DeForest, Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
 Village hall | |
 Location of DeForest in Dane County, Wisconsin | |
  DeForest  DeForest | |
| Coordinates:43°14′45″N89°20′45″W / 43.24583°N 89.34583°W /43.24583; -89.34583 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Dane |
| Government | |
| • Village President | Jane Cahill Wolfgram |
| • Municipal Judge | Jason Hanson |
| Area | |
• Total | 8.57 sq mi (22.20 km2) |
| • Land | 8.50 sq mi (22.01 km2) |
| • Water | 0.073 sq mi (0.19 km2) |
| Elevation | 948 ft (289 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 10,811 |
| • Density | 1,343.0/sq mi (518.53/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Postal code | 53532 |
| Area code | 608353 |
| FIPS code | 55-19350[4] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1563756[2] |
| Website | www.deforestwi.gov |
DeForest (/dəˈfɔːrɪst/də-FOR-ist) is a village inDane County, Wisconsin, United States, along theYahara River. The population was 10,811 at the2020 census. A suburb north ofMadison, it is part of theMadison metropolitan area.
Before European settlement, the area now known as DeForest was home to Native American peoples, notably theHo-Chunk Nation. TheWisconsin River valley and its tributaries provided vital resources and travel routes for these early inhabitants.[5]
DeForest traces its origins to 1854 when Isaac DeForest, aBelgian-American settler, arrived in the area and acquired extensive land holdings primarily for wheat farming. Recognizing the potential for community development, he platted the land in 1856, laying the foundation for the village that would bear his name. Despite initial success, the post-Civil War decline inwheat prices led DeForest to sell his land in 1868 and relocate to Kansas; however, the village retained his name and continued to grow.[6]
Its name was long spelled "De Forest," but has since been changed to "DeForest."[7]
The arrival of theChicago and North Western Railway in the late19th century significantly impacted DeForest's growth. The railway provided essential connections for transporting agricultural products, particularly grains and dairy, to broader markets. DeForest was officially incorporated as a village in 1897.[8] The early 20th century saw steady growth, withagriculture, small-scalemanufacturing, andlocal trade forming the backbone of the economy.
FollowingWorld War II, DeForest experiencedsuburban expansion due to its proximity to Madison and improvedtransportation infrastructure. The development ofhighways, including the nearbyInterstate 90/94 corridor, facilitated commuter access and contributed to residential growth. Today, DeForest blends its rural heritage with a growing suburban identity. The village has invested in revitalizing its downtown, expanding parks and trails, and supporting educational initiatives through theDeForest Area School District.[9] While maintaining a strong sense of community, DeForest continues to evolve as part of the Greater Madison metropolitan area.
DeForest is located at43°14′45″N89°20′45″W / 43.24583°N 89.34583°W /43.24583; -89.34583 (43.245751, −89.345869).[10] DeForest is located in northern Dane County approximately 15 miles (24 km) northeast of downtownMadison, Wisconsin, the state capital, and is considered part of theMadison metropolitan area.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 8.57 square miles (22.20 km2), of which, 8.47 square miles (21.94 km2) is land and 0.10 square miles (0.26 km2) is water.[11]
The village is situated along theYahara River. DeForest lies within a landscape characterized byglacial moraines, rollingplains, and fertileagricultural fields. The region is part of theDriftless Area boundary zone, although DeForest itself was glaciated during thelast Ice Age. The resulting terrain supports a mixture of suburban development, farmland, and restored prairie.[12]DeForest's elevation averages around 951 feet (290 meters) above sea level, and the village experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), characterized by warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation year-round (NOAA).[13]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 431 | — | |
| 1920 | 493 | 14.4% | |
| 1930 | 540 | 9.5% | |
| 1940 | 598 | 10.7% | |
| 1950 | 805 | 34.6% | |
| 1960 | 1,223 | 51.9% | |
| 1970 | 1,911 | 56.3% | |
| 1980 | 3,367 | 76.2% | |
| 1990 | 4,882 | 45.0% | |
| 2000 | 7,368 | 50.9% | |
| 2010 | 8,936 | 21.3% | |
| 2020 | 10,811 | 21.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[14] | |||
| Characteristic | 2020 Census[16] | 2010 Census[17] | 2000 Census[18] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 10,811 | 8,936 | 7,368 | |
| Race (Alone) (Hispanic included in racial counts) | White | 81.5% | 93.3% | 95.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% | 2.1% | 1.5% | |
| Asian | 2.0% | 1.5% | 0.7% | |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | < 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | < 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.1% | |
| Some Other Race | 0.3% | 1.2% | 0.6% | |
| Two or More Races | 14.2% | 1.6% | 1.4% | |
| Hispanic or Latino (Ethnicity) (of any race) | 9.4% | 3.6% | 2.2% | |
As of the 2020census,[3] DeForest had a population of 10,811 people. Thepopulation density was 1,343 inhabitants per square mile (518.5/km²). The village encompassed a total area of 8.57 square miles, of which 8.50 square miles was land.
The racial composition of DeForest was as follows:
There were 4,268 households in DeForest. The average household size was 2.53 persons. Approximately 71.9% of households were family households. The median age in the village was 38.6 years. The gender makeup of the village was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,936 people, 3,400 households, and 2,446 families living in the village. The population density was 1,202.7 inhabitants per square mile (464.4/km2). There were 3,499 housing units at an average density of 470.9 per square mile (181.8/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 93.3% White, 2.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.6% of the population.
There were 3,400 households, of which 41.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% weremarried couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.1% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.08.
The median age in the village was 35.6 years. 29% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 8.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
As of thecensus[4] of 2000, there were 7,368 people, 2,675 households, and 2,000 families living in the village. Thepopulation density was 1,525.3 people per square mile (589.0/km2). There were 2,761 housing units at an average density of 571.6 per square mile (220.7/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 95.34%White, 1.48%African American, 0.34%Native American, 0.68%Asian, 0.14%Pacific Islander, 0.62% fromother races, and 1.40% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino people of any race were 2.19% of the population.
There were 2,675 households, out of which 44.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% weremarried couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.15.
In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.1% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 36.2% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.0 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $55,369, and the median income for a family was $60,781. Males had a median income of $40,096 versus $28,000 for females. Theper capita income for the village was $21,089. About 1.7% of families and 3.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.
TheDeForest Area School District schools include three elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school andDeForest Area High School[19]
DeForest Area Public Library serves the DeForest area, including the villages ofWindsor and DeForest, and the town ofVienna. It is a member of theSouth Central Library System. As of 2009, the library served a population of 17,142, with a collection of over 81,000 items, including books, serials, audios, videos and kits. Circulation topped 405,000 with 200,000 library visits, and 21,000 users of public computers.[20] The library building, completed in 2002, was modeled after the medievalStavekirke to highlight theNorwegian heritage of the area. A Wisconsin artist designed thedragons that adorn the roof.[21]
Walgreens Distribution Center – A major logistics hub serving the regional supply chain.
EVCO Plastics – Global headquarters in DeForest; specializes in medical and industrial plastic injection molding, with an ISO‑certified cleanroom facility.
ABS Global, Inc. – International livestock genetics company headquartered in DeForest.
Other notable local employers includeAmerican Packaging Corporation,Ball Metalpack,American Girl (Mattel distribution),Clack Corporation,Demco, Inc., andThe Little Potato Company[22]
These businesses are officially based in DeForest:
ABS Global, Inc. – Provides frozenbovine semen and related services.
EVCO Plastics – Operates its MED (Medical and Electronic Devices) division from its headquarters on EVCO Circle.
American Packaging Corporation, Ball Metalpack, UAS Labs, Orbis, The Little Potato Company – All have local bases of operation in DeForest.[23]
Strong presence inplastics,packaging, and consumer goods; 125+ acres of Foreign Trade Zone in the business park streamlined for manufacturing efficiency.[24]
Supported by Madison region’s large food cluster and local producers such as The Little Potato Company.
Prime location at I‑39/90/94, US‑51 and rail access; suited for regional logistics operations.
Proximity toUW‑Madison talent fuels advanced business and tech service firms.
Commercial areas along highway corridors and downtown support local service and shopping activities.[25]
DeForest Business Park is a certified “shovel‑ready” site spanning roughly 115 acres, including 57 contiguous certified development acres adjacent to US‑51 and I‑39/90/94, with rail access and industrial zoning.[26][27]
American Packaging Corp. invested ~$50 million in a 170,000 ft2 facility in 2017, expanding further in 2019 by another 126,000 ft2 to include advanced automation and rotogravure presses.[28]
DeForest is double bypassed byI-39/90/94 to the west, with an exit at CTH-V (this area features most of the city's hotels and restaurants).US-51 also has an exit located at CTH-V, on the city's east side.
A single rail train track runs north-south through DeForest. This is only used by freight trains; no passenger rail serves DeForest.
DeForest is close toDane County Regional Airport, which provides both commercial and general aviation flights.
Existing high‑capacity power and fiber optics are readily available to support industrial and tech operations; municipal development processes are expedited.[29]
Over 125 acres designated as aForeign Trade Zone, allowing businesses to defer tariffs on imported inventory until sale, improving cash flow.
DeForest is part of Dane County, where manufacturing and healthcare jobs have seen growth across the region; Wisconsin remains first in manufacturing jobs per government job, though labor supply growth is constrained by demographic shifts.
The village draws on the skilled labor pool of the Madison metro area and benefits from proximity to UW‑Madison and technical colleges.[30]
American Packaging’s major developments mentioned above have boosted local job creation, adding hundreds of new roles wedc.org.
Has made the Business Park more attractive to developers and firms, resulting in landing tenants likeMerck Animal Products,Big Joe Forklifts, and proposed headquarters likeLake City Glass.[31]
Fluoride Removed from Water Supply: In 2025, the Village of Deforest board members voted on aresolution to discontinue fluoride addition to the water supply. This resolution passed. In 2007, the village of Deforest water utility acquired the Token Creek Water district. The well supplying water to that area never had fluoride added, and lacked the equipment to doso.
Andrea Anders - actress
Sean Anders - film director and screenwriter
Maureen McCarville - member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Dane County Board of Supervisors
Edward C. Meland - educator, newspaper editor, and member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
Clarence H. Carter - former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
Sheri Swokowski - retired U.S. Army colonel and transgender rights advocate
Philip Nelson - professional football quarterback
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Municipalities and communities ofDane County, Wisconsin,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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