Pelican, Wisconsin Explained

Official Name:Pelican, Wisconsin
Settlement Type:Town
Mapsize:250px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Oneida
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Km2:140.2
Area Land Km2:133.3
Area Water Km2:7.0
Area Total Sq Mi:54.1
Area Land Sq Mi:51.5
Area Water Sq Mi:2.7
Population As Of:2000
Population Total:2902
Population Density Km2:21.8
Population Density Sq Mi:56.4
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation Footnotes:[1]
Elevation M:480
Elevation Ft:1575
Coordinates:45.6103°N -89.3581°W
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:55-61625[2]
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1583903

Pelican is a town in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,902 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Malvern is located in the town. The town took its name from Pelican Lake.[3]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 54.2 square miles (140.2 km2), of which, 51.5 square miles (133.3 km2) of it is land and 2.7 square miles (7.0 km2) of it (4.99%) is water.

Climate

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,902 people, 1,167 households, and 820 families residing in the town. The population density was 56.4 people per square mile (21.8/km2). There were 1,532 housing units at an average density of 29.8 per square mile (11.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.07% White, 0.28% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.03% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 1,167 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,053, and the median income for a family was $44,423. Males had a median income of $38,169 versus $20,861 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,566. About 5.3% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (KRHI) serves Pelican, the county and surrounding communities with both scheduled commercial jet service and general aviation services.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: US Board on Geographic Names. January 31, 2008. United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007.
  2. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. January 31, 2008.
  3. Book: Chicago and North Western Railway Company. A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways. 1908. 112.