Iowa County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,709. Its county seat and largest city is Dodgeville. When created, it was part of the Michigan Territory. Iowa County is part of the Madison, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

The county organized under the Michigan Territory government in 1830. It was named for the Iowa tribe.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 768 sqmi, of which 763 sqmi is land and 5.4 sqmi (0.7%) is water. It is drained by tributaries of the Pecatonica River, which has its headwaters in the county. The highest point in the county is West Blue Mound at 1,716 ft. above sea level. The lowest point is the Wisconsin river at the Grant County line at 667 ft. above sea level.

Rivers and streams

Major highways

Railroads

Buses

Iowa County is served by Lamers Connect which offers two buses a day, one traveling east to Madison and Milwaukee and one west to Dubuque via its Dodgeville stop.

Airport

Adjacent counties

Demographics

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, the population was 23,709. The population density was 31.1 /mi2. There were 10,905 housing units at an average density of 14.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 94.2% White, 0.8% Asian, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 1.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 22,780 people, 8,764 households, and 6,213 families residing in the county. The population density was 30 /mi2. There were 9,579 housing units at an average density of 13 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 98.70% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. 0.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 33.6% were of German, 17.2% Norwegian, 11.6% English, 11.3% Irish and 7.9% American ancestry. There were 8,764 households, out of which 34.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.50% were married couples living together, 7.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 24.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.06. In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.10% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.70 males.

Politics

Iowa County historically tilted Republican for much of the 20th century. However, it has swung heavily to the Democrats since the 1970s. It has supported the Democratic presidential candidate in all but one election since 1976, and is one of the most Democratic counties in Wisconsin.

Parks and recreation

The county has several parks, including Arena Pines-Sand Barrens State Natural Area, Pine Cliff State Natural Area, Blue Mound State Park, Tower Hill State Park, Black Hawk Lake Recreation Area and Governor Dodge State Park.

Communities

Cities

Villages

Towns

Census-designated place

Unincorporated communities

Ghost towns

Notable people