Brown County, WI (WFRV) New figures released today by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shows the population is growing in Wisconsin. Overall, the state added 16,000 residents with the biggest growth coming in Brown and Dane counties. Dane County drew in state high numbers  with over 4,200 new residents. Brown County added just over 2,300 new residents.

So the question is, why Brown County? If you talk to  leaders in tourism and economic development, they'll tell you the population increase  is probably tied to our growing quality of life.

While Packers football is important, Brad Toll says Brown County is filled with other attractions that keep bringing people back. First to visit - then to live.

"Numerous museums, National Railroad Museum, Green Bay Botanical Gardens, Heritage Hill," said Toll. "For a community of our size it's unusual to have that many different types of attractions."

Toll heads up the Greater Green Bay Visitor and Convention Bureau. He suspects Brown County's population is growing for this main reason:

"Great quality of life."

 The City Deck  lets people lounge along the Fox River -  while Bay Beach provides family fun for low cost -  public and private schools offer quality, affordable educations. Fred Monique from the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce says an educated workforce will always lead to business development and expansion.

"We've had some significant growth in businesses in Brown County," said Monique.

He points to the groundbreaking for Cabela's in Ashwaubenon; the construction of the new VA clinic in Green Bay;  and the announced location of Costco in Bellevue - as signs the economy is rebounding, bringing with it more people to both work and live in Brown County.

"I think it's all tied and related to the general growth we've experienced in the Brown County economy," according to Monique.

So while Brown County is known for football, perhaps other factors are driving this growth - as  people discover all the area has to offer.

 "We've got a lot going for us as a tourism destination," said Toll. "But also as a place to call home."