Originally named Quaderer's Camp after local lumber foreman John Quaderer, the name was changed to Barron in honor of Henry D. Barron after the location became the county seat of Barron County, besting Rice Lake.

There were 1,526 housing units at an average density of 529.9 per square mile (204.6/km2).

33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

At the 2000 census,[5] there were 3,248 people, 1,389 households and 837 families living in the city.

There were 1,442 housing units at an average density of 522.4 per square mile (201.7/km2).

33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.