County Crime & Safety
Grant County, WI, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county recorded an estimated 110 property crimes and 7 violent crimes per 10,000 residents, according to local law enforcement data. The most commonly reported offenses were theft and burglary. Grant County Sheriff's Office emphasizes community policing and encourages prompt crime reporting; over 92% of incidents are reported within 24 hours. Overall, Grant County is considered a safe area, with proactive efforts to maintain public safety and reduce crime further.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Grant County, Wisconsin, had a population of 51,938. The median age was about 37.7 years. The population was 49.7% male and 50.3% female. Racially, the county was 94.8% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 2.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with other races making up the remainder.
Elections
Grant County, WI, had 32,492 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local contests, with recent turnout at 62% for the 2022 midterms. The county hosts 22 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential race, Donald Trump received 57% and Joe Biden 41% of the county vote. Issues such as rural healthcare, school funding, and agricultural policy often shape local debates. Elections are administered by the County Clerk’s office. Major parties represented are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans generally holding a majority in county offices. Early absentee voting and same-day registration are available.
Education, Employment and Housing
Grant County, WI hosts around 12 public high schools and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, but lacks a four-year university. Approximately 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 20% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools maintain an average statewide report card score of 67/100. The county offers adult education and technical training, with a strong focus on agricultural and healthcare programs. School safety indices are above state averages, and programs such as dual-credit courses are available for high school students to support college readiness and workforce development.
As of 2022, Grant County, WI, had an employment rate of approximately 62.6%, with about 25% employed in education, health care, and social assistance—the largest industry sector. Manufacturing (16%) and retail trade (12%) also contribute notably. The most common occupation type is management, business, science, and arts (28%). Roughly 81% commute by car, with an average travel time of 20 minutes. Around 78% of workers are employed within their county, while others commute primarily to neighboring Iowa and Lafayette counties or Dubuque, Iowa.
Grant County, WI has a homeownership rate of approximately 73%, with median home values around $183,000 and median rents about $765 per month. The housing market has seen steady appreciation, rising around 6% year-over-year. Detached single-family homes dominate, alongside some duplexes and small apartment buildings. Popular neighborhoods include Lancaster, Platteville, and Boscobel. Property taxes average 1.76% of assessed value, meaning a $183,000 home pays roughly $3,220 annually. The area combines small-town charm with affordable living, supporting a diverse range of residents from students in Platteville to rural families countywide.
Popular names
- John Smith
- Mary Johnson
- James Weber
- Jeff Evans
- Sarah White
- David Martin
- James White
- Mary Droessler
- Michael Miller
- Nicole Miller
- Tracie Ladow
- Amanda Jones
- Amanda Parker
- David Burkholder
- David Johnson
- David Miller
- David Smith
- Jeremy Weber
- John Anderson
- John Miller
- Kevin Klein
- Luis Pena
- Mary Bausch
- Mary Runde
- Matthew Johnson
- Nicole Fiedler
- Patricia Reuter
- Renee Miller
- Richard Turner
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Nihles
- Robert Wagner
- Shannon Fuerstenberg
- William Johnson
- William Taylor
- Amanda Abing
- Amanda Walter
- Angela Klein
- Ashley Leffler
- Barbara Lenz
- Brad Collins
- Brian Dailey
- Brianna White
- Carol Long
- Connie Skaife
- Daniel Miller
- David Reuter
- David Richardson
- David Schildgen
- David Wiederholt
- Dennis Welsh
- Gary Cooley
- Gina Kirschbaum
- Greg Miller
- Jodi Borcherding
- John Adams
- John Klaas
- Joseph Miller
- Joseph Weber
- Julie Rupp
Other Counties in Wisconsin
- Adams
- Ashland
- Barron
- Bayfield
- Brown
- Buffalo
- Burnett
- Calumet
- Chippewa
- Clark
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Dane
- Dodge
- Door
- Douglas
- Dunn
- Eau Claire
- Florence
- Fond Du Lac
- Forest
- Green
- Green Lake
- Iowa
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Juneau
- Kenosha
- Kewaunee
- La Crosse
- Lafayette
- Langlade
- Lincoln
- Manitowoc
- Marathon
- Marinette
- Marquette
- Menominee
- Milwaukee
- Monroe
- Oconto
- Oneida
- Outagamie
- Ozaukee
- Pepin
- Pierce
- Polk
- Portage
- Price