List of Counties in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 72 counties. The most populous counties are Milwaukee County, Dane County (Madison), Waukesha County, Brown County (Green Bay), Racine County, Outagamie County, Winnebago County, Kenosha County, Rock County, and Washington County. Milwaukee County, home to Milwaukee, is the largest by population and serves as a major economic and cultural center. Dane County, home to the state capital Madison, is the second-largest and a growing center for education and technology. Waukesha County, part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, is also highly populated.

List of All Counties in Wisconsin

1. Adams County, Wisconsin
2. Ashland County, Wisconsin
3. Barron County, Wisconsin
4. Bayfield County, Wisconsin
5. Brown County, Wisconsin
6. Buffalo County, Wisconsin
7. Burnett County, Wisconsin
8. Calumet County, Wisconsin
9. Chippewa County, Wisconsin
10. Clark County, Wisconsin
11. Columbia County, Wisconsin
12. Crawford County, Wisconsin
13. Dane County, Wisconsin
14. Dodge County, Wisconsin
15. Door County, Wisconsin
16. Douglas County, Wisconsin
17. Dunn County, Wisconsin
18. Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
19. Florence County, Wisconsin
20. Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin
21. Forest County, Wisconsin
22. Grant County, Wisconsin
23. Green County, Wisconsin
24. Green Lake County, Wisconsin
25. Iowa County, Wisconsin
26. Iron County, Wisconsin
27. Jackson County, Wisconsin
28. Jefferson County, Wisconsin
29. Juneau County, Wisconsin
30. Kenosha County, Wisconsin
31. Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
32. La Crosse County, Wisconsin
33. Lafayette County, Wisconsin
34. Langlade County, Wisconsin
35. Lincoln County, Wisconsin
36. Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
37. Marathon County, Wisconsin
38. Marinette County, Wisconsin
39. Marquette County, Wisconsin
40. Menominee County, Wisconsin
41. Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
42. Monroe County, Wisconsin
43. Oconto County, Wisconsin
44. Oneida County, Wisconsin
45. Outagamie County, Wisconsin
46. Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
47. Pepin County, Wisconsin
48. Pierce County, Wisconsin
49. Polk County, Wisconsin
50. Portage County, Wisconsin
51. Price County, Wisconsin
52. Racine County, Wisconsin
53. Richland County, Wisconsin
54. Rock County, Wisconsin
55. Rusk County, Wisconsin
56. Saint Croix County, Wisconsin
57. Sauk County, Wisconsin
58. Sawyer County, Wisconsin
59. Shawano County, Wisconsin
60. Sheboygan County, Wisconsin
61. Taylor County, Wisconsin
62. Trempealeau County, Wisconsin
63. Vernon County, Wisconsin
64. Vilas County, Wisconsin
65. Walworth County, Wisconsin
66. Washburn County, Wisconsin
67. Washington County, Wisconsin
68. Waukesha County, Wisconsin
69. Waupaca County, Wisconsin
70. Waushara County, Wisconsin
71. Winnebago County, Wisconsin
72. Wood County, Wisconsin

Largest Counties in Wisconsin

1. Marathon County

Overview

Marathon County is the largest county in Wisconsin by land area, covering 1,584 square miles. Located in the central part of the state, it is bordered by Lincoln County to the north, Shawano County to the east, Portage County to the south, and Clark County to the west. The county was established in 1850, and its economy was historically based on agriculture and lumber. Today, it has diversified into manufacturing, healthcare, and services. The Wisconsin River flows through the county, providing opportunities for water-based recreation and industry. The city of Wausau, the county seat, serves as a regional economic and cultural hub.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 135,000
• County Seat: Wausau
• Major Airports: Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA)
• Major Highways: Interstate 39, U.S. Highway 51, U.S. Highway 29, Wisconsin Highway 52

2. Sauk County

Overview

Sauk County, covering 848 square miles, is located in south-central Wisconsin. It is bordered by Columbia County to the east, Richland County to the west, and Iowa County to the south. The county’s name comes from the Sauk Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Sauk County is known for its diverse landscape, including the scenic Baraboo Range and the Wisconsin River, which runs through the county. Established in 1844, the county has a rich agricultural history and today is a mix of farming, tourism, and small manufacturing. Devil’s Lake State Park, a popular tourist destination, is located in Sauk County.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 65,000
• County Seat: Baraboo
• Major Airports: Baraboo-Wisconsin Dells Airport
• Major Highways: Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 14, Wisconsin Highway 33

3. Clark County

Overview

Clark County is located in western Wisconsin, covering 1,215 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in the state. It borders Marathon County to the east, Eau Claire County to the north, and Jackson County to the south. Established in 1853, the county was named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clark County’s economy has been historically tied to logging and agriculture, with dairy farming being a major industry. The Black River runs through the county, adding to its rich natural resources and scenic beauty. Today, Clark County is a mix of rural communities and growing small towns.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 35,000
• County Seat: Neillsville
• Major Airports: None
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 10, Wisconsin Highway 73, Wisconsin Highway 29

4. Dane County

Overview

Dane County, located in southern Wisconsin, is the second-largest county in the state by population but covers 1,238 square miles in land area. It is bordered by Columbia County to the north, Dodge County to the northeast, and Rock County to the south. Established in 1836, Dane County is named after Nathan Dane, a delegate to the Continental Congress. The county’s seat is Madison, the state capital, which is a major center for education, government, and healthcare. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a key driver of the county’s economy, along with biotech, IT, and tourism industries. Dane County features a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 563,000
• County Seat: Madison
• Major Airports: Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
• Major Highways: Interstate 39, Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 151, U.S. Highway 12, Wisconsin Highway 113

5. Forest County

Overview

Forest County, located in the northern part of Wisconsin, covers 1,046 square miles. It is bordered by Oneida County to the west, Langlade County to the south, and Florence County to the northeast. Forest County was created in 1885 and is named for its abundant woodlands. The county is primarily known for its natural resources, including large tracts of national and state forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. Forest County is home to the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, and tribal activities play a significant role in the local economy.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 9,000
• County Seat: Crandon
• Major Airports: None
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 8, Wisconsin Highway 32, Wisconsin Highway 55

6. Vilas County

Overview

Vilas County is in northern Wisconsin and spans 857 square miles. It is bordered by Iron County to the west, Oneida County to the south, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the north. The county was established in 1893 and is named after William Freeman Vilas, a prominent Wisconsin politician. Vilas County is known for its more than 1,300 lakes, making it a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and summer tourism. The Northwoods region, where Vilas County is located, is characterized by dense forests and abundant wildlife. Tourism, recreation, and outdoor activities are the mainstays of the local economy.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 23,000
• County Seat: Eagle River
• Major Airports: Eagle River Union Airport
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 45, Wisconsin Highway 70, Wisconsin Highway 17

7. Chippewa County

Overview

Chippewa County, located in the western part of the state, covers 1,041 square miles. It borders Eau Claire County to the south, Barron County to the northwest, and Taylor County to the east. The county is named after the Chippewa (Ojibwe) Native American tribe and was established in 1845. Chippewa County is known for its natural beauty, including the Chippewa River, Lake Wissota, and the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. Historically, logging was a major industry in the county, but today, the economy has diversified to include manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county seat, Chippewa Falls, is known for its breweries and historic downtown.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 66,000
• County Seat: Chippewa Falls
• Major Airports: Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (located nearby in Eau Claire)
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 53, Wisconsin Highway 29, Wisconsin Highway 124

8. Walworth County

Overview

Walworth County, located in southeastern Wisconsin, spans 576 square miles and is bordered by Jefferson County to the north, Racine and Kenosha counties to the east, and the state of Illinois to the south. Established in 1839, Walworth County is named after Reuben H. Walworth, a New York State jurist. The county is known for its rolling farmland, lakes, and proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area, making it a popular destination for tourists and second-home owners. Geneva Lake, one of the most famous lakes in Wisconsin, is located in the county and draws visitors year-round. The local economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 105,000
• County Seat: Elkhorn
• Major Airports: None
• Major Highways: Interstate 43, U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 14, Wisconsin Highway 50

9. Oneida County

Overview

Oneida County is located in north-central Wisconsin and covers 1,113 square miles. It borders Vilas County to the north, Lincoln County to the south, and Forest County to the east. The county was created in 1887 and named after the Oneida Native American tribe. Oneida County is known for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. The county seat, Rhinelander, is home to the mythical Hodag and serves as a central point for tourism in the Northwoods region. Forestry and tourism are the primary industries, supported by seasonal visitors and vacation homes.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 37,000
• County Seat: Rhinelander
• Major Airports: Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 8, U.S. Highway 45, Wisconsin Highway 47

10. Waupaca County

Overview

Waupaca County is located in central Wisconsin, covering 765 square miles. It is bordered by Outagamie County to the east, Portage County to the west, and Shawano County to the north. Established in 1851, the county’s name comes from the Native American term for “white sand bottom.” Waupaca County’s geography is defined by rolling hills, farmland, and small lakes. Agriculture has long been the backbone of the local economy, with dairy farming being especially prominent. In recent years, tourism has grown, particularly around the Chain O’ Lakes, a series of interconnected lakes popular for boating and fishing.

County Facts

• Population: Approximately 52,000
• County Seat: Waupaca
• Major Airports: None
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 10, Wisconsin Highway 22, Wisconsin Highway 54