Smallest Town in Wisconsin Shares Name with Iowa’s Second Biggest City

When looking up small Iowa towns last year, I developed a low-key obsession/affection for Beaconsfield, the second smallest town in the Hawkeye state that also serves as the birthplace for Hy-Vee. Beaconsfield merely has a population of 15 people.

While the smallest town in Wisconsin doesn't have that few people, it's quirky in the regard that it shares its name with the second most populated city in Iowa. Looking at photos, it also looks as if it would be a worthwhile place for those who like outdoor activities.

The smallest town in Wisconsin is known as Cedar Rapids. It's a rural town located in northern Wisconsin's hardwood forests, in Rusk County. It's over four hours from Milwaukee, and finds itself positioned closer to Minneapolis, to give you an idea of how far north it is! It's also located just about an hour from Chippewa Falls (home of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewery)!

Cedar Rapids, Wisconsin boasts a population of 36 people, per the 2020 U.S. Census. Covering about 35 square miles, that's about one person for every mile of land. The remote area is largely defined by dense forests and farmland, with Skinner Creek Hardwoods State Natural Area and Flambeau River Hardwood Forest to the north.

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Per Momentum West, the leading industry in Cedar Rapids, Wisconsin, and Rusk County as a whole, is manufacturing, followed by agriculture, trade, education, and health. While largely remote, Rusk County houses plenty of farmland, rivers, lakes, and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoors people.

Here's some additional intriguing info about the demographics of Cedar Rapids, Wisconsin, per Wikipedia:

There were 11 households, out of which 45.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 18.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.2% were non-families. 9.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.36 and the average family size was 3.67 - per Wikipedia

Rusk County as a whole has 80,000 acres of forest. For more information on Rusk County, and Cedar Rapids, Wisconsin's smallest town, visit A-Z Animals' website.