Definition
Baldwin is a village located in St. Croix County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin.
Overview
Baldwin lies in the western part of Wisconsin, approximately 30 mi east of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It is part of the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, MN‑WI Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 United States Census, the village had a population of 2,615 residents. The community is governed by a village board and provides municipal services typical of small Wisconsin villages, including police, fire protection, and public works.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Baldwin” is believed to have been derived from an early settler or a local family bearing the Baldwin surname. Precise documentation of the naming decision has not been located, and therefore the exact origin remains uncertain.
Characteristics
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Geography: The United States Census Bureau reports that Baldwin encompasses a total area of roughly 2.3 square miles (5.9 km²), all of which is land. The village is situated near the Willow River and is accessible via State Highway 35 and County Highway H.
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Demographics: As of the 2020 census, the population density was about 1,140 persons per square mile. The racial composition was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Asian, Native American, and Hispanic or Latino residents. Household and family structures reflect typical patterns for rural Midwestern communities.
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Economy: The local economy is centered on small‑scale retail, services, and agriculture. Several family‑owned businesses operate within the village, and many residents commute to larger employment centers in nearby New Richmond, Hudson, and the Twin Cities.
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Education: Public education for Baldwin residents is provided by the Baldwin School District, which includes Baldwin Elementary School, Baldwin Middle School, and Baldwin High School.
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Infrastructure and Services: Baldwin maintains its own water and wastewater treatment facilities, and the village is served by the Baldwin Fire Department and a volunteer police force. Recreational amenities include parks, a community center, and access to regional trails.
Related Topics
- St. Croix County, Wisconsin
- List of villages in Wisconsin
- Baldwin School District
- Nearby municipalities: New Richmond, Hudson, and Stillwater (MN)
- Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington Metropolitan Area
Note: While the information presented reflects data available from official sources such as the United States Census Bureau and municipal records, certain historical details—particularly the precise origin of the village’s name—are not definitively documented.