Village of Hawkins
Nestled in northwestern Rusk County along Wisconsin Highway 8, the Village of Hawkins is a community built on the traditions of the Northwoods. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and recreational opportunities, Hawkins offers residents, businesses, and visitors a welcoming small-town atmosphere, strong community pride, and easy access to the natural resources that make northern Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and invest.
Why Hawkins?
Hawkins is a community that embraces the best of northern Wisconsin. With direct access to outdoor recreation, strong community pride, and a strategic location along Wisconsin Highway 8, the village offers an outstanding quality of life while providing opportunities for future residential, commercial, and recreational investment.
Northwoods Recreation
Surrounded by forests, lakes, and public lands, Hawkins offers year-round outdoor recreation including ATV riding, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Highway 8 Access
Located along Wisconsin Highway 8, Hawkins provides convenient transportation access connecting residents, businesses, and visitors throughout northern Wisconsin.
Room to Grow
Hawkins offers opportunities for thoughtful residential, commercial, and community development while maintaining the welcoming character that residents value.
Historic Northwoods Community
Founded during Wisconsin's logging era, Hawkins continues to celebrate its rich history while embracing new opportunities for future generations.
Exceptional Quality of Life
Residents enjoy a peaceful small-town atmosphere, affordable living, and easy access to the natural beauty that defines Wisconsin's Northwoods.
Community Pride
Local organizations, volunteers, businesses, and residents work together to preserve Hawkins' welcoming spirit and strengthen the community for years to come.
History of Hawkins
The Village of Hawkins was founded in the early twentieth century during Wisconsin's great logging era. The arrival of the railroad transformed the area into an important shipping point for timber harvested throughout the surrounding forests. As lumber companies established mills and operations nearby, Hawkins quickly developed into a thriving community supporting workers, families, and local businesses.
The village was officially incorporated in 1903 and was named after A. W. Hawkins, a prominent official of the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway (commonly known as the Soo Line Railroad). Throughout much of the twentieth century, Hawkins served as a regional center for the timber industry before gradually diversifying into agriculture, recreation, and small business.
Today, Hawkins continues to honor its Northwoods heritage while serving as a welcoming rural community. Its history, recreational opportunities, and strong sense of community continue to shape the village's identity and contribute to its future.
1903
The Village of Hawkins is officially incorporated and named after Soo Line Railroad official A. W. Hawkins.
Early 1900s
Logging and the railroad fuel rapid growth as Hawkins becomes an important transportation and lumber community.
Mid-1900s
As Wisconsin's timber industry evolves, Hawkins expands its economy through agriculture, local businesses, and community services.
Today
Hawkins continues to celebrate its Northwoods heritage while offering residents a welcoming community and outstanding outdoor recreation.
Community Profile
Population
322
Total PopulationEstimated resident population.
54.7
Median AgeMedian age of village residents.
146
People per Sq. MilePopulation density within the village.
2.3
Persons per HouseholdAverage household size.
Income & Economy
$41,250
Median Household IncomeMedian annual household income.
$27,179
Per Capita IncomeAverage income earned per resident.
16.5%
Poverty RateResidents living below the federal poverty line.
15.2 min
Mean Travel Time to WorkAverage one-way commute for employed residents.
Housing & Education
169
Housing UnitsTotal residential housing units.
$72,500
Median Home ValueMedian value of owner-occupied housing units.
71.6%
High School Graduate+Residents age 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher.
3.3%
Bachelor's Degree+Residents age 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher.
Data Sources & Disclaimer
The information presented throughout this municipal profile is derived from publicly available data maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau. Population, housing, education, workforce, and economic statistics are based primarily on the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. Due to Hawkins' relatively small population, some estimates may have larger margins of error than those reported for larger municipalities.
This information is intended to provide a general overview of the Village of Hawkins and should be used for informational purposes. Visitors are encouraged to review the official Census profile below for additional statistics, detailed tables, and survey methodology.