Town of Rusk

Homesteaded Land. Bear Lake. Deep Community Roots.

Located in southwestern Rusk County and home to the unincorporated community of Bear Lake, the Town of Rusk traces its settlement back to the early 1870s, when the first homesteaders began clearing pine forest and stone-filled soil to farm the land. More than a century of shared history lives on in the community's converted one-room schoolhouse, now the Rusk Town Hall, reflecting the township's deep-rooted local identity.

Why Rusk?

Shaped by generations of farming and homesteading, the Town of Rusk offers a strong agricultural heritage alongside nearby lakes, wildlife areas, and outdoor recreation in southwestern Rusk County.

Farming Heritage

Settled in the early 1870s, Rusk's early residents cleared pine forest and rocky soil to build a lasting agricultural community, a legacy still reflected in the township's land today.

Bear Lake Community

The unincorporated community of Bear Lake carries over a century of local history, including a converted one-room schoolhouse still used as the Town Hall.

Ten Mile Creek Wildlife Area

Located in the township, this 410-acre property offers wetlands, grassland, and forest habitat for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Premier Fishing

Rusk County's more than 250 lakes and flowages, along with major rivers like the Chippewa and Flambeau, offer some of the best fishing in northern Wisconsin.

Historic Landmarks

From the Rusk County Farm Company buildings to the Buck Lake cheese factory, the township holds landmarks reflecting its transition from logging to farming.

Connected to Rusk County

As part of Rusk County, the Town of Rusk is linked to the county's broader network of communities, services, and recreational assets.

Community Profile

The following demographic information provides a snapshot of the Town of Rusk using the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. These statistics provide insight into the township's population, households, housing, income, and educational characteristics.

Population

556

Total Population

Estimated resident population.

58.3

Median Age

Median age of township residents.

16.6

People per Sq. Mile

Population density across the township's 33.5 square miles.

2.1

Persons per Household

Average number of people per household.

Income & Economy

$76,402

Median Household Income

Median annual household income.

$40,580

Per Capita Income

Income per resident.

0.8%

Poverty Rate

Residents living below the federal poverty line.

42.8 min

Mean Travel Time to Work

Average travel time to work for employed residents.

Housing & Education

559

Housing Units

Total residential housing units.

$209,800

Median Home Value

Median value of owner-occupied housing units.

94.6%

High School Graduate+

Residents age 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher.

28.1%

Bachelor's Degree+

Residents age 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Data Source & Disclaimer

Community profile statistics are based on the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates provided by the U.S. Census Bureau and accessed through Census Reporter .

Census estimates are subject to sampling variability and may differ from other population or demographic data sources. Margins of error are provided where available. Because the Town of Rusk has a relatively small population, some estimates may have substantial margins of error and should be interpreted with appropriate caution.

Information presented on this page is provided for general informational and economic development purposes and should not be considered an official statement of township statistics.

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