Wausaukee is a village in Marinette County, in the state of Wisconsin, United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the village had a population of 618 as of the 2020 census.
Geography
Wausaukee is situated in northeastern Wisconsin, near the Menominee River, which forms part of the boundary between Wisconsin and Michigan. The village lies at an elevation of approximately 771 feet (235 m) above sea level. The total area of the village is 1.01 square miles (2.62 km²), of which 0.99 square miles (2.56 km²) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km²) is water.
History
The name "Wausaukee" is derived from a Menominee term meaning "river of the water spirit" or "river of the spirits," reflecting the area's Native American heritage. European-American settlement began in the mid‑19th century, driven by logging and later agricultural development. The village was incorporated in 1907.
Demographics (2020 Census)
- Population: 618
- Racial composition: Predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and individuals of two or more races.
- Household and family structures reflect typical rural community patterns, with a mix of married couples, single‑parent households, and non‑family households.
Economy and Infrastructure
Wausaukee’s economy is primarily based on small‑scale manufacturing, agricultural services, and retail trade that serve the local and surrounding rural populations. The village is traversed by Wisconsin Highway 169, providing road connectivity to neighboring communities such as Peshtigo and Marinette. Public services include a municipal water system, a volunteer fire department, and a branch of the Marinette County Library System.
Education
The village falls within the jurisdiction of the Peshtigo School District, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools serving students from Wausaukee and nearby areas.
Notable Features
- Proximity to the Menominee River offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
- The village hosts annual community events that celebrate local heritage and foster civic engagement.
References
- United States Census Bureau. "2020 Decennial Census of Population and Housing."
- Wisconsin Historical Society. "Place Names of Wisconsin."
- Marinette County website. "Village of Wausaukee."
