Neha Patil (Editor)

Polk County, Wisconsin

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Founded
  
1853

Congressional district
  
7th

Website
  
www.co.polk.wi.us

Population
  
43,476 (2013)

Largest city
  
Amery

Named for
  
James K. Polk

Time zone
  
Central: UTC-6/-5

Area
  
2,476 km²

County seat
  
Balsam Lake

Unemployment rate
  
4.7% (Apr 2015)

Polk County, Wisconsin httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Destinations
  
St Croix Falls, Osceola, Turtle Lake, Luck, Interstate Park

Points of interest
  
Trollhaugen, Dancing Dragonfly Winery, St Croix National Scenic Ri, Osceola Wheels and Wings, St Croix Mini Golf & Go Carts

Polk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2010 census, the population was 44,205. Its county seat is Balsam Lake. The county was created in 1853.

Contents

Map of Polk County, WI, USA

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 956 square miles (2,480 km2), of which 914 square miles (2,370 km2) is land and 42 square miles (110 km2) (4.4%) is water.

Adjacent counties

  • Burnett County - north
  • Barron County - east
  • Dunn County - southeast
  • St. Croix County - south
  • Washington County, Minnesota - southwest
  • Chisago County, Minnesota - west
  • Airports

  • Amery Municipal Airport (KAHH) serves the county and surrounding communities.
  • L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport (KOEO).
  • National protected area

  • Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (part)
  • Demographics

    As of the 2000 census, there were 41,319 people, 16,254 households, and 11,329 families residing in the county. The population density was 45 people per square mile (17/km²). There were 21,129 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.64% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 1.06% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 31.4% were of German, 18.6% Norwegian, 11.3% Swedish, 5.5% Irish and 5.3% American ancestry according to Census 2000.

    There were 16,254 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.20% were married couples living together, 7.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.30% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.01.

    In the county, the population was spread out with 26.20% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 99.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.50 males.

    Cities

  • Amery
  • St. Croix Falls
  • Census-designated place

  • Lewis
  • Notable residents

  • Arnold Franz Brasz (1888–1966), a prominent painter, sculptor, and printmaker was born in Polk County on July 19, 1888
  • George A. Nelson (1873-1962) — the 1936 candidate for Vice President of the United States of the Socialist Party of America was born in rural Polk County and was a dairy farmer there.
  • References

    Polk County, Wisconsin Wikipedia