Somerset, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Somerset, Wisconsin
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Location of Somerset in St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | St. Croix |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.33 sq mi (8.62 km2) |
| • Land | 3.33 sq mi (8.62 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 961 ft (293 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 2,635 |
| • Estimate
(2019)
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2,920 |
| • Density | 877.93/sq mi (338.94/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 715 & 534 |
| FIPS code | 55-74700 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1581724 |
Somerset is a village in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, along the Apple River. The population was 2,635 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Somerset.
History
Somerset was named by General Samuel Harriman after his father's home of Somerset, England. Somerset has a lengthy and colorful history. Before the turn of the century Somerset was bordered on the south by cranberry bogs. The terrain naturally lent itself to the production of cranberries as a result of the hilliness of the area, which is dotted with ponds, sloughs, swamps and bogs. These wet areas became of greater interest to the local population during Prohibition. These same low spots where water collected became ideal for collecting water for the production of moonshine (homemade alcoholic beverages). Indeed, Somerset already had a history of being a rough logging town, and it was only a natural progression to become the supplier of bootlegged alcohol to the twin cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. After Prohibition ended, the citizens of Somerset returned to the more humble activities of logging and farming.
Geography
Somerset is located at 45°7′30″N 92°40′30″W / 45.12500°N 92.67500°W (45.125189, -92.6752).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.75 square miles (7.12 km2), all of it land. The Apple River runs through Somerset.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 77 | — | |
| 1920 | 406 | — | |
| 1930 | 480 | 18.2% | |
| 1940 | 476 | −0.8% | |
| 1950 | 531 | 11.6% | |
| 1960 | 729 | 37.3% | |
| 1970 | 778 | 6.7% | |
| 1980 | 860 | 10.5% | |
| 1990 | 1,072 | 24.7% | |
| 2000 | 1,556 | 45.1% | |
| 2010 | 2,635 | 69.3% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 2,920 | 10.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,635 people, 990 households, and 654 families living in the village. The population density was 958.2 inhabitants per square mile (370.0/km2). There were 1,102 housing units at an average density of 400.7 per square mile (154.7/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 93.1% White, 1.0% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.1% of the population.
There were 990 households, of which 44.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.9% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.15.
The median age in the village was 29.6 years. 32.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 36.3% were from 25 to 44; 17.4% were from 45 to 64; and 5.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
Recreation
Somerset has several camping establishments along the Apple River. Outfitters in the area provide rentals and transportation for tubing on the river. Every summer concerts are held at the Somerset Amphitheater. The Avett Brothers, Slipknot, and Pretty Lights are previous headliners. Somerset also hosts the Tough Mudder and The Border Battle Beer Fest. Every June, Somerset also holds its annual Pea Soup Days. There's a carnival, parade, and late night band playing. It takes place in the Village Park.
Education
Somerset High School serves students in grades nine through twelve. Somerset Middle School is the local middle school for students in grades five through eight. Somerset Elementary School is the local elementary school for students in junior kindergarten through fourth grade. All of these schools are located on the Somerset School district campus.
Notable people
- Jenny Hansen, NCAA All-Round Gymnastic Champion
- Samuel Harriman, Union Army general
- Sam Lofquist, ice hockey player
- Michael Schachtner, basketball player
See also
In Spanish: Somerset (Wisconsin) para niños
