Lafayette County is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise nestled along the Pecatonica River. Community members and tourists alike travel the landscape through the winding woods of the Cheese Country Trail. Diverse recreational opportunities are available in every season as the area is an excellent destination for birdwatching, biking, and hiking in the summer and snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter.

The area is abundant with agricultural land and family-owned farms, food processors, and agricultural businesses that contribute thousands of jobs and millions of dollars to their communities. Major agricultural sectors of the county include crops such as alfalfa and corn, and livestock including sheep, goats, swine, calves, and bees. Additionally, metal and plastic manufacturing industries are abundant in the area, as well as cheese, dairy production, and other food-related industries. The land is also home to small Amish communities who offer fresh street-side foods and incredible craftsmanship.

Lafayette Slide 1
Agriculture generates millions of dollars in economic activity
Shulsburg
Visit small communities with BIG flavors
Farm
Exploring alternative energy solutions
Lafayette Slide 2
Navigate over sixty miles of off-road multi-use trails
Lafayette Slide 3
Savor fresh homemade cheese curds from Brunkow Cheese in Fayette

Labor Force6

Total Local Jobs

4,430

Resident Workers

8,122

Commutes Into

Commutes Into

2,023

Live And Work

Live And Work

2,407

Commutes Out Of

Commutes Out Of

5,715

Economic2

Median Household
Income

$53,038

Unemployment
Rate7

1.8%

Top Industries5

*If table appears to be cut off please swipe right.

Sector 2010 / 2019 Change in Jobs Avg. Annual Wage
Government 1,122 / 1,134 1% $34,936
Manufacturing 639 / 901 41% $44,591
Wholesale Trade 361 / 467 29% $42,235
Retail Trade 348 / 283 -19% $20,437
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 221 / 436 97% $32,695
Accommodation and Food Services 212 / 242 14% $10,493
Construction 168 / 258 54% $49,211
Finance and Insurance 167 / 142 -15% $40,937
Other Services (except Public Administration) 164 / 160 -2% $24,982
Health Care and Social Assistance 162 / 164 1% $23,728

Population2

2010 Census3

16,836

Female

49.2%

Median Age

41.5

2017 Estimate1

16,741

Male

50.8%

Age 65+

2,806

2030/2040 Projections4

17,720/18,095

Under 18

4,166

Race & Ethnicity

96.9% White alone
3.5% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
[11.7% Darlington Hispanic or Latino (of any race)]    
0.3% Black or African American alone
0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native alone

0.2% Asian alone
0.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
1.2% Some other race alone
0.9% Two or more races

Population Age %

TOP EMPLOYERS

  • Lactalis USA, Belmont
  • Saputo, Belmont
  • Lafayette County, Darlington
  • Sigma Foods/Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington
  • Wisconsin Whey Protein/Midwest Stainless/Midwest Stainless, Darlington

Sources: 1. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division - Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2017, 2. U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 3. U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census, 4. WI Department of Administration, Division of Intergovernmental Relations, Demographic Services Center (Dec. 2013), 5. Economic Modeling Specialists, Intl., 6. OnTheMap, U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, 7. May 2018, Crawford County, WI - USDOL BLS: https://data.bls.gov/map/

Lafayette County
Economic Development

Lafayette County <br/>Economic Development
Allison Taylor

Economic Development Director & Tourism Director
627 Washington Street
Darlington, WI 53530
608-776-4860
allison.taylor@lafayettecountywi.org