Rusk County, Wisconsin

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Rusk County, Wisconsin is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,188. The county seat is Ladysmith. The county was created in 1901 and named after Jeremiah M. Rusk, the 15th Governor of Wisconsin and the first United States Secretary of Agriculture.

History

Rusk County was originally part of Chippewa County. It was established as Gates County in 1901 and renamed Rusk County in 1905 in honor of Jeremiah M. Rusk. The area was historically inhabited by the Ojibwe people before European settlers arrived.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 931 square miles (2,410 km²), of which 914 square miles (2,370 km²) is land and 17 square miles (44 km²) (1.8%) is water. The Flambeau River runs through the county, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

Adjacent counties

• Sawyer County - north
• Price County - east
• Taylor County - southeast
• Chippewa County - south
• Barron County - west
• Washburn County - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 14,188 people, 6,200 households, and 3,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 15.5 people per square mile (6.0/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and other races.

Economy

The economy of Rusk County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its dairy farms, logging industry, and outdoor recreational activities.

Education

Rusk County is served by several school districts, including the Ladysmith School District, Flambeau School District, and Bruce School District. Higher education opportunities are available at nearby institutions such as University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin–Stout.

Transportation

Major highways in Rusk County include U.S. Route 8 and Wisconsin Highway 27. The county is also served by the Rusk County Airport.

Communities

Cities

• Ladysmith

Villages

• Bruce
• Glen Flora
• Hawkins
• Sheldon
• Tony
• Weyerhaeuser

Towns

• Atlanta
• Big Bend
• Big Falls
• Dewey
• Flambeau
• Grant
• Grow
• Hawkins
• Hubbard
• Lawrence
• Marshall
• Murry
• Richland
• Rusk
• South Fork
• Strickland
• Stubbs
• Thornapple
• True
• Washington
• Willard

Unincorporated communities

• Apollonia
• Ingram
• Imalone
• Perkins
• Port Arthur
• South Fork
• Strickland

See also

• List of counties in Wisconsin
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Rusk County, Wisconsin