Washburn County is a county in Wisconsin, United States, in the state’s northwest lake country between the Namekagon and Yellow River watersheds. It had a population of 16,623 at the 2020 census, up to an estimated 17,087 in 2025, and covers 853 square miles (2,210 km2) centred near 45°54′N 91°47′W.
Shell Lake is the county seat, while Spooner is the county’s largest city. The county holds 2 cities, 2 villages, 21 towns and 3 census-designated places, all on Central time.
Towns & Villages in Washburn County
Washburn County’s incorporated places sit among hundreds of lakes carved by glacial retreat; most residents instead live in one of the county’s 21 unincorporated towns (townships) or one of a handful of small crossroads communities.
| Place | Type | Township | Pop. | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Lake | City · seat | — | — | — |
| Spooner | City | Town of Spooner | 2,573 | — |
| Birchwood | Village | Town of Birchwood | — | — |
| Minong | Village | Town of Minong | — | — |
| Springbrook | CDP | Town of Springbrook | — | — |
| Stone Lake | CDP | Town of Stone Lake | — | — |
| Trego | CDP | Town of Trego | — | — |
| Sarona | Unincorp. | Town of Sarona | — | — |
| Beaver Brook | Unincorp. | Town of Beaver Brook | — | — |
| Madge | Unincorp. | Town of Madge | — | — |
| Chicago Junction | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
| Chittamo | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
| Earl | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
| Lampson | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
| Nobleton | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
| Stanberry | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
| Harmon | Unincorp. | — | — | — |
Townships
| Township | Pop. (2020) | Main settlements |
|---|---|---|
| Barronett | — | — |
| Bashaw | — | — |
| Bass Lake | — | — |
| Beaver Brook | — | Beaver Brook |
| Birchwood | — | Birchwood |
| Brooklyn | — | — |
| Casey | — | — |
| Chicog | — | — |
| Crystal | — | — |
| Evergreen | — | — |
| Frog Creek | — | — |
| Gull Lake | — | — |
| Long Lake | — | — |
| Madge | — | Madge |
| Minong | — | Minong |
| Sarona | — | Sarona |
| Spooner | — | Spooner (southwest corner) |
| Springbrook | — | Springbrook |
| Stinnett | — | — |
| Stone Lake | — | Stone Lake |
| Trego | — | Trego |
ZIP Codes
A verified, current list of USPS ZIP codes for Washburn County’s post offices could not be confirmed against a primary source this pass, so none are published here to avoid guessing. Most residents outside Shell Lake and Spooner receive mail through a nearby incorporated post office rather than one assigned to their own township.
Geography
Washburn County lies in Wisconsin’s Northern Highland lake country, a glaciated landscape of pine-oak forest, sand-and-gravel outwash plains, and hundreds of natural lakes and spring-fed streams. Of the county’s 853 square miles, 797 square miles are land and 56 square miles are water — roughly 6.6 percent of the county’s surface. The Namekagon River, a National Wild and Scenic River, crosses the county’s northern half; the Yellow River drains its southern towns toward the St. Croix.
Washburn County borders six other Wisconsin counties: Douglas County to the north, Bayfield County to the northeast, Sawyer County to the east, Rusk County to the southeast, Barron County to the south, and Burnett County to the west.
Demographics
Washburn County’s population was 16,623 at the 2020 census, with the Census Bureau estimating 17,087 residents in 2025. Spooner, at 2,573 residents, is the county’s largest community; Shell Lake, the seat, is the second-largest incorporated place. Wisconsin’s 2023 ACS median household income was $74,631; Washburn County, a rural lakes county with a large seasonal-property base, typically runs below the state figure. Density across the county’s 797 land square miles works out to about 21 people per square mile, well under the statewide average.
Economy & Local Life
Tourism and seasonal-home recreation drive much of Washburn County’s economy: the U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies the county as a high-recreation retirement destination, reflecting its concentration of lake cabins, resorts and retirees. Forestry, small-scale agriculture and county-government employment round out the base. Spooner hosts Washburn County’s annual fairgrounds events each summer, drawing visitors from across the region for agricultural and craft exhibits.
History
Washburn County was organized in 1883 out of neighboring territory and named for Cadwallader C. Washburn, a Wisconsin governor and Union Army general who later co-founded the flour-milling business that became General Mills. Railroad construction shaped the county’s early settlement pattern — the unincorporated community of Chicago Junction takes its name from a former rail junction, and several of the county’s smaller unincorporated places began as depot stops rather than farm towns.
Getting There
US Highway 53 and US Highway 63 cross Washburn County, along with State Highways 48, 70, 77 and 253, linking Spooner and Shell Lake to the rest of northwestern Wisconsin.
- Rice Lake, Wisconsin — about 25 miles south
- Hayward, Wisconsin — about 25 miles east
- Superior, Wisconsin — about 60 miles north
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin — about 65 miles south
Shell Lake Municipal Airport (KSSQ) serves general aviation within the county. A commercial-service airport for county residents was not independently confirmed this pass and is omitted rather than guessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Washburn County, Wisconsin?
It sits in the state’s northwest lake country, bordered by Douglas, Bayfield, Sawyer, Rusk, Barron and Burnett counties.
What is the population of Washburn County?
16,623 at the 2020 census, with the Census Bureau estimating 17,087 residents as of 2025.
What is the county seat of Washburn County?
Shell Lake is the county seat; Spooner is the county’s largest city.
How big is Washburn County?
853 square miles (2,210 km2) in total — 797 square miles of land and 56 square miles of water.
Who is Washburn County named after?
Cadwallader C. Washburn, a Wisconsin governor, Civil War general and flour-milling pioneer.
What river runs through Washburn County?
The Namekagon River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, crosses the county’s northern towns.
When was Washburn County organized?
In 1883.
More counties in this state: Towns and villages in Wisconsin.