Rusk County

As of the 2020 Census, Rusk County, Wisconsin, had a population of approximately 14,188. The racial composition was about 94.7% White, 1.6% Native American, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race comprised about 1.8% of the population. The median age was 47.5 years, with 23.2% under the age of 18 and 24.4% aged 65 and older. The median household income was approximately $47,876, and the poverty rate stood at around 14.3%.

As of the latest available data, Rusk County, WI has a median home value of approximately $110,000. The median monthly rent is around $675. The homeownership rate is 75%, and about 25% of residents are renters. The housing stock includes a mix of single-family homes, multi-family units, and mobile homes. The county's population density is low, with about 13 people per square mile, and housing availability can vary, especially in more rural areas.

Rusk County, WI, conducts elections for various political positions, including local, state, and federal offices. The County Board of Supervisors consists of 19 members elected from single-member districts. In recent elections, voter turnout has varied; for example, the 2020 presidential election saw about 65% voter participation. Important local positions include the County Sheriff, held by Jeff Wallace, and the District Attorney, currently Annette Barna.

In the 2022 Wisconsin gubernatorial election, incumbent Governor Tony Evers (D) faced Republican challenger Tim Michels. Evers won statewide with approximately 49.5% of the vote against Michels' 48.5%, though local results in Rusk County favored Michels with 60% compared to Evers' 39%.

For updates on candidates and numerical values pertinent to upcoming elections, consult the Rusk County Clerk’s office or official county website.

Rusk County, WI, has varying educational attainment levels. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 88.3% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. About 11.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. For comparison, the national average for high school graduates is around 88.5%, while 33.1% of Americans have a bachelor's degree or higher. In Wisconsin, about 92% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and 29.5% have a bachelor's degree or higher. Therefore, Rusk County trails both the state and national averages in terms of higher education attainment. These figures indicate room for improvement in higher education among Rusk County residents.

As of recent available data, Rusk County, WI has a labor force of approximately 6,300 people, with an unemployment rate hovering around 5.0%, higher than the U.S. average of 4.0% and the Wisconsin state average of 3.3%.

Top industries in Rusk County include:

1. Manufacturing: Employs around 25% of the workforce, notably higher than the national average of about 8.5%.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Engages roughly 20% of workers, consistent with state and national trends.
3. Retail Trade: Represents about 12% of employment, similar to the national average.
4. Educational Services: Accounts for around 10%.

Agriculture also plays a significant role but on a smaller scale compared to manufacturing and healthcare.

Overall, Rusk County has a higher reliance on manufacturing relative to state and national patterns, signaling a robust industrial sector.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Rusk County, WI is approximately $46,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Wisconsin is around $64,000, and the national median household income is about $68,700. This illustrates that Rusk County lags behind both the state and national averages, reflecting economic challenges in this rural area.

The income disparity highlights potential areas for economic development and support needed to boost local earnings and provide better economic parity with state and national figures.

As of recent data, Rusk County, WI, has a lower crime rate compared to both state and national averages. Here's a brief overview of crime statistics for Rusk County:

Violent crimes include offenses like assault, robbery, and homicide. Property crimes encompass theft, burglary, and vehicle theft. The figures reflect a general trend of low crime rates relative to more urbanized areas in Wisconsin. Always refer to the latest statistics for up-to-date information.