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Rock County, Wisconsin facts for kids

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Rock County
Rock County Courthouse
Rock County Courthouse
Official seal of Rock County
Seal
Map of Wisconsin highlighting Rock County
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
Map of the United States highlighting Wisconsin
Wisconsin's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Wisconsin
Founded 1839
Named for Rock River
Seat Janesville
Largest city Janesville
Area
 • Total 726 sq mi (1,880 km2)
 • Land 718 sq mi (1,860 km2)
 • Water 8.0 sq mi (21 km2)  1.1%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 163,687
 • Estimate 
(2023)
164,278 Increase
 • Density 225.46/sq mi (87.05/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional districts 1st, 2nd

Rock County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 163,687. Its county seat is Janesville. Rock County comprises the Janesville-Beloit, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Madison-Janesville-Beloit, WI Combined Statistical Area.

History

Rock County was created as a territorial county on December 7, 1836, from Milwaukee County and fully organized February 19, 1839. The county is named for the Rock River, which bisects the county from north to south.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 726 square miles (1,880 km2), of which 718 square miles (1,860 km2) is land and 8.0 square miles (21 km2) (1.1%) is water.

Cook Memorial Arboretum, a natural area with birding and nature trails, is located northwest of Janesville. It is owned by the Janesville School District.

Transportation

Major highways

  • I-39.svg Interstate 39
  • I-43.svg Interstate 43
  • I-90.svg Interstate 90
  • US 12.svg U.S. Highway 12
  • US 14.svg U.S. Highway 14
  • US 51.svg U.S. Highway 51
  • WIS 11.svg Highway 11
  • WIS 26.svg Highway 26
  • WIS 59.svg Highway 59
  • WIS 67.svg Highway 67
  • WIS 81.svg Highway 81
  • WIS 89.svg Highway 89
  • WIS 104.svg Highway 104
  • WIS 138.svg Highway 138
  • WIS 140.svg Highway 140
  • WIS 213.svg Highway 213

Railroads

Buses

  • Beloit Transit
  • Janesville Transit System
  • List of intercity bus stops in Wisconsin

Airport

Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (KJVL) serves Rock County and the surrounding communities.

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1840 1,701
1850 20,750 1,119.9%
1860 36,690 76.8%
1870 39,030 6.4%
1880 38,823 −0.5%
1890 43,220 11.3%
1900 51,203 18.5%
1910 55,538 8.5%
1920 66,150 19.1%
1930 74,206 12.2%
1940 80,173 8.0%
1950 92,778 15.7%
1960 113,913 22.8%
1970 131,970 15.9%
1980 139,420 5.6%
1990 139,510 0.1%
2000 152,307 9.2%
2010 160,331 5.3%
2020 163,687 2.1%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790–1960 1900–1990
1990–2000 2010 2020

As of the census of 2020, the population was 163,687. The population density was 227.9 people per square mile (88.0 people/km2). There were 70,068 housing units at an average density of 97.6 units per square mile (37.7 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 81.3% White, 5.1% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, 0.5% Native American, 4.6% from other races, and 7.2% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 9.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

USA Rock County, Wisconsin age pyramid
2000 Census Age Pyramid for Rock County

As of the census of 2010, there were 160,331 people residing in the county.

As of the census of 2000, were 152,307 people, 58,617 households, and 40,387 families residing in the county. The population density was 211 people per square mile (81 people/km2). there were 62,187 housing units at an average density of 86 units per square mile (33 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.01% white, 4.63% black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.77% from other races, and 1.50% from two or more races. 3.91% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 32.8% were of German, 13.0% Norwegian, 10.1% Irish, 7.5% English and 5.5% American ancestry.

There were 58,617 households, out of which 33.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.50% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.10% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.50% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 29.80% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 12.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.10 males.

Communities

Cities

Villages

Towns

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Ghost towns/neighborhoods

Education

School districts include:

  • Albany School District
  • Beloit School District
  • Beloit Turner School District
  • Brodhead School District
  • Clinton Community School District
  • Delavan-Darien School District
  • Edgerton School District
  • Evansville Community School District
  • Fort Atkinson School District
  • Janesville School District
  • Milton School District
  • Oregon School District
  • Parkview School District
  • Stoughton Area School District
  • Whitewater School District

There is a state-operated school, Wisconsin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Tree cities

  • Beloit
  • Clinton
  • Edgerton
  • Evansville
  • Janesville
  • Milton

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Rock (Wisconsin) para niños

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