Wisconsin Counties with the Highest Number of Pre-War Homes
Pre-war residences, defined as those constructed before 1939, are treasured architectural landmarks. With their sturdy construction and distinctive charm, these homes often evoke nostalgia, leading people to remark, “They just don’t build them like this anymore,” especially when comparing to modern, minimalist designs.
While this sentiment has merit, it is essential to recognize that many pre-war homes included materials deemed hazardous today, such as asbestos and lead. However, many individuals yearn for their unique features like hardwood floors, nickel detailing, elaborate crown molding, and lofty ceilings, which are often seen as marks of a dream home.
Maintaining the history of these homes, many of which can be found on the National Register of Historic Places, often goes beyond the capabilities of individual homeowners. Based on location, special permissions from local historic organizations may be necessary before any renovations to preserve their architectural integrity can proceed.
Stacker generated a list highlighting Wisconsin counties with the highest percentage of pre-war homes using information from the U.S. Census Bureau. The rankings reflect areas with the most homes built before 1939, drawing from the 2020 five-year estimates.
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#30. Racine County
– Pre-war homes: 20.1%
– Homes built since 2000: 12.0%
– Median year of construction: 1967
– Total homes: 82,977
#29. Pierce County
– Pre-war homes: 20.1%
– Homes built since 2000: 23.3%
– Median year of construction: 1979
– Total homes: 16,742
#28. Rock County
– Pre-war homes: 20.5%
– Homes built since 2000: 13.2%
– Median year of construction: 1969
– Total homes: 69,278
#27. Monroe County
– Pre-war homes: 20.7%
– Homes built since 2000: 19.9%
– Median year of construction: 1978
– Total homes: 20,000
#26. Shawano County
– Pre-war homes: 20.8%
– Homes built since 2000: 16.5%
– Median year of construction: 1974
– Total homes: 20,957
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#25. Jackson County
– Pre-war homes: 21.0%
– Homes built since 2000: 23.0%
– Median year of construction: 1978
– Total homes: 9,964
#24. Crawford County
– Pre-war homes: 21.2%
– Homes built since 2000: 18.6%
– Median year of construction: 1975
– Total homes: 8,999
#23. Trempealeau County
– Pre-war homes: 21.2%
– Homes built since 2000: 18.9%
– Median year of construction: 1975
– Total homes: 13,219
#22. Langlade County
– Pre-war homes: 21.3%
– Homes built since 2000: 12.6%
– Median year of construction: 1972
– Total homes: 12,614
#21. Waupaca County
– Pre-war homes: 22.4%
– Homes built since 2000: 14.1%
– Median year of construction: 1974
– Total homes: 25,840
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#20. Columbia County
– Pre-war homes: 23.5%
– Homes built since 2000: 18.1%
– Median year of construction: 1975
– Total homes: 26,878
#19. Grant County
– Pre-war homes: 23.7%
– Homes built since 2000: 15.9%
– Median year of construction: 1972
– Total homes: 22,197
#18. Jefferson County
– Pre-war homes: 23.9%
– Homes built since 2000: 16.8%
– Median year of construction: 1973
– Total homes: 36,010
#17. Green Lake County
– Pre-war homes: 25.1%
– Homes built since 2000: 12.6%
– Median year of construction: 1969
– Total homes: 10,756
#16. Fond du Lac County
– Pre-war homes: 26.2%
– Homes built since 2000: 15.4%
– Median year of construction: 1971
– Total homes: 45,338
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#15. Pepin County
– Pre-war homes: 26.6%
– Homes built since 2000: 18.4%
– Median year of construction: 1972
– Total homes: 3,691
#14. Iowa County
– Pre-war homes: 26.6%
– Homes built since 2000: 19.3%
– Median year of construction: 1976
– Total homes: 10,944
#13. Douglas County
– Pre-war homes: 26.7%
– Homes built since 2000: 12.7%
– Median year of construction: 1970
– Total homes: 23,263
#12. Clark County
– Pre-war homes: 26.9%
– Homes built since 2000: 13.5%
– Median year of construction: 1970
– Total homes: 15,215
#11. Vernon County
– Pre-war homes: 27.1%
– Homes built since 2000: 20.1%
– Median year of construction: 1973
– Total homes: 14,173
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#10. Sheboygan County
– Pre-war homes: 27.4%
– Homes built since 2000: 12.8%
– Median year of construction: 1970
– Total homes: 51,249
#9. Green County
– Pre-war homes: 27.4%
– Homes built since 2000: 15.5%
– Median year of construction: 1972
– Total homes: 16,097
#8. Buffalo County
– Pre-war homes: 28.7%
– Homes built since 2000: 14.1%
– Median year of construction: 1970
– Total homes: 6,827
#7. Kewaunee County
– Pre-war homes: 28.9%
– Homes built since 2000: 15.0%
– Median year of construction: 1969
– Total homes: 9,442
#6. Ashland County
– Pre-war homes: 28.9%
– Homes built since 2000: 14.4%
– Median year of construction: 1970
– Total homes: 9,657
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#5. Dodge County
– Pre-war homes: 29.8%
– Homes built since 2000: 15.1%
– Median year of construction: 1968
– Total homes: 37,942
#4. Richland County
– Pre-war homes: 30.3%
– Homes built since 2000: 15.3%
– Median year of construction: 1969
– Total homes: 8,998
#3. Milwaukee County
– Pre-war homes: 30.6%
– Homes built since 2000: 6.9%
– Median year of construction: 1955
– Total homes: 419,310
#2. Manitowoc County
– Pre-war homes: 31.3%
– Homes built since 2000: 10.2%
– Median year of construction: 1961
– Total homes: 37,538
#1. Lafayette County
– Pre-war homes: 34.2%
– Homes built since 2000: 13.4%
– Median year of construction: 1962
– Total homes: 7,325
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By Stacker
