of which 34.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% 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, 8.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.90% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.10% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 101.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.60 males.
Cities, villages, and towns
- AdrianAdrian, WisconsinAdrian is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 682 at the 2000 Census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.3 square miles , of which, 35.3 square miles of it is land and 0.03% is...
- AngeloAngelo, WisconsinAngelo is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,268 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.8 square miles , of which, 34.7 square miles of it is land and 0.1 square miles of it ...
- ByronByron, Monroe County, WisconsinByron is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,394 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Shennington and Valley Junction are located in the town.-Geography:...
- CashtonCashton, WisconsinCashton is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,005 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Cashton is located at ....
- CliftonClifton, Monroe County, WisconsinClifton is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 693 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.1 square miles , all of it land....
- GlendaleGlendale, Monroe County, WisconsinGlendale is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 579 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.7 square miles , of which, 35.6 square miles of it is land and 0.03% is...
- GrantGrant, Monroe County, WisconsinGrant is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 483 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.9 square miles , of which, 35.7 square miles of it is land and 0.2 square miles of it is...
- GreenfieldGreenfield, Monroe County, WisconsinGreenfield is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 626 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Tunnel City is located within the town.-Geography:...
- JeffersonJefferson, Monroe County, WisconsinJefferson is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 800 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of St...
- KendallKendall, Monroe County, WisconsinKendall is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Baraboo River. The population was 469 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Kendall is located at ....
- La GrangeLa Grange, Monroe County, WisconsinLa Grange is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,761 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.5 square miles , of which, 29.9 square miles of it is land and 1.6 square miles of it...
- LafayetteLafayette, Monroe County, WisconsinLafayette is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 318 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.3 square miles , of which, 35.3 square miles of it is land and 0.04 square miles of it ...
- LeonLeon, Monroe County, WisconsinLeon is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 858 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Leon is located in the town.-Geography:...
- LincolnLincoln, Monroe County, WisconsinLincoln is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 827 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Kirby is located in the town.-Geography:...
- Little FallsLittle Falls, WisconsinLittle Falls is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,334 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Cataract, and Four Corners are located in the town.-Geography:...
- MelvinaMelvina, WisconsinMelvina is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 87 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Melvina is located at ....
- New LymeNew Lyme, WisconsinNew Lyme is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 141 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.1 square miles , of which, 35.6 square miles of it is land and 0.5 square miles of it ...
- NorwalkNorwalk, WisconsinNorwalk is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 653 at the 2000 census.-History:Norwalk, Wisconsin was given its name by Selium McGary, one of the pioneers of Monroe County, who named it after Norwalk, Ohio, where he had previously lived...
- Oakdale (town)Oakdale (town), WisconsinOakdale is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 679 at the 2000 census. The Village of Oakdale is located within the town.-Geography:...
- OakdaleOakdale, WisconsinOakdale is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 402 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Oakdale.-Geography:Oakdale is located at ....
- PortlandPortland, Monroe County, WisconsinPortland is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 686 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Portland is located in the town.-Geography:...
- RidgevilleRidgeville, WisconsinRidgeville is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 491 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.2 square miles , of which, 34.2 square miles of it is land and 0.04 square miles of it...
- ScottScott, Monroe County, WisconsinScott is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 117 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Norway Ridge is located in the town.-Geography:...
- SheldonSheldon, Monroe County, WisconsinSheldon is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 682 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Oil City, Wisconsin is located within the town of Sheldon.-Geography:...
- Sparta (city)Sparta, WisconsinSparta is a city in and the county seat of Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States, along the La Crosse River. The population was 9,522 at the 2010 census.-Notable people:*William Hawley Atwell, U.S. District Court Judge in Texas*Larry Baumel, NASCAR...
- Sparta (town)Sparta (town), WisconsinSparta is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,750 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 127.6 km² , all land...
- Tomah (town)Tomah (town), WisconsinTomah is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,194 at the 2000 census. The city of Tomah, Wisconsin lies partially within its limits.-Geography:...
- TomahTomah, WisconsinTomah is a city in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 9,093. The city is located partially within the Town of Tomah.-Education:...
- WarrensWarrens, WisconsinWarrens is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States off I-94. The population was 286 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Warrens is located at ....
- WellingtonWellington, WisconsinWellington is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 544 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.4 square miles , all of it land....
- WellsWells, WisconsinWells is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 529 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.7 square miles , all of it land....
- Wilton (town)Wilton (town), WisconsinWilton is a town in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 925 at the 2008 census. The Village of Wilton is located partially within the town.-Geography:...
- WiltonWilton, WisconsinWilton is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 519 at the 2000 census. The village is located partially within the Town of Wilton and partially within the Town of Wellington.-Geography:...
- WyevilleWyeville, WisconsinWyeville is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 146 at the 2000 census. It takes its name from the railroad wye where rail lines of the former Chicago and North Western Transportation Company, now Union Pacific Railway, cross.-Geography:Wyeville is located at ...
Unincorporated communities
- CataractCataract, WisconsinCataract is an unincorporated census-designated place in the town of Little Falls in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population is 186.-Attractions:...
- Four CornersFour Corners, Monroe County, WisconsinFour Corners is an unincorporated community located in the town of Little Falls, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. Four Corners is located at the junction of Wisconsin Highway 71 and Wisconsin Highway 162 southeast of Melrose....
- KirbyKirby, WisconsinKirby is an unincorporated community located in the town of Lincoln, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States....
- LeonLeon (community), WisconsinLeon is an unincorporated community located in the town of Leon, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Norway RidgeNorway Ridge, WisconsinNorway Ridge is an unincorporated community located in the town of Scott, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Oil CityOil City, WisconsinOil City is an unincorporated community in the Town of Sheldon in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. It was the site of a nineteenth century oil swindle. It is located about halfway between Wilton and Ontario on WI-131....
- PortlandPortland (community), Monroe County, WisconsinPortland is an unincorporated community located in the town of Portland, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States....
- St. Mary's
- ShenningtonShennington, WisconsinShennington is an unincorporated community located in the town of Byron, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Tunnel CityTunnel City, WisconsinTunnel City is an unincorporated census-designated place in the town of Greenfield, in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States, named for the train tunnel just to the west which was used by the Chicago and North Western Railway and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad...
- Valley JunctionValley Junction, WisconsinValley Junction is an unincorporated community located in the town of Byron, Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States....
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Monroe County, Wisconsin