Bayfield County, Wisconsin

Bayfield_County_WI_Courthouse

WIS_27

USA_Bayfield_County,_Wisconsin_age_pyramid

Bayfield_County_Wisconsin_Sign_US2_WIS13

Bayfield County is a county located in the northern part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,220. The county seat is Washburn. The county was created in 1845 and organized in 1850. It is named after Henry Bayfield, a British Royal Topographic Engineer who surveyed the Great Lakes in the early 19th century.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Bayfield County is known for its diverse geography, which includes forests, lakes, and rivers. The county is part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which offers numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is also located in Bayfield County, providing access to the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.

Adjacent counties[edit | edit source]

Ashland County - east
Sawyer County - south
Douglas County - west
Iron County - southeast

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, Bayfield County had a population of 16,220 people. The population density was 10.5 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, and other racial groups.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Bayfield County is largely based on tourism, agriculture, and forestry. The presence of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore attracts many visitors each year. Agriculture in the county includes dairy farming, berry farming, and other forms of crop production.

Education[edit | edit source]

Bayfield County is served by several school districts, including the Bayfield School District, the Washburn School District, and the Drummond Area School District. The county also has access to higher education institutions such as Northland College in nearby Ashland.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Bayfield County is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 2 and Wisconsin Highway 13. The county also has a number of local roads and trails that provide access to its natural attractions.