Waushara County
countyWaushara County is located in central Wisconsin, approximately 80 miles north of Madison. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,520. The county seat is Wautoma. The area is known for its many lakes and forests, offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Agriculture is a key component of Waushara County's economy, particularly potato farming, along with other vegetable crops and Christmas tree production. Other significant employment sectors include manufacturing, education, and health services. The county also has a growing tourism industry, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Waushara County was established in 1851 and achieved full organization in 1852. The name "Waushara" is believed to originate from a Ho-Chunk term meaning "good land". With over 100 lakes and numerous trout streams, the county provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
Waushara County, Wisconsin
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 55-137
- Country
- United States
- County
- Waushara County
- Region
- Central Wisconsin
- Elevation
- 867 ft
- Total Area
- 637 sq mi
- Land Area
- 626 sq mi
- Water Area
- 11 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.0648
- Longitude
- -89.2227
- Climate
- Typical Midwestern climate with warm summers and cold winters
- Notable Features
- Numerous lakes · Trout streams · Forests
- Neighboring Areas
- Adams County, WI · Green Lake County, WI · Marquette County, WI · Portage County, WI · Waupaca County, WI · Winnebago County, WI
- Population (2020)
- 24,520
- Est. Population (2026)
- 25,209
- Median Age
- 49.9
- Median Income
- $64,968
- Poverty Rate
- 11.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 83%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 87.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.06% Other (Hispanic), 1.85% White (Hispanic), 1.81% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 1.64% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)










- Students
- 1,330
- Teachers
- 120
- School Districts
- Tri-County Area School District · Wautoma Area School District · Wild Rose School District
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Waushara County Parks · Ice Age Trail · Numerous lakes
- Parks & Trails
- Kusel Lake County Park · Mount Morris Hills County Park · Bannerman Trail
- Founded
- 1851
- Incorporated
- 1852
- Named After
- Ho-Chunk term meaning "good land"
- Historical Significance
- Historically an agricultural region with a growing tourism sector
- Key Events
- County established from Marquette County in 1851 · County seat moved to Wautoma in 1854
