History of Dodge County, Wisconsin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 16, 2025

Dodge County, Wisconsin, is a county with a population of 89,396 as of the 2020 census. Established from the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, it was formally organized in 1844. The county seat is located in Juneau, Wisconsin.

1917: Declaration of War Against Germany

In 1917, Democratic President Woodrow Wilson and Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. Senator Paul O. Husting supported the declaration of war against Germany, influencing the Democratic vote in Dodge County. Simultaneously, progressive Republican leader Robert M. La Follette opposed the resolution.

1940: Start of Republican Dominance

Beginning in 1940, Dodge County consistently voted Republican in presidential elections, marking the start of a Republican stronghold.

1956: Dwight D. Eisenhower's Reelection

In 1956, Dodge County strongly supported Dwight D. Eisenhower's reelection, marking a high point for Republican performance in the county.

1964: Lyndon B. Johnson's Victory

In 1964, during Lyndon B. Johnson's landslide victory, Dodge County voted Democrat, marking the sole exception to its Republican voting pattern since 1940.

2000: Dodge County Census

In 2000, the census recorded that Dodge County had 85,897 residents in 31,417 households with a population density of 97 people per square mile. The racial makeup was primarily White (95.28%), with other groups including Black or African American (2.49%) and Native American (0.40%).

2017: Dodge County Birth Rate

In 2017, Dodge County recorded 758 births, resulting in a general fertility rate of 54.0 births per 1000 women aged 15-44, which was the 12th lowest rate among Wisconsin counties.

2020: Dodge County Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Dodge County had a population of 89,396 with a density of 102.1 people per square mile. There were 38,123 housing units, and the racial makeup was 88.8% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and other groups making up the remainder.