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Marathon County, Wisconsin

A Comprehensive Geographic and Socioeconomic Analysis

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Introduction

County Overview

Marathon County is a county situated in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Established in 1850 from a portion of Portage County, it was initially much larger, extending to the Michigan border. The county's name is derived from the historic battlefield at Marathon, Greece.[3]

Seat and Significance

Its county seat and largest city is Wausau. Marathon County forms the core of the Wausau, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area and is also included in the Wausauโ€“Stevens Pointโ€“Wisconsin Rapids, WI Combined Statistical Area, highlighting its regional importance.[2]

Population Context

As of the 2020 census, Marathon County recorded a population of 138,013 residents, making it the largest county in Wisconsin by land area and fourth-largest overall.[1]

Geography

Area and Dimensions

The total area of Marathon County encompasses 1,576 square miles (4,080 km2). Of this, 1,545 square miles (4,000 km2) consist of land, with 31 square miles (80 km2) being water, representing approximately 2.0% of the total area.[4]

Hemispheric Significance

Marathon County holds a unique geographical distinction: it is home to the point representing the exact center of the northern half of the Western Hemisphere. This location, precisely at 45ยฐN latitude and 90ยฐW longitude, is a quarter of the way around the world from the Prime Meridian and halfway from the Equator to the North Pole.[5]

Transportation Networks

Key transportation arteries serving Marathon County include Interstate 39, U.S. Highway 51, and various Wisconsin State Highways such as WIS 13, 29, 34, 49, 52, 97, 98, 107, and 153. The county also features rail services via Canadian National and Watco, and air transport through Wausau Downtown Airport (KAUW) and Central Wisconsin Airport (KCWA).

Demographics

Population Trends

Marathon County has experienced consistent population growth. From a modest 508 residents in 1850, it grew to 138,013 by 2020, with an estimated population of 138,612 in 2023, indicating a slight increase.[1] The population density stands at approximately 89.3 people per square mile.

Ethnic Composition (2020)

The racial makeup in 2020 was predominantly White (86.9%). Significant minority groups included Asian (6.2%), Black or African American (0.9%), Native American (0.5%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (4.3%). Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted 3.2% of the population.[1]

Linguistic Landscape

English is the primary language spoken by 92.9% of the population. Other languages include Hmong (3.4%), German (1.1%), and Spanish (1.1%). Ancestry data from 2000 indicated strong German (52.6%) and Polish (13.6%) heritage among residents.[9]

Libraries

Marathon County Public Library System

The Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) operates its central headquarters in downtown Wausau. The system extends its reach through eight branch libraries strategically located in Athens, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon City, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer, and Stratford, serving the diverse communities across the county.

Recreation

County Parks

Marathon County maintains a robust network of county parks, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Notable parks include Amco County Park, Big Eau Pleine County Park, Cherokee County Park, D.C. Everest County Park, and the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, known for its natural beauty.

Winter Trails

The county is a significant destination for snowmobiling, boasting over 884 miles of groomed trails. These trails are meticulously maintained by 29 local snowmobile clubs, providing extensive winter recreational opportunities.[12]

Communities

Cities and Villages

Marathon County is home to several incorporated cities and villages, including the county seat, Wausau. Other significant municipalities include Mosinee, Schofield, Athens, Edgar, and Stratford. Some communities, like Abbotsford, Colby, and Marshfield, are partially located in adjacent counties.

Towns and Unincorporated Areas

Beyond cities and villages, the county comprises numerous towns, such as Bergen, Cassel, Hamburg, and Wien, alongside various unincorporated communities like Halder, Ringle, and Rozellville, contributing to the diverse settlement patterns across Marathon County.

Politics

Presidential Election Trends

Marathon County has historically demonstrated competitive presidential election results. While it has leaned Republican in recent presidential elections, notably supporting Donald Trump by significant margins in 2016 and 2020, it has shown shifts in voting patterns over time, reflecting broader political trends.

The following table details the presidential election results for Marathon County from 1896 to the present:

Year Republican % Democratic % Third party(ies) %
2024 46,213 58.63% 31,529 40.00% 1,084 1.38%
2020 44,624 58.14% 30,808 40.14% 1,319 1.72%
2016 39,014 56.12% 26,481 38.09% 4,023 5.79%
2012 36,617 52.41% 32,363 46.32% 882 1.26%
2008 30,345 44.66% 36,367 53.53% 1,228 1.81%
2004 36,394 53.47% 30,899 45.40% 766 1.13%
2000 28,883 49.48% 26,546 45.48% 2,945 5.05%
1996 19,874 38.63% 24,012 46.67% 7,563 14.70%
1992 20,948 36.51% 21,482 37.44% 14,948 26.05%
1988 24,482 49.44% 24,658 49.79% 381 0.77%
1984 27,080 55.64% 20,128 41.36% 1,462 3.00%
1980 25,868 48.34% 23,281 43.50% 4,365 8.16%
1976 21,898 45.62% 24,934 51.94% 1,169 2.44%
1972 21,454 51.28% 18,500 44.22% 1,885 4.51%
1968 16,907 44.40% 18,063 47.43% 3,111 8.17%
1964 12,766 34.11% 24,603 65.74% 57 0.15%
1960 21,880 54.67% 18,145 45.33% 0 0.00%
1956 22,586 59.36% 15,301 40.21% 164 0.43%
1952 20,702 58.52% 14,541 41.11% 130 0.37%
1948 11,494 40.93% 15,898 56.62% 687 2.45%
1944 15,782 53.54% 13,192 44.75% 503 1.71%
1940 15,264 51.80% 13,724 46.57% 481 1.63%
1936 7,328 27.06% 17,898 66.10% 1,850 6.83%
1932 6,210 25.24% 17,744 72.13% 647 2.63%
1928 10,127 48.02% 10,675 50.61% 289 1.37%
1924 5,577 29.22% 1,109 5.81% 12,402 64.97%
1920 11,356 65.53% 2,133 12.31% 3,840 22.16%
1916 5,838 57.03% 3,677 35.92% 722 7.05%
1912 3,033 33.20% 4,043 44.26% 2,059 22.54%
1908 5,258 50.62% 4,722 45.46% 408 3.93%
1904 6,144 63.24% 3,225 33.19% 347 3.57%
1900 4,717 54.32% 3,768 43.40% 198 2.28%
1896 3,958 49.62% 3,829 48.00% 190 2.38%
1892 1,959 33.04% 3,791 63.94% 179 3.02%

Education

School Districts

Marathon County is served by a comprehensive system of public school districts, catering to the educational needs of its diverse population. These districts include Abbotsford, Athens, Auburndale, Colby, D.C. Everest Area, Edgar, Marathon City, Marshfield, Mosinee, Spencer, Stratford, and Wausau School Districts, among others.[14]

History

Founding and Naming

Marathon County was officially established in 1850, carved from the territory of Portage County. Its original boundaries were extensive, reaching the northern border of Wisconsin. The county's name is derived from the ancient Greek site of Marathon, Greece, commemorating a significant historical battle.[3]

Early Development

The county's early development saw significant population growth, from a modest 508 residents in 1850 to nearly 30,000 by 1890, reflecting its expansion and settlement.[6]

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Marathon County, Wisconsin Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, utilizing data sourced from Wikipedia. It is intended for informational and educational purposes, providing an academic overview of Marathon County, Wisconsin. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the provided source, the content may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here should not substitute for consultation with qualified professionals in fields such as geography, demography, or local governance. Always refer to official sources and expert consultation for critical decision-making.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.