Marquette County
countyMarquette County, located in central Wisconsin, is a predominantly rural area known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. As of 2023, the county's population was estimated at 15,706, reflecting a relatively stable and aging demographic. The county seat is Montello. Marquette County's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, and agriculture. The county is known for its small-scale livestock and crop production. Several lakes and rivers, including the Fox River, Mecan River, Buffalo Lake and Puckaway Lake, contribute to the local economy and provide recreational opportunities. Marquette County is distinctive for its historical ties to naturalist John Muir, whose family settled on a farm there in 1849. The county also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, and snowmobiling, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Wisconsin.
Marquette County, Wisconsin
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 55-077
- Country
- United States
- County
- Marquette County
- Region
- Central Wisconsin
- Elevation
- 782 ft
- Total Area
- 464 sq mi
- Land Area
- 456 sq mi
- Water Area
- 8.7 sq mi
- Latitude
- 43.82
- Longitude
- -89.39
- Climate
- The county has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- Mecan River · Buffalo Lake · Puckaway Lake · Mt. Shaw · Observatory Hill
- Neighboring Areas
- Waushara County · Green Lake County · Columbia County · Adams County
- Population (2020)
- 15,592
- Est. Population (2024)
- 15,743
- Median Age
- 50.5
- Median Income
- $63,471
- Owner-Occupied
- 80.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 92.6% White (Non-Hispanic), 1.75% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.31% White (Hispanic), 1.28% Other (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Board of Supervisors
- Governing Body
- County Board of Supervisors
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.7%
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Agriculture
- School Districts
- Montello School District · Westfield School District · Portage Community School District · Princeton School District · Markesan School District · Wisconsin Dells School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 39 · U.S. Highway 51 · State Highway 22 · State Highway 23 · State Highway 73 · State Highway 82 · Union Pacific Railroad
- Major Facilities
- Marquette County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- John Muir County Park · Buffalo Lake · Lake Puckaway · Fox River · Mecan River · Observatory Hill
- Parks & Trails
- John Muir Nature and History Route · Ice Age National Scenic Trail · Apuckawa County Park · Krakow Park
- Founded
- 1836
- Incorporated
- 1848
- Named After
- Father Jacques Marquette
- Historical Significance
- Marquette County is named in honor of Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit explorer who passed through the region in 1673.
- Key Events
- Jean Nicolet visited the region in 1634 · Jacques Marquette passed through the area in 1673 · Luther Gleason created a trading post in 1829 · Territory of Wisconsin created in 1836 · John Muir's family settled in the county in 1849