Sauk County, Wisconsin

Sauk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 64,442. Its county seat and largest city is Baraboo. The county was created in 1840 from a portion of Crawford County and organized in 1844.

History

Sauk County is named after the Sauk people, a Native American tribe. The area was originally inhabited by the Sauk and other Native American tribes before European settlers arrived in the early 19th century. The county played a significant role in the Black Hawk War as it was a site of several battles and events.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 844 square miles, of which 830 square miles is land and 14 square miles (1.7%) is water. It features a varied landscape of rolling hills, forests, and farmlands. Notable geographic features include the Wisconsin River, which bisects the county from north to south.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 64,442 people, 25,746 households, and 16,297 families residing in the county. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were a part of the population.

Economy

The economy of Sauk County is diverse, with major sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture. The county is known for its dairy farms and agricultural produce. Tourism is also a significant industry, driven by attractions such as Devil's Lake State Park, which is one of the oldest and most popular state parks in Wisconsin.

Education

Sauk County is served by several school districts, including Baraboo School District, Reedsburg School District, and Sauk Prairie School District. Higher education is provided by the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County.

Transportation

Major highways such as Interstate 90/94 and U.S. Highway 12 facilitate transportation in and out of the county. The county also has several state highways that provide connectivity to other parts of Wisconsin.

Communities

Sauk County includes a mix of cities, villages, and towns. Cities in the county include Baraboo and Reedsburg. There are also several villages such as Sauk City and Prairie du Sac.

See also

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