Columbia County Public RecordsWisconsin

Columbia County, WI had approximately 36,000 registered voters in 2022. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including presidential, gubernatorial, and school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, Columbia County voted 51.2% for Donald Trump (R) and 47.2% for Joe Biden (D). The county typically offers over 30 polling locations across its municipalities. Election issues include rural broadband, agricultural policy, and school funding. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and transparency. Major political parties—the Republican and Democratic parties—both maintain active local chapters.

Columbia County, WI, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to the state average. In 2022, the county reported approximately 585 total crimes, including 56 violent crimes and 529 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The sheriff’s office actively encourages reporting via its tip lines to improve safety, and clearance rates for major offenses steadily improve. Overall, Columbia County’s crime rate is lower than the U.S. national average, reflecting its relatively safe community environment.

Columbia County, WI, hosts 12 public school districts, including 8 high schools, with an average graduation rate of 93%. Around 90% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 23% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county features over 20 public schools, with average state report card scores around 67/100. Safety initiatives are in place, including school resource officers. Educational programs include STEM, technical education, and dual-credit courses partnered with local colleges. Adult education is supported through Madison Area Technical College outreach centers in Portage and surrounding communities.

As of 2022, Columbia County, WI had an employment rate of approximately 64.5%. The leading industries included manufacturing (21%), healthcare and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (11%). Common occupations were in production (13%), office and administrative support (12%), and management (10%). About 70% of residents commuted by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Many workers commuted to larger employment hubs like Madison, with around 23% of the workforce employed outside the county. Unemployment rate stood at 2.7% in late 2023.

Columbia County, WI, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with median home values around $255,000 in 2024, reflecting steady appreciation. Median rent is approximately $1,100 per month. Housing types range from single-family homes in rural and suburban neighborhoods like Portage and Poynette, to lakefront properties near Lake Wisconsin. New construction is gradually rising amid limited inventory. Property taxes average 1.8% of assessed value, higher than the national average. Neighborhoods offer a blend of small-town charm and easy access to Madison, appealing to families and retirees alike.

As of the 2020 Census, Columbia County, WI, had a population of 58,490. The median age was 43.1 years, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female residents. Racially, the county is predominantly White (92.6%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (2.2%), Native American (0.5%), Asian (0.6%), and those identifying as Hispanic or Latino (3.2%).