County · Wisconsin
Washburn County, Wisconsin
Washburn County, Wisconsin. Washburn County had 17,087 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 2.8% since 2020, faster than Wisconsin (+1.3%). It holds 28 places (4 cities, villages and boroughs, 21 towns and townships and 3 census-designated) and 6 census tracts. GEOID 55129.
Residents, July 2025 estimate
17,087
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 16,623 · ACS 2020-2024: 16,854
Median household income
$63,441
±$3,789 (90% margin)
Wisconsin: $77,485
Median home value
$226,100
±$7,426 (90% margin)
Wisconsin: $266,500
Median gross rent
$795
±$34 (90% margin)
Wisconsin: $1,087
How many people live in Washburn County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 16,623 residents in Washburn County. The Census Bureau estimates 17,087 for July 1, 2025, up 2.8% since 2020, faster than Wisconsin (+1.3%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 16,854 over 797 square miles of land.
| Measure | Washburn County | Wisconsin | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 16,854 | 5,914,872 | +1,166 |
| Households | 7,566±167 | 2,479,480 | +330 |
| Average household size | 2.20±0.05 | 2.33 | no clear change |
| Housing units | 12,853±53 | 2,778,572 | −410 |
Washburn County's population since 2000
From 16,036 in 2000 to 17,087 in 2025: up 6.6%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Washburn County?
Washburn County holds 28 places: 4 cities, villages and boroughs (incorporated places), 21 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government) and 3 census-designated places. The largest is Spooner with 2,531 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Spooner | 2,477 | $44,737 |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Lake | 1,371 | $57,500 |
| Evergreen (town), Washburn County | 1,191 | $58,487 |
| Bashaw (town) | 1,079 | $78,182 |
| Minong (town) | 984 | $75,000 |
| Trego (town) | 908 | $61,587 |
| Spooner (town) | 827 | $86,154 |
| Beaver Brook (town) | 795 | $91,111 |
| Long Lake (town), Washburn County | 628 | $71,369 |
| Birchwood (town) | 605 | $77,250 |
| Bass Lake (town), Washburn County | 566 | $66,625 |
| Minong | 548 | $31,875 |
| Madge (town) | 532 | $61,528 |
| Stone Lake (town) | 515 | $66,964 |
| Springbrook (town) | 504 | $53,611 |
| Barronett (town) | 461 | $70,938 |
| Sarona (town) | 419 | $70,972 |
| Birchwood | 402 | $54,091 |
| Casey (town) | 396 | $73,375 |
| Brooklyn (town), Washburn County | 311 | $105,000 |
| Chicog (town) | 292 | $56,250 |
| Crystal (town) | 280 | $94,375 |
| Stinnett (town) | 207 | $53,750 |
| Gull Lake (town) | 198 | $81,875 |
| TregoGEOID 5580425 | 187 | $51,250 |
| Frog Creek (town)GEOID 5512928025 | 127 | $63,750 |
| SpringbrookGEOID 5575775 | 89 | $44,375 |
| Stone LakeGEOID 5577625 | 186 | $43,393 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Washburn County?
The median resident of Washburn County is 52.7 years old; 18.0% are under 18 and 28.1% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 92.4%, then non-Hispanic residents of two or more races at 3.6%. 1.5% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Washburn County | Wisconsin | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 52.7±0.3 | 40.2 | +1.5 |
| Under 18 years | 18.0% | 21.4% | – |
| 65 years and over | 28.1%±0.1 pts | 18.5% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% | 8.0% | +0.3 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 92.4%±0.4 pts | 78.6% | −1.8 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.1 pts | 5.9% | no clear change |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.5%±0.2 pts | 2.9% | no clear change |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 1.0%±0.2 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.1 pts | 0.0% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 3.6%±0.5 pts | 3.7% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.2 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 1.5%±0.4 pts | 5.2% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 2.7%±0.8 pts | 9.0% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 8.6%±0.7 pts | 6.2% | – |
| With a disability | 16.2%±1.1 pts | 12.3% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 5.3%±0.8 pts | 5.2% | no clear change |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 94.0%±0.7 pts | 93.6% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 25.5%±1.3 pts | 33.4% | +2.5 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 7.6%±0.6 pts | 11.4% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 3.2%±0.6 pts | 2.0% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Washburn County earn?
Half of Washburn County's 7,566 households earn less than $63,441 a year (±$3,789), against $77,485 in Wisconsin. In 2015-2019 it was $61,879 in 2024 dollars; the margins of error cannot tell the two periods apart. 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Washburn County | Wisconsin | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $63,441±$3,789 | $77,485 | no clear change |
| Mean household income | $85,270±$3,522 | $101,466 | – |
| Per capita income | $38,951±$1,559 | $43,373 | +$2,542 |
| People below the poverty line | 11.5%±1.5 pts | 10.6% | no clear change |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 14.0%±3.1 pts | 12.8% | −8.8 pts |
| Households receiving SNAP | 11.5%±1.4 pts | 11.1% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 86.8%±1.3 pts | 90.3% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Washburn County?
Owners occupy 82.2% of Washburn County's occupied homes and renters 17.8%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $226,100 by its owner (±$7,426). The median renter pays $795 a month including utilities, and 32.5% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Washburn County | Wisconsin | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $226,100±$7,426 | $266,500 | +$32,389 |
| Median gross rent | $795±$34 | $1,087 | −$78 |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 32.5%±5.8 pts | 35.0% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,373±$37 | $1,689 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 82.2%±1.5 pts | 67.8% | +2.2 pts |
| Housing units | 12,853±53 | 2,778,572 | −410 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.5%±0.3 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 1.7%±1.7 pts | 4.5% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 86.8%±1.2 pts | 66.2% | – |
| Mobile homes | 6.9%±0.9 pts | 3.1% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 1.0%±0.3 pts | 1.4% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 10.4%±1.0 pts | 17.8% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Washburn County building?
Builders took permits for 145 new housing units across Washburn County in 2025 (127 single-family), 8.5 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Washburn County get to work?
74.9% of Washburn County's workers drive alone and 12.6% work from home. The average trip to work takes 22.9 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 3.9%.
| Measure | Washburn County | Wisconsin | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 53.9%±1.5 pts | 65.3% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9%±0.7 pts | 3.2% | no clear change |
| Drove alone to work | 74.9%±2.0 pts | 74.4% | – |
| Carpooled | 9.5%±1.4 pts | 7.3% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.3%±0.2 pts | 1.1% | – |
| Walked | 1.5%±0.5 pts | 2.6% | – |
| Worked from home | 12.6%±1.5 pts | 13.1% | +5.8 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 22.9 min±0.8 | 22.2 min | no clear change |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Washburn County's census tracts?
Washburn County is divided into 6 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $56,649 (Tract 9505.01) to $67,813 (Tract 9506).
| Tract 950155129950100 | 2,396±166 | $60,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 950255129950200 | 1,713±128 | $66,607 |
| Tract 950355129950300 | 3,180±194 | $62,188 |
| Tract 9505.0155129950501 | 2,652±200 | $56,649 |
| Tract 9505.0255129950502 | 2,203±152 | $67,188 |
| Tract 950655129950600 | 4,710±222 | $67,813 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Washburn County compare with Wisconsin's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 60th of 72 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 17th of 72 |
| Residents per square mile | 60th of 72 |
| Median household income | 61st of 72 |
| Median home value | 35th of 72 |
| Median gross rent | 57th of 72 |
| Poverty rate | 24th of 72 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35th of 72 |
| Median age | 9th of 72 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Washburn County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.