Lafayette County, Wisconsin

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Lafayette County, Wisconsin

Lafayette County, Wisconsin is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,611. Its county seat is Darlington. The county was created in 1846 from Iowa County and is named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought alongside the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Geography

Lafayette County covers an area of approximately 635 square miles (1,645 km²), of which 634 square miles (1,642 km²) is land and 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) (0.2%) is water. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and numerous rivers and streams, including the Pecatonica River and the Fever River.

Adjacent counties

• Grant County - west
• Iowa County - north
• Green County - east
• Jo Daviess County, Illinois - south

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Lafayette County had a population of 16,611 people, with a population density of 26.2 inhabitants per square mile (10.1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of other racial and ethnic groups.

Communities

Lafayette County includes several municipalities, including cities, villages, and towns.

Cities

• Darlington (county seat)
• Shullsburg

Villages

• Argyle
• Belmont
• Benton
• Blanchardville (partly in Iowa County)
• Gratiot
• South Wayne

Towns

• Argyle
• Belmont
• Benton
• Blanchard
• Darlington
• Elk Grove
• Fayette
• Gratiot
• Kendall
• Lamont
• Monticello
• New Diggings
• Seymour
• Shullsburg
• Wayne
• White Oak Springs
• Willow Springs

Unincorporated communities

• Calamine
• Lead Mine
• Red Rock
• Woodford

Economy

The economy of Lafayette County is primarily based on agriculture, with dairy farming being a significant component. The county is also known for its mining history, particularly lead mining, which played a crucial role in its early development.

Education

Lafayette County is served by several school districts, including the Darlington Community School District, Belmont Community School District, and Argyle School District. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby counties, including University of Wisconsin–Platteville in Grant County.

Transportation

Major highways in Lafayette County include U.S. Route 151, Wisconsin Highway 11, and Wisconsin Highway 23. The county is also served by several county highways and local roads.

Related Pages

• Darlington, Wisconsin
• Grant County, Wisconsin
• Iowa County, Wisconsin
• Green County, Wisconsin
• Jo Daviess County, Illinois
• Pecatonica River
• Fever River