Town of Thornapple

One of Rusk County's Largest Townships.

Home to the unincorporated community of Thornapple, the Town of Thornapple spans over 52 square miles in southeastern Rusk County, making it one of the county's larger townships by land area. Its rural landscape and small-town roots offer residents a quiet, close-knit setting true to the character of northern Wisconsin.

Why Thornapple?

Named for the Thornapple River, one of the four major rivers running through Rusk County, the Town of Thornapple offers wide open land, rural charm, and a strong small-town community spirit.

The Thornapple River

One of Rusk County's four major rivers, the Thornapple gives the township its name and offers scenic waterways for recreation.

Expansive Land Area

Spanning over 52 square miles, Thornapple is one of the larger townships in Rusk County, offering plenty of open, rural land.

Rusk County Fair & Rodeo

Held annually in nearby Ladysmith, the Rusk County Fair and Rodeo brings together agricultural exhibits, rodeo competition, and community celebration for area residents.

Logging & Settlement Roots

Like much of Rusk County, Thornapple's early development was shaped by the logging industry and the arrival of the Soo Line Railroad in the 1880s.

Rural Community Character

The unincorporated community of Thornapple anchors a close-knit, rural township where residents value open space and a slower pace of life.

Connected to Rusk County

As part of Rusk County, Thornapple 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 Thornapple 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

659

Total Population

Estimated resident population.

58.3

Median Age

Median age of township residents.

12.8

People per Sq. Mile

Population density across the township's 51.3 square miles.

2.2

Persons per Household

Average number of people per household.

Income & Economy

$62,083

Median Household Income

Median annual household income.

$32,087

Per Capita Income

Income per resident.

15.3%

Poverty Rate

Residents living below the federal poverty line.

20.7 min

Mean Travel Time to Work

Average travel time to work for employed residents.

Housing & Education

367

Housing Units

Total residential housing units.

$180,900

Median Home Value

Median value of owner-occupied housing units.

95.0%

High School Graduate+

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

7.4%

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 Thornapple 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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