Washburn County, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Washburn County is a county
in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. As of 2000, the population was 16,036. Its county seat
is Shell Lake
.
, the county has a total area of 853 square miles (2,209.3 km²), of which 810 square miles (2,097.9 km²) is land and 43 square miles (111.4 km²) (5.08%) is water.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 16,036 people, 6,604 households, and 4,530 families residing in the county. The population density
was 20 people per square mile (8/km²). There were 10,814 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.27% White
, 0.17% Black
or African American
, 1.01% Native American
, 0.19% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.12% from other races
, and 1.22% from two or more races. 0.89% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 33.9% were of German, 11.4% Norwegian, 7.0% Irish
, 6.2% Swedish, 6.1% English
and 5.6% American
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 6,604 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples
living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 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 16,036. 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 Shell Lake
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Shell Lake is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,309 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washburn County.-Geography:Shell Lake is located at ....
.
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 853 square miles (2,209.3 km²), of which 810 square miles (2,097.9 km²) is land and 43 square miles (111.4 km²) (5.08%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Douglas County - north
- Bayfield County - northeast
- Sawyer CountySawyer County, WisconsinSawyer County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 16,196. Its county seat is Hayward.-History:The county is named for Philetus Sawyer, who represented Wisconsin in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate in the 19th century.-Geography:According to...
- east - Rusk CountyRusk County, WisconsinRusk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 15,347. Its county seat is Ladysmith. Founded in 1901, Rusk County was originally named "Gates" County. It was formed out of the northern portion of Chippewa County....
- southeast - Barron County - south
- Burnett County - west
Major highways
|
 Highway 48 (Wisconsin)Highway 48 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 48 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It runs east–west in northwest Wisconsin from Grantsburg to Exeland....  Highway 77 (Wisconsin)Highway 77 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 77 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It runs east–west in northwest Wisconsin from the Michigan border in Hurley to the Minnesota border near Danbury....  Highway 253 (Wisconsin)Highway 253 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 253 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It runs north–south in west central Wisconsin from Sarona to Spooner.... |
U.S. Highway 53
U.S. Highway 63
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 16,036 people, 6,604 households, and 4,530 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 20 people per square mile (8/km²). There were 10,814 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.27% 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...
, 0.17% 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...
, 1.01% 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...
, 0.19% 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...
, 0.02% 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...
, 0.12% 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 1.22% from two or more races. 0.89% 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. 33.9% were of German, 11.4% Norwegian, 7.0% 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...
, 6.2% Swedish, 6.1% 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...
and 5.6% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 6,604 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% 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, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.
Cities, villages, and towns
- BarronettBarronett, WisconsinBarronett is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 405 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.7 square miles , of which, 32.8 square miles of it is land and 0.9 square miles of it...
- BashawBashaw, WisconsinBashaw is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 921 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.9 square miles , of which, 33.5 square miles of it is land and 0.4 square miles of it ...
- Bass LakeBass Lake, Washburn County, WisconsinBass Lake is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 535 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.2 square miles , of which, 32.3 square miles of it is land and 0.8 square miles of it...
- Beaver BrookBeaver Brook, WisconsinBeaver Brook is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 643 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Chicago Junction is located in the town.-Geography:...
- Birchwood (town)Birchwood (town), WisconsinBirchwood is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 453 at the 2000 census. The Village of Birchwood is located within the town.-Geography:...
- BirchwoodBirchwood, WisconsinBirchwood is a village in Washburn County, Wisconsin, USA. The population was 518 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Birchwood.-Geography:Birchwood is located at ....
- BrooklynBrooklyn, Washburn County, WisconsinBrooklyn is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 281 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.3 square miles , of which, 35.7 square miles of it is land and 0.6 square miles of it ...
- CaseyCasey, WisconsinCasey is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 466 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, 31.1 square miles of it is land and 3.0 square miles of it is...
- ChicogChicog, WisconsinChicog is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 268 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 45.6 square miles , of which, 43.6 square miles of it is land and 2.0 square miles of it ...
- CrystalCrystal, WisconsinCrystal is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 323 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, 35.1 square miles of it is land and 0.6 square miles of it ...
- EvergreenEvergreen, Washburn County, WisconsinEvergreen is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,076 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.9 square miles , of which, 33.6 square miles of it is land and 1.3 square miles of...
- Frog CreekFrog Creek, WisconsinFrog Creek is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 160 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Chittamo is located in the town.-Geography:...
- Gull LakeGull Lake, WisconsinGull Lake is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 158 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.2 square miles , of which, 35.0 square miles of it is land and 1.2 square miles of it...
- Long LakeLong Lake, Washburn County, WisconsinLong Lake is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 737 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.8 square miles , of which, 32.6 square miles of it is land and 5.1 square miles of it...
- MadgeMadge, WisconsinMadge is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 454 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.1 square miles , of which, 32.0 square miles of it is land and 2.1 square miles of it is...
- Minong (town)Minong (town), WisconsinMinong is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 858 at the 2000 census. The Village of Minong is located within the town.U.S...
- MinongMinong, WisconsinMinong is a village in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 531 at the 2000 census. The village is located within the Town of Minong.U.S...
- SaronaSarona, WisconsinSarona is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 382 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Sarona is located in the town.-Geography:...
- Shell LakeShell Lake, WisconsinShell Lake is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,309 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Washburn County.-Geography:Shell Lake is located at ....
- Spooner (town)Spooner (town), WisconsinSpooner is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 677 at the 2000 census. The City of Spooner is located mostly within the southwest corner of the town.-Geography:...
- SpoonerSpooner, WisconsinSpooner is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,653 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly within the southwest corner of the Town of Spooner, with a small portion extending into the Town of Beaver Brook on the south, the Town of Bashaw on the southwest,...
- SpringbrookSpringbrook, WisconsinSpringbrook is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 536 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Earl and Springbrook are located in the town.-Geography:...
- StinnettStinnett, WisconsinStinnett is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 263 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Stanberry is located in the town.-Geography:...
- Stone LakeStone Lake, WisconsinStone Lake is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 544 at the 2000 census. The census-designated place of Stone Lake is located partially in the town.-Geography:...
- TregoTrego, WisconsinTrego is a town in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 885 at the 2000 census. The census-designated place of Trego is located in the town.-Geography:...
Unincorporated communities
- Chicago JunctionChicago Junction, WisconsinChicago Junction is an unincorporated community located in the town of Beaver Brook, Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States....
- ChittamoChittamo, WisconsinChittamo is an unincorporated community located in the town of Frog Creek, Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States....
- EarlEarl, WisconsinEarl is an unincorporated community located in the town of Springbrook, Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. Earl is located at the junction of U.S. Route 63 and County Highway E northeast of Spooner; the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad runs through the community. Earl had a post office,...
- SaronaSarona (community), WisconsinSarona is an unincorporated community located in the town of Sarona, Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. Sarona is located on U.S. Route 53 east-southeast of Shell Lake. Sarona has a post office with ZIP code 54870....
- SpringbrookSpringbrook (community), WisconsinSpringbrook is an unincorporated community located in the town of Springbrook, Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. Springbrook is located on U.S. Route 63 northeast of Spooner. Springbrook has a post office with ZIP code 54875....
- StanberryStanberry, WisconsinStanberry is an unincorporated community located in the town of Stinnett, Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. Stanberry is located on County Highway M west of Hayward....
- Stone LakeStone Lake (community), WisconsinStone Lake is an unincorporated census-designated place in Sawyer and Washburn counties, Wisconsin, United States. Stone Lake is located on the eastern shore of Stone Lake and along Wisconsin Highway 70, west-northwest of Couderay. The Sawyer County portion of the community is located in the town...
- Trego
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washburn County, Wisconsin