Vernon County, Wisconsin

Vernon County
Vernon County
U.S. county
	Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
	Wisconsin's location within the U.S.
	Coordinates: Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 611: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Country	United States ;
State	Wisconsin
Founded	1851
Seat	Viroqua
Largest city	Viroqua
Area
• Total	816 sq mi (2,110 km2)
• Land	792 sq mi (2,050 km2)
• Water	24 sq mi (60 km2)
Population (2020)
• Total	30,714
• Density	38.8/sq mi (15.0/km2)
Website	www.vernoncounty.org

CourthouseVernonCountyWI

USA_Vernon_County,_Wisconsin_age_pyramid

Vernon County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,714. The county seat is Viroqua. The county was created in 1851 and named for the French word for "green," ver, to reflect the area's lush vegetation.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Vernon County covers an area of 816 square miles, of which 792 square miles is land and 24 square miles is water. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, valleys, and numerous rivers and streams, including the Kickapoo River.

History[edit | edit source]

Vernon County was originally part of Crawford County and was established as a separate entity in 1851. The county has a rich history of agriculture, particularly dairy farming, and has been influenced by various waves of immigration, including Norwegian and German settlers.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2020 census, Vernon County had a population of 30,714. The population density was 38.8 people per square mile. The county's demographic makeup includes a mix of rural and small-town communities.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Vernon County is largely based on agriculture, with dairy farming being a significant industry. In recent years, there has been a growth in organic farming and local food movements. The county also has a number of small businesses and is known for its artisan crafts and local markets.

Education[edit | edit source]

Vernon County is served by several school districts, including the Viroqua Area School District and the Westby Area School District. Higher education opportunities are available at nearby institutions such as University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

The county is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 14 and U.S. Route 61. Public transportation options are limited, but there are local bus services and regional airports in nearby cities.