Winneshiek County
countyWinneshiek County, located in northeastern Iowa, is a region characterized by its rich agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The county's population was approximately 20,070 as of the 2020 Census. Decorah, the county seat, serves as a cultural and economic hub, blending small-town charm with diverse attractions. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Winneshiek County's economy, with dairy and crop farming playing significant roles. Key industries include education, healthcare, manufacturing and retail. Luther College and Northeast Iowa Community College are major institutions that contribute to the area's economic and cultural vitality. What sets Winneshiek County apart is its distinctive blend of Norwegian-American heritage, evident in the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and various annual events. The county's natural beauty, featuring bluff landscapes and rivers, enhances its quality of life and attracts tourists.
Winneshiek County, Iowa
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Winneshiek County
- Region
- Northeastern Iowa
- Total Area
- 690 sq mi
- Land Area
- 690 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.283333
- Longitude
- -91.866667
- Climate
- Humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average annual temperature is 48°F (9°C). Moderate precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall between November and April.
- Notable Features
- Bluff landscapes · Rivers · Fertile valleys · Upper Iowa River
- Neighboring Areas
- Allamakee County · Fayette County · Howard County
- Population (2020)
- 20,070
- Est. Population (2026)
- 19,713
- Median Age
- 42.6
- Median Income
- $79,066
- Poverty Rate
- 8.4%
- Owner-Occupied
- 75.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Winneshiek County includes 93.48% White, with smaller percentages for other races, Asian, Black or African American, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations.
- Unemployment Rate
- 3%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Education · Health Services · Manufacturing · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- WinnMed · Luther College · Bruening Rock Products · Northeast Iowa Community College · Stanley Engineered Fastening · Collins Aerospace · Wal-Mart · Decorah Community School District · DECO · Northeast Iowa Community Action · Aase Haugen Senior Services · Gemini, Inc. · Toppling Goliath Brewing Company · Iowa Rotocast Plastics
- School Districts
- Decorah Community School District · South Winneshiek Community School District · North Winneshiek Community School District · Turkey Valley Community School District · Howard–Winneshiek Community School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Luther College · Northeast Iowa Community College
- Transportation
- Highway 9 · Highway 52 · Highway 63 · Decorah Municipal Airport
- Utilities
- City utilities in Decorah Business Park
- Major Facilities
- Winneshiek County Courthouse · WinnMed · Decorah Business Park
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Meyer Park and Campground · Trout Run Trail · Prairie Farmer Recreation Trail · Silver Springs Park · Smallest Church Park · Willard's Woods · Walden Pond
- Parks & Trails
- County Parks · Recreation Trails · Natural Areas
- Founded
- 1847
- Named After
- Chief Winneshiek of the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) tribe
- Historical Significance
- Winneshiek County has a rich cultural history stemming from Czech, Slovak, English, Irish, German, Swiss, and Norwegian immigrants. The county was part of the Neutral Ground between the Sioux and Sauk and Fox tribes.
- Key Events
- County organized in 1847 · First courthouse completed in Decorah in 1858 · Courthouse replaced in 1904