Founded 1818 Congressional district 3rd Area 1,551 km² County seat Prairie du Chien | Named for William H. Crawford Time zone Central: UTC-6/-5 Population 16,397 (2013) Largest city Prairie du Chien | |
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Website www.crawfordcountywi.org Rivers Wisconsin River, Kickapoo River, Tainter Creek Destinations Prairie du Chien, Ferryville, Pikes Peak State Park, Gays Mills, De Soto Points of interest Fort Crawford, Wyalusing State Park, Pikes Peak State Park, Villa Louis, St Feriole Island Park | ||
Crawford County is a county in the southwest part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2010 census, the population was 16,644. Its county seat is Prairie du Chien.
Contents
Map of Crawford County, WI, USA
History
Along with Brown County, Crawford County is one of Wisconsin's original counties, established by the Michigan Territorial legislature in 1818, and named after William H. Crawford, James Monroe's Treasurer at the time. It originally covered the western half of Wisconsin's present area. In 1836, it was transferred to the newly formed Wisconsin Territory as Michigan prepared for statehood and has gradually been subdivided into its present area.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 599 square miles (1,550 km2), of which 571 square miles (1,480 km2) is land and 29 square miles (75 km2) (4.8%) is water. The county's highest point is near St. James Church in Rising Sun.
Three rivers run through the county: The Kickapoo River, nicknamed "the crookedest river in Wisconsin" was carved out by glacial run-off. It is considered one of the best Class 1 paddling rivers in the Midwest.
Adjacent counties
Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 16,644 people, 6,677 households, and 4,613 families residing in the county. The population density was 12/km² (30/sq mi). There were 8,480 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 96.61% White, 1.78% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. 0.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 33.6% were of German, 16.0% Norwegian, 11.4% Irish, 7.2% Czech, 7.2% English and 6.4% United States or American ancestry.
There were 6,677 households out of which 31.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.25% under the age of 20, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 26.20% from 20 to 44, 31.16% from 45 to 64, and 18.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 102.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.30 males.
Airport
Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport (KPDC) serves Crawford County and the surrounding communities.