[4] John and Almira Volk are considered the first European settlers of Oconto Falls, having moved to the region in 1846.

The Volk family established a sawmill along the river, and the lumber industry became the main source of employment.

[5] A post office called Oconto Falls has been in operation since 1871,[6] the same year the Peshtigo Fire destroyed a majority of buildings in the village.

The first bridge across the river was built in 1896, and in 1902, the falls was dammed to create a power source.

Anton Gustin, of Austrian heritage, came to the village and established a new pulp mill in 1908.

It was constructed using his improved sulphate pulping process, which made Oconto Falls the location of the first commercial production of kraft paper in the United States.

[8] The city is separated by east and west sides by the Oconto River.

33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

32.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.