The rate of growth of Lincoln County is about even with that of Wisconsin and the United States. In the Census year of 2000 and January of 2001 (estimated), it is calculated that about 130 people were added to the population total of the county.  This lower number compared to other areas is somewhat typical of the more sparsely populated counties of the northern part of the state where population increase is more often due to natural increase rather than immigration.  Similarly, the towns in the county show little increase in the period mentioned, and one, at least, even lost some people.

Part of this loss in one area or relative stagnation in others is undoubtedly due to the emigration of the young, which has been increasing in rural areas for years.  But overall, the population picture of Lincoln County accords well with other, more heavily populated areas of the state, and certainly when compared to other northern rural counties, where absolute population levels are nearly flat.  If we assume that the problem elsewhere is due, at least in part, to small but steady emigration of the young, then it may be that Lincoln County does not suffer in this respect, at least not to as great a degree (although there does seem to be a decline in the labor force in recent years).  Reasons for this may be the presence of manufacturing in the county, as well as other job opportunities that may not exist elsewhere.