Burnett County, Wisconsin

Burnett County, Wisconsin

Burnett County, Wisconsin is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 17,935. The county seat is Siren. The county was created in 1856 and named after Thomas P. Burnett, a Wisconsin territorial legislator.

Geography

Burnett County covers an area of approximately 880 square miles, of which 822 square miles is land and 58 square miles is water. The county is characterized by its numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities.

Adjacent counties

• Douglas County - north
• Washburn County - east
• Barron County - southeast
• Polk County - south
• Chisago County, Minnesota - southwest
• Pine County, Minnesota - west

Major highways

• U.S. Route 63
• Wisconsin Highway 35
• Wisconsin Highway 70

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Burnett County had a population of 17,935 people. The population density was 21.8 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and other races.

Communities

Burnett County is home to several communities, including:

Villages

• Grantsburg
• Siren (county seat)
• Webster

Towns

• Anderson
• Blaine
• Daniels
• Dewey
• Jackson
• La Follette
• Lincoln
• Meenon
• Oakland
• Roosevelt
• Rusk
• Sand Lake
• Scott
• Siren
• Swiss
• Trade Lake
• Union
• Webb Lake
• West Marshland
• Wood River

Unincorporated communities

• Alpha
• Falun
• Fremstadt
• Hertel
• Lind
• Loraine
• Lundquist
• Yellow Lake

Government and politics

Burnett County is governed by a board of supervisors, with representatives elected from various districts within the county. The county government is responsible for providing essential services such as law enforcement, public health, and infrastructure maintenance.

Education

Burnett County is served by several school districts, including the Grantsburg School District, Siren School District, and Webster School District. These districts provide education from elementary through high school levels.

Recreation and tourism

Burnett County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. The county is home to several state parks and wildlife areas, such as the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area and the Governor Knowles State Forest.