August, 2009

Dear Neighbor,

Vilas County grows at a rate of 550 people per year. Our population is now 22,312 – almost doubled from the 1970 population of 11,292! In fact, 22% of the people who live here today, did not live here in 1995. In addition to the increase in permanent residents, our county’s population multiplies to more than 100,000 in the summer months with second homeowners and tourists. As our population continues to grow and diversify, it also continues to age. Our county’s median age of 46.2 is second highest in the state. What does this mean for Vilas County? That is what this survey intends to find out.

Input from Vilas County citizens and Extension Committee County Board members showed that Vilas County citizens value volunteerism, interconnectedness, and collaborative community efforts. At the same time, people have different values and come from different backgrounds that don’t always come together, which can leave some feeling isolated and disconnected. County extension committee members feel it is important for people to feel connected to the community and to their neighbors.

The Vilas County Community Connections survey was conducted from April 1 to August 3, 2009. Results are being tabulated and wil be shared with the public this fall. The questions were designed to provide University of Wisconsin – Extension researchers with data about community connections – how people in the county view the notion of community – how they connect with their neighbors – and support services that are used and/or needed.  Responses will help ensure that future programming from the UW-Extension and Vilas County continues to meet the needs of our changing population.

Sincerely,

Vilas County UW-Extension Educators

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