Vernon County, Wisconsin

CourthouseVernonCountyWI

USA_Vernon_County,_Wisconsin_age_pyramid

Vernon County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
Wisconsin's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Communities

Cities

• Viroqua
• Hillsboro

Villages

• Coon Valley
• De Soto
• Genoa
• La Farge
• Ontario
• Readstown
• Stoddard
• Viola
• Westby

Towns

• Bergen
• Christiana
• Clinton
• Coon
• Forest
• Franklin
• Genoa
• Greenwood
• Hamburg
• Harmony
• Hillsboro
• Jefferson
• Kickapoo
• Liberty
• Stark
• Sterling
• Union
• Viroqua
• Webster
• Wheatland
• Whitestown

See also

• List of counties in Wisconsin
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Vernon County, Wisconsin
• Kickapoo Valley Reserve

External links

• Vernon County official website