Rock County, Wisconsin

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Rock County, Wisconsin
County
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
CountryUnited States
StateWisconsin
Founded1836
County seatJanesville
Area
 • Total726 sq mi (1,880 km2)
 • Land718 sq mi (1,860 km2)
 • Water8.4 sq mi (22 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total163,687
 • Density230/sq mi (87/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central)


Rock County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 163,687. The county seat is Janesville. The county was created in 1836 and organized in 1839.

History[edit | edit source]

Rock County was established in 1836 and named for the Rock River, which runs through the county. The area was originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi tribes before European settlers arrived.

Geography[edit | edit source]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 726 square miles (1,880 km²), of which 718 square miles (1,860 km²) is land and 8.4 square miles (22 km²) (1.2%) is water. The county is part of the Driftless Area, a region that was not glaciated during the last ice age.

Adjacent counties[edit | edit source]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, there were 163,687 people, 64,187 households, and 41,307 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile (88/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.2% White, 5.1% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.2% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. 8.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Government[edit | edit source]

Rock County is governed by a Board of Supervisors consisting of 29 members, each elected from single-member districts. The county also has an elected County Executive.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Rock County is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Major employers include Mercyhealth, General Motors, and Blain's Farm & Fleet.

Education[edit | edit source]

Rock County is served by several school districts, including the Janesville School District and the Beloit School District. Higher education institutions include University of Wisconsin–Rock County and Beloit College.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Major highways in Rock County include Interstate 39, Interstate 90, and Interstate 43. The county is also served by the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport.

Communities[edit | edit source]

Cities[edit | edit source]

Villages[edit | edit source]

Towns[edit | edit source]

Census-designated places[edit | edit source]

Unincorporated communities[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD