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Calumet County, Wisconsin

Coordinates: 44°05′N 88°13′W / 44.08°N 88.22°W / 44.08; -88.22
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Calumet County
County
Calumet County Courthouse
Calumet County Courthouse
Flag of Calumet County
Flag
Map of Wisconsin highlighting Calumet County
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
Map of the United States highlighting Wisconsin
Wisconsin's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°05′N 88°13′W / 44.08°N 88.22°W / 44.08; -88.22
Country United States
State Wisconsin
Founded1850
SeatChilton
Largest cityChilton
Area
 • Total
397 sq mi (1,030 km2)
 • Land318 sq mi (820 km2)
 • Water79 sq mi (200 km2)  20%
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total
52,442
 • Estimate 
(2023)
53,199 Increase
 • Density164.8/sq mi (63.6/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district8th
Websitewww.co.calumet.wi.us
2006 Calumet County Fair

Calumet County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 52,442.[2] The county seat is Chilton.[3] The county was created in 1836 (then in the Wisconsin Territory) and organized in 1850.[4]

Calumet County is included in the Appleton, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Combined Statistical Area.

The Holyland is partially located in southern Calumet County.

History

[edit]

The county's name originated from the word calumet, the French name for the ceremonial pipes used by Native Americans in councils on the east shore of Lake Winnebago.[5]

In the 1830s, the United States government relocated Native Americans from New York and New England to the southwest part of the county; these included the Brothertown Indians, Oneida Indians, and Stockbridge-Munsee Indians. This was a second migration for the Brothertown and Stockbridge Indians, who had moved to New York after the American Revolutionary War. The Oneida shared land on their reservation with these peoples, who had been displaced by the years of colonization in New England, warfare and disease.

Many of the early European residents in the Holyland region in the southern part of the county were emigrants from the Schleswig-Holstein region in Germany in the 1840s.

The county was legally organized on February 5, 1850, by Chapter 84 Laws of 1850.[6]

Calumet County figures prominently in the 2015 Netflix television series Making a Murderer, which documents the arrests and trials of Manitowoc County resident Steven Avery, which involves from 2005 the Calumet sheriff's department and district attorney's office of Ken Kratz.[7]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 397 square miles (1,030 km2), of which 318 square miles (820 km2) is land and 79 square miles (200 km2) (20%) is water.[8] It is the fifth-smallest county in Wisconsin by land area and fourth-smallest by total area. The west boundary is largely in Lake Winnebago. The Niagara Escarpment runs north–south several miles east of the western boundary. The topography has been greatly influenced by glaciation.

Adjacent counties

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Climate

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Calumet County
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
70
 
 
−8
−13
 
 
76
 
 
−6
−12
 
 
82
 
 
1
−6
 
 
132
 
 
16
1
 
 
116
 
 
21
7
 
 
127
 
 
26
14
 
 
104
 
 
27
17
 
 
104
 
 
25
16
 
 
83
 
 
22
11
 
 
125
 
 
13
4
 
 
76
 
 
5
−2
 
 
65
 
 
−8
−12
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm
Source: [9]
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
2.8
 
 
18
9
 
 
3
 
 
21
10
 
 
3.2
 
 
34
21
 
 
5.2
 
 
61
34
 
 
4.6
 
 
70
45
 
 
5
 
 
79
57
 
 
4.1
 
 
81
63
 
 
4.1
 
 
77
61
 
 
3.3
 
 
72
52
 
 
4.9
 
 
55
39
 
 
3
 
 
41
28
 
 
2.6
 
 
18
10
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1840275—
18501,743533.8%
18601,8958.7%
187012,335550.9%
188016,63234.8%
189016,6390.0%
190017,0782.6%
191016,701−2.2%
192017,2283.2%
193016,848−2.2%
194017,6184.6%
195018,8406.9%
196022,26818.2%
197027,60424.0%
198030,86711.8%
199034,29111.1%
200040,63118.5%
201048,97120.5%
202052,4427.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1790–1960[11] 1900–1990[12]
1990–2000[13] 2010–2020[2]

2020 census

[edit]

As of the census of 2020,[1] the population was 52,442. The population density was 164.8 people per square mile (63.6 people/km2). There were 21,511 housing units at an average density of 67.6 units per square mile (26.1 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 88.7% White, 2.4% Asian, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.9% from other races, and 4.6% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 5.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2020 census

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2000 Census Age Pyramid for Calumet County
2006 Calumet County Fair at night
Grandstands during the 2006 Calumet County Fair
Typical mix of rolling fields and woods in fall
Calumet County in winter
Niagara Escarpment
Stock cars at the county fairgrounds
Farmland overlooking Lake Winnebago

As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 40,631 people, 14,910 households, and 11,167 families residing in the county. The population density was 127 people per square mile (49 people/km2). There were 15,758 housing units at an average density of 49 units per square mile (19 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.68% White, 0.31% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.55% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 1.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 63.4% were of German ancestry. 96.0% spoke English, 1.7% Spanish and 1.2% German as their first language.

There were 14,910 households, out of which 38.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.00% were married couples living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 20.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.60% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 32.00% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 10.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 100.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.00 males.

In 2017, there were 478 births, giving a general fertility rate of 52.0 births per 1000 women aged 15–44, the ninth lowest rate out of all 72 Wisconsin counties.[15] Additionally, there were 14 reported induced abortions performed on women of Calumet County residence in 2017.[16]

Economy

[edit]

The University of Wisconsin–Extension has compiled statistics on Calumet County's dairy industry. Calumet County has more bovines (cattle and calves) than people. As of 2010 there are 28,600 head of dairy cows and 65,000 head of bovine total (that includes dairy cows, beef cattle, and calves.)[17] 73% of land in the county is owned by farmers. 2400 residents are employed in farming. Agriculture results in $338 million in economic activity, and it contributes $68.2 million in income to the county total income (including $7.2 million towards taxes). As of 2007, 99.3% of farms are owned by individuals, families, family partnerships or family corporations. Only 0.7% are owned by non-family corporate entities.[18] As of April 1, 2010, Calumet county had 174 farms with dairy herd licenses.[19]

In 1931, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture described Calumet County as "one of the most important producers of American cheese among the counties of Wisconsin."[20]

Transportation

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Major highways

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No interstate highways run through Calumet County. There are several U.S. routes in the county. U.S. Route 10 runs east–west across the north edge of the county. U.S. Route 151 runs north–south near the west edge of the county, and turns east–west at the middle of the county. North-south state highways include 55 along the west edge, and 32/57 through the center. East-west state highways include 114 at the northwest corner of the county, and the now defunct 149 along the southeast corner. The Tri-County Expressway (WI 441) runs in an east–west to north–south curve in the extreme northwest corner of the county within Appleton city limits.

Railroads

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Buses

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Airport

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New Holstein Municipal Airport (8D1) serves the county and surrounding communities. It is located just west of New Holstein.

Water

[edit]

Nearly the entire west boundary of the county is located in Lake Winnebago. The first non-natives to enter the county most likely came in the county from the lake through the Fox River. The Manitowoc River and Sheboygan River both run through the county and flow into Lake Michigan through neighboring counties.

Recreation

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County Parks

[edit]
Main article: Calumet County Parks

Calumet County has three county parks, and two county run harbors.

Calumet County Fairgrounds

[edit]

Calumet County celebrated its 150th annual fair in 2006.[21] The fairgrounds held dirt track stockcars races on Friday nights in the summer.

Lake Winnebago

[edit]
Main article: Lake Winnebago

The west boundary of the county is located almost entirely in Lake Winnebago. Boaters use the lake for recreational boating and fishing in the summer. The lake is the site of ice fishing in the winter, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages a sturgeon spearing season in February.

Communities

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Cities

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Villages

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Towns

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Census-designated place

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Ghost town/neighborhood

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Politics

[edit]

Calumet County has voted Republican in all but two elections since 1936, supporting Lyndon B. Johnson during his 1964 landslide and narrowly supporting Barack Obama in 2008.

United States presidential election results for Calumet County, Wisconsin[22][23]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 19,474 59.20% 12,922 39.28% 497 1.51%
2020 18,156 59.00% 12,116 39.37% 502 1.63%
2016 15,367 57.78% 9,642 36.25% 1,586 5.96%
2012 14,539 55.03% 11,489 43.49% 392 1.48%
2008 12,722 48.05% 13,295 50.22% 457 1.73%
2004 14,721 58.24% 10,290 40.71% 265 1.05%
2000 10,837 54.33% 8,202 41.12% 908 4.55%
1996 7,049 43.25% 6,940 42.58% 2,310 14.17%
1992 7,541 40.98% 5,701 30.98% 5,159 28.04%
1988 8,107 55.12% 6,481 44.06% 120 0.82%
1984 8,970 64.57% 4,736 34.09% 186 1.34%
1980 7,885 55.17% 5,036 35.23% 1,372 9.60%
1976 6,589 50.18% 6,241 47.53% 302 2.30%
1972 6,446 55.85% 4,804 41.62% 292 2.53%
1968 5,792 56.77% 3,609 35.37% 802 7.86%
1964 3,905 42.11% 5,356 57.75% 13 0.14%
1960 5,166 54.46% 4,312 45.46% 8 0.08%
1956 6,166 74.22% 2,099 25.26% 43 0.52%
1952 6,640 77.07% 1,970 22.87% 5 0.06%
1948 4,185 60.57% 2,662 38.53% 62 0.90%
1944 5,611 73.58% 1,966 25.78% 49 0.64%
1940 5,327 68.96% 2,324 30.08% 74 0.96%
1936 1,972 27.72% 4,694 65.99% 447 6.28%
1932 1,213 17.88% 5,485 80.84% 87 1.28%
1928 2,405 38.04% 3,871 61.22% 47 0.74%
1924 938 18.59% 569 11.28% 3,539 70.13%
1920 3,730 78.26% 586 12.30% 450 9.44%
1916 1,979 57.18% 1,382 39.93% 100 2.89%
1912 931 32.55% 1,366 47.76% 563 19.69%
1908 1,576 46.33% 1,711 50.29% 115 3.38%
1904 1,736 54.97% 1,258 39.84% 164 5.19%
1900 1,631 45.11% 1,910 52.82% 75 2.07%
1896 1,547 44.53% 1,869 53.80% 58 1.67%
1892 909 31.55% 1,863 64.67% 109 3.78%

Notable people

[edit]
  • Ken Kratz (born 1960–61), lawyer, former district attorney of Calumet County; law license was suspended for four months after sexting scandal.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "2020 Decennial Census: Calumet County, Wisconsin". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 1, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Wisconsin: Individual County Chronologies". Wisconsin Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2007. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  5. ^ Stories compiled and presented by the New Holstein Historical Society. Pioneer's Corner. pp. 69–70.
  6. ^ Wulff, Eugene C. The New Holstein Story.
  7. ^ "Making a Murderer (TV Series)". IMDb. December 18, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
  8. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  9. ^ "NASA Earth Observations Data Set Index". NASA. Archived from the original on April 7, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  10. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  11. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  12. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  13. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  15. ^ "Annual Wisconsin Birth and Infant Mortality Report, 2017 P-01161-19 (June 2019): Detailed Tables". Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  16. ^ Reported Induced Abortions in Wisconsin, Office of Health Informatics, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Section: Trend Information, 2013-2017, Table 18, pages 17-18
  17. ^ "NASS - Wisconsin Reports and Statistics". www.nass.usda.gov. Archived from the original on June 12, 2010.
  18. ^ "Calumet County Agriculture: Value and economic impact" (PDF). University of Wisconsin–Extension. Retrieved May 17, 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  19. ^ Wisconsin Farm Reporter, Wisconsin Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service; May 25, 2010; Volume 10, Number 11
  20. ^ November 23, 2006, article "Looking Back" Chilton Times-Journal, Page 7.
  21. ^ Mike Mathes "Homestead, Avery case top '06 news"; January 4, 2007; Page 2; Tri-County News
  22. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  23. ^ https://calumetcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/9660/Final-Summary
[edit]

44°05′N 88°13′W / 44.08°N 88.22°W / 44.08; -88.22

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