Chippewa County, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Chippewa County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. As of 2000, the population was 55,195. Its county seat
is Chippewa Falls
. The United States Census Bureau
's Eau Claire Metropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Chippewa County (as well as Eau Claire County
to the south). Together with the Menomonie
Micropolitan Statistical Area (which includes all of Dunn County) to the west, the Eau Claire
metropolitan area
, forms the Census Bureau's Eau Claire-Menomonie Combined Statistical Area
, which had a consolidated 2010 population of 205,008.
, the county has a total area of 1041 square miles (2,696.2 km²), of which 1010 square miles (2,615.9 km²) is land and 31 square miles (80.3 km²) (2.97%) is water.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 55,195 people, 21,356 households, and 15,013 families residing in the county. The population density
was 55 people per square mile (21/km²). There were 22,821 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.85% White
, 0.16% Black
or African American
, 0.32% Native American
, 0.89% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.17% from other races
, and 0.60% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 44.1% were of German, 15.8% Norwegian and 5.8% Irish
ancestry.
There were 21,356 households out of which 33.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.30% were married couples
living together, 8.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.00 males.
Within the local history collection, there are books about immigration to the region, logging, church and cemetery records, reminiscences by local residents, and a number of histories and biographies compiled by local historians.
Special Collections and Archives also houses numerous archives files which relate to Chippewa County. There are many collections which pertain to logging, the railway industry and agriculture.
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 55,195. 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 Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Chippewa Falls is a city located on the Chippewa River in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 13,661 at the 2010 census. Incorporated as a city in 1869, it is the county seat of Chippewa County....
. The United States Census Bureau
United 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...
's Eau Claire Metropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Chippewa County (as well as Eau Claire County
Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
Eau Claire County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2010, the population estimate was 98,736. Its county seat is Eau Claire....
to the south). Together with the Menomonie
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Two other spellings of the name appear elsewhere, see Menomonee and Menominee. For the town, see Menomonie .Menomonie is a city in and the county seat of Dunn County in the western part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The city's population was 16,264 as of the 2010 census...
Micropolitan Statistical Area (which includes all of Dunn County) to the west, the Eau Claire
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Eau Claire is a city located in the west-central part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 65,883 as of the 2010 census, making it the largest municipality in the northwestern portion of the state, and the 9th largest in the state overall. It is the county seat of Eau Claire County,...
metropolitan area
Metropolitan area
The term metropolitan area refers to a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less-populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure, and housing. A metropolitan area usually encompasses multiple jurisdictions and municipalities: neighborhoods, townships,...
, forms the Census Bureau's Eau Claire-Menomonie Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
, which had a consolidated 2010 population of 205,008.
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 1041 square miles (2,696.2 km²), of which 1010 square miles (2,615.9 km²) is land and 31 square miles (80.3 km²) (2.97%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- 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....
– north - Taylor CountyTaylor County, WisconsinTaylor County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2010, the population was 20,689. Its county seat is Medford.-History:The earliest recorded event in Taylor county probably occurred in 1661, when Wisconsin was part of New France...
– east - Clark County – southeast
- Eau Claire CountyEau Claire County, WisconsinEau Claire County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2010, the population estimate was 98,736. Its county seat is Eau Claire....
– south - Dunn County – west
- Barron County – northwest
Major highways
|
 Highway 64 (Wisconsin)Highway 64 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 64 is a Wisconsin state highway running east–west across central Wisconsin. It is in length. The western end of Highway 64 is located at the Minnesota state line on the Stillwater Bridge in Stillwater, Minnesota. The eastern end is located at U.S...  Highway 27 (Wisconsin)Highway 27 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 27 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The highway spans a length of and is generally two-lane local road with the exception of urban multilane arterials within some cities...  Highway 124 (Wisconsin)Highway 124 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 124 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It runs in north–south in west central Wisconsin from Lake Hallie to near Eagleton, in the Town of Eagle Point. The entire length of the highway is in Chippewa County...  Highway 178 (Wisconsin)Highway 178 (Wisconsin) State Trunk Highway 178 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It runs north–south in west-central Wisconsin from near Chippewa Falls to near Cornell.... |
U.S. Highway 12
U.S. Highway 53
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 55,195 people, 21,356 households, and 15,013 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 55 people per square mile (21/km²). There were 22,821 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.85% 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...
, 0.16% 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...
, 0.32% 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...
, 0.89% 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...
, 0.17% 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 0.60% from two or more races. 0.52% 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. 44.1% were of German, 15.8% Norwegian and 5.8% 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...
ancestry.
There were 21,356 households out of which 33.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.30% 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, 8.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.00 males.
Cities, villages, and towns
Cities
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Villages
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Towns |
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Bloomer (town), Wisconsin Bloomer is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 926 at the 2000 census. The City of Bloomer is also located in Chippewa County, but to the south of the town within the adjacent town of Woodmohr.-Geography:... Cleveland, Chippewa County, Wisconsin Cleveland is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 900 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 56.4 square miles , of which, 54.1 square miles of it is land and 2.2 square miles ... Colburn, Chippewa County, Wisconsin Colburn is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 727 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Colburn and Huron are located in the town... Cooks Valley, Wisconsin Cooks Valley is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 632 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.3 square miles , of which, 34.3 square miles of it is land and 0.03% is... |
Delmar, Wisconsin Delmar is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 941 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Maple Hill is located in the community... Eagle Point, Wisconsin Eagle Point is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 3,049 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Eagleton is located in the town.-Geography:... * Edson, Wisconsin Edson is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 966 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Edson is located in the town.-Education:... Estella, Wisconsin Estella is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 469 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.0 square miles , of which, 31.5 square miles of it is land and 0.5 square miles of... |
Goetz, Wisconsin Goetz is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 695 at the 2000 census. It is served by the School District of Cadott Community.-Geography:... Hallie, Wisconsin Hallie is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Its 2008 population was estimated by the U.S. Census to be 377.-History:In 2000, the town population was 4,703 according to the federal census... * Howard, Chippewa County, Wisconsin Howard is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 648 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Albertville and Howard are located in the town.-History:... Lafayette, Chippewa County, Wisconsin Lafayette is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 5,199 at the 2000 census. The census-designated place known as Lake Wissota is located within the town.-Education:... * |
Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin Lake Holcombe is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,010 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Holcombe is located in the town.-History:... Ruby, Wisconsin Ruby is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 446 at the 2000 census.-History:The unincorporated community of Ruby began as one of many small logging towns in the forests of northwest Wisconsin, where loggers worked in the company town and ran a sawmill... Sampson, Wisconsin Sampson is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 816 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 68.2 square miles , of which 62.5 square miles is land and 5.7 square miles is... Sigel, Chippewa County, Wisconsin Sigel is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 825 at the 2000 census.-History:Founded on January 3, 1863; the town it is presumed was named after Franz Sigel, a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War.... |
Tilden, Wisconsin Tilden is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,185 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Tilden is located in the town.-Geography:... * Wheaton, Wisconsin Wheaton is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,366 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Old Albertville and Pine Grove are located in the town.-Geography:... * Woodmohr, Wisconsin Woodmohr is a town in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 883 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.4 square miles , of which, 35.3 square miles of it is land and 0.1 square miles ... |
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Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls metropolitan area The Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls metropolitan area refers loosely to the urbanized area along the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, in west-central Wisconsin, with its primary center at Eau Claire and secondary centers at Chippewa Falls and Altoona.... . |
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Unincorporated communities
- AlbertvilleAlbertville, WisconsinAlbertville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Albertville, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- BrownvilleBrownville, WisconsinBrownville is an unincorporated community located in the towns of Colburn and Delmar, in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- ColburnColburn (community), WisconsinColburn is an unincorporated community located in the town of Colburn, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- CrescentCrescent, Chippewa County, WisconsinCrescent is an unincorporated community located in the town of Arthur, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- DrywoodDrywood, WisconsinDrywood is an unincorporated community located in the town of Arthur, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- EagletonEagleton, WisconsinEagleton is an unincorporated community located in the town of Eagle Point, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States. Eagleton is located on Wisconsin Highway 124 north of Chippewa Falls....
- EdsonEdson (community), WisconsinEdson is an unincorporated community located in the town of Edson, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- HolcombeHolcombe, WisconsinHolcombe is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States. Holcombe is located on the Chippewa River north-northeast of Cornell, in the town of Lake Holcombe. Holcombe has a post office with ZIP code 54745. As of the 2010 census, its population was...
- HowardHoward (community), Chippewa County, WisconsinHoward is an unincorporated community located in the town of Howard, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- HuronHuron, WisconsinHuron is an unincorporated community located in the town of Colburn, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Jim FallsJim Falls, WisconsinJim Falls is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States. Jim Falls is located on the Chippewa River northeast of Chippewa Falls, in the town of Anson. Jim Falls has a post office with ZIP code 54748. As of the 2010 census, its population was 237....
* - Lake WissotaLake Wissota, WisconsinLake Wissota is a census-designated place in the town of Lafayette in Chippewa County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,738 at the 2010 census...
* - Maple HillMaple Hill, WisconsinMaple Hill is an unincorporated community located in the town of Delmar, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Old AlbertvilleOld Albertville, WisconsinOld Albertville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Wheaton, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- Pine GrovePine Grove, Chippewa County, WisconsinPine Grove is an unincorporated community located in the town of Wheaton, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States....
- TildenTilden (community), WisconsinTilden is an unincorporated community located in the town of Tilden, Chippewa County, Wisconsin, United States. Tilden is located on County Highway Q near U.S. Route 53, north-northwest of Chippewa Falls....
Economy
The largest employers in Chippewa County are:| 1 | TTM Advanced Circuits |
| 2 | Chippewa Falls Public Schools |
| 3 | Saint Joseph's Hospital |
| 4 | 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... |
| 5 | Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000... |
| 6 | Mason Companies Inc Shoemall ShoeMall.com is an online shop for men’s and women’s footwear based at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. They are an entirely web based retailer developed in 1999 by parent company- Mason Companies.- History :... |
| 7 | Chippewa County |
| 8 | Mayo Health System Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice and medical research group specializing in treating difficult patients . Patients are referred to Mayo Clinic from across the U.S. and the world, and it is known for innovative and effective treatments. Mayo Clinic is known for being at the top of... |
| 9 | Silicon Graphics International Silicon Graphics International Silicon Graphics International Corp. , is an American manufacturer of computer hardware and software, including high-performance computing solutions, x86-based servers for datacenter deployment, and visualization products... |
| 10 | Cooperative Educational Service Agency #10 |
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Special Collections and Archives
UWEC's Special Collections and Archives, located on the fifth floor of McIntyre Library, houses an extensive collection of public records, books and collections relating Chippewa County. In addition to vital records (birth and marriage) dating to 1907, there are also naturalization records, census records, and civil and circuit court records. These resources are very popular with local genealogists.Within the local history collection, there are books about immigration to the region, logging, church and cemetery records, reminiscences by local residents, and a number of histories and biographies compiled by local historians.
Special Collections and Archives also houses numerous archives files which relate to Chippewa County. There are many collections which pertain to logging, the railway industry and agriculture.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Chippewa County, Wisconsin