Bayfield County, Wisconsin

Bayfield County
Location within the U.S. state of Wisconsin
Wisconsin's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 46°38′N 91°11′W / 46.63°N 91.18°W / 46.63; -91.18
Country United States
State Wisconsin
Founded1845
Named afterHenry Bayfield
SeatWashburn
Largest cityWashburn
Area
  Total
2,042 sq mi (5,290 km2)
  Land1,478 sq mi (3,830 km2)
  Water564 sq mi (1,460 km2)  28%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
16,220
  Estimate 
(2023)
16,769
  Density7.9/sq mi (3.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
  Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitewww.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov

Bayfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, its population is 16,220. Its county seat is Washburn. The county was created in 1845 and organized in 1850. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has a reservation in Bayfield County and is the county's largest employer. The county is considered a high-recreation retirement destination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.