Florence County Public RecordsWisconsin

As of the 2020 Census, Florence County, WI had a population of 4,558. The median age was 53.4 years, reflecting an older demographic. Approximately 51% were male and 49% female. The racial makeup was predominantly White (95.6%), with small representations from Native American (1.2%), African American (0.2%), Asian (0.2%), other races (0.3%), and those identifying with two or more races (2.5%). Hispanic or Latino individuals made up about 1.4% of the population.

Florence County, WI, has about 1,900 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local races; recent presidential turnouts exceeded 80%. Polling sites are located in each of the county’s 7 towns. The Clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and transparency. In 2020, over 65% voted Republican, 32% Democrat. Key issues include forest management and tax policy. Voter registration is nonpartisan but dominated by Republican affiliation. Florence County operates under Wisconsin’s voter ID laws, facilitating absentee and in-person voting methods.

Florence County, WI, serves about 460 K-12 students in a single public district with one elementary and one high school. Approximately 91% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The high school graduation rate is 94%. Schools score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools. Adult education is supported by nearby community colleges. The county maintains a strong focus on safety, with zero major incidents reported in 2022, and offers education programs in STEM and career readiness.

Florence County, WI, has an employment rate of approximately 54.8%. Leading industries include manufacturing (13.9%), healthcare and social assistance (17.4%), and retail trade (11.4%). The most common occupation types are production (16.3%), office and administrative support (14.5%), and sales (9.2%). About 72% of employed residents commute to work outside the county, with an average commute time of 20.7 minutes. Key employment locations include Florence, nearby Iron Mountain (Michigan), and Niagara, WI.

Florence County, WI, has a homeownership rate of approximately 90%, with median home values around $160,000 in 2023. The rental market is limited, with median rents near $700/month. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes and cabins, reflecting the county's rural character and lake communities such as Florence and Spread Eagle. Recent market trends show modest home value increases, about 3% annually. Property taxes average roughly 1.4% of assessed value. The area is known for quiet neighborhoods, natural scenery, and recreational opportunities, attracting retirees and seasonal residents, with limited multifamily or apartment options.

Florence County, WI, maintains a low crime rate compared to state averages. According to the latest FBI data (2022), the county reported only 1 violent crime and 11 property crimes, equating to a violent crime rate of 0.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2.3 per 1,000. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and prompt reporting, contributing to high safety levels. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity via local hotlines. Overall, Florence County is considered one of the safest counties in Wisconsin.