Wisconsin’s Population Data in 2024 – Key Insights and Analysis

Wisconsin population is predominantly White, with 78% identifying as such, while Hispanic residents make up 8%—a figure that is notably lower than the national average of 19%.

Black individuals constitute 6% of the population, followed by smaller groups such as Asian (3%) and Native American (1%), along with those identifying as multiracial at 4% according to Census Reporter.

This demographic makeup highlights a primarily White population with smaller representations of other racial and ethnic groups, reflecting less diversity compared to the national landscape.

Household Income in Wisconsin (2024)

Wisconsin’s household incomes are slightly below the national averages. The average household income is $94,995, about 10% lower than the U.S. average of $105,833, reflecting a moderate gap in earning levels.

The median income is closer to the national median, at $72,458, which is only 4% below the U.S. figure as per incomebyzipcode.

This indicates that, while high earners are somewhat less represented in Wisconsin, income distribution is close to the national trend, with poverty levels set equally at $27,750.

Richest Wisconsin Zip Codes (2024)

The wealthiest areas in Wisconsin are concentrated in specific zip codes, with the top zip code, 53097, having an average household income of $222,712.

Median household incomes in these zip codes range from around $104,000 to $148,000, showcasing strong earning potential within these communities.

These areas demonstrate a notable concentration of wealth in Wisconsin, particularly in Ozaukee County and the greater Milwaukee area.

Wisconsin Salary Data (2022)

Salary figures indicate an average salary of $71,740 and a median of $56,130, suggesting a balanced income distribution among full-time workers.

The median income for single-person households is lower, at $38,426, which reflects individual earnings without additional household income support.

The per capita income stands at $40,130, a value typically lower as it accounts for all residents, including non-earning individuals, giving a broad perspective on income distribution.

Family and Retirement Income in Wisconsin

Family incomes in Wisconsin show an average of $115,460, while the median stands at $92,974, indicating that families generally benefit from multiple income sources, raising the income level above single-person households.

The average retirement income of $52,550 combines retirement accounts and Social Security, reflecting reliance on these sources for retired individuals.

This distribution suggests stable retirement benefits, though income levels in retirement are lower than the working population’s earnings.

Income Distribution in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s income distribution shows a broad spread across various income levels, with the largest group (14%) earning between $75,000 and $99,999.

Higher-income households, with incomes of $100,000 or more, represent 34% of the population, while lower-income households (below $50,000) make up about 34% as well.

This spread highlights the diversity in income levels across the state, with a substantial middle-income population, as well as a mix of higher-earning and lower-income households.

Median Income by Age of Householder in Wisconsin

Median incomes in Wisconsin vary significantly by age, with householders aged 45-64 years earning the highest median income of $88,582, reflecting peak earning years.

Younger householders (under 25) have a median income of $41,408, while those aged 65 and older see a drop to $52,831, indicating a decrease in earnings as individuals enter retirement age.

This pattern aligns with typical income trends, where earning potential rises through middle age and then declines during retirement years.

Educational Attainment

Educational attainment in Wisconsin demonstrates a strong high school graduation rate, with 93.7% of residents holding at least a high school diploma, slightly surpassing the national average of 89.8%.

In terms of higher education, 33.8% of Wisconsin’s population has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is approximately 90% of the national rate of 36.2%, suggesting that while college attainment is robust, it lags slightly behind the national average.

The percentage of residents whose highest level of education is a high school diploma stands at 29%, about 10% above the national rate of 26%.

This data indicates that while Wisconsin excels in ensuring high school completion, there is a smaller portion of individuals pursuing and completing college degrees compared to the U.S. overall.

Employment and Unemployment Rates

Note: “(p)” indicates preliminary data for September 2024.

In Wisconsin, labor force data from April to September 2024 show stability in both employment and unemployment rates. The civilian labor force—the total of employed and unemployed individuals actively seeking work—has experienced slight increases, moving from 3,139.6 thousand in April to 3,149.8 thousand by September as per BLS published on their website.

Employment numbers also grew gradually, from 3,047.9 thousand in April to 3,059.7 thousand in September, indicating consistent job availability. Unemployment figures have varied slightly but overall declined from 91.7 thousand in April to 90.1 thousand in September.

In April, Wisconsin’s unemployment rate declined to 2.9%https://t.co/EIRJt3mrDr

— Urban Milwaukee (@UrbanMilwaukee) May 17, 2024

The unemployment rate remained low and stable at around 2.9% to 3.0%, reflecting strong labor market conditions in Wisconsin with minimal fluctuations. These figures suggest a relatively healthy economy with steady employment growth and low unemployment, signifying robust labor market performance in the state.

Health Stats

Migration Patterns and Trends

Immigrants make up 5% of Wisconsin’s population, equaling 297,928 individuals, with a similar 5% representing native-born citizens with at least one immigrant parent. Nearly half (48%) of Wisconsin’s immigrant population are naturalized U.S. citizens, with a significant number eligible for naturalization, reflecting a growing and established immigrant community according to an American Immigration Council report.

Countries of Origin for Wisconsin’s Immigrants

Immigrants in Wisconsin come from diverse backgrounds, with the largest group emigrating from Mexico (28%), followed by India, China, Laos, and the Philippines. This diversity underscores the significant global representation within Wisconsin’s immigrant population.

Educational Attainment Among Immigrants vs. Natives in Wisconsin

Educational attainment among immigrants in Wisconsin is varied. About 32% of immigrants have a college degree or higher, slightly higher than natives (30%). However, a notable 28% of immigrants have less than a high school diploma, indicating a wide range of educational backgrounds among immigrant residents.

Industries with Highest Numbers of Immigrant Workers

Immigrant workers are most prevalent in manufacturing, health care, education, and food services. This distribution highlights their significant role across essential and diverse sectors, underscoring their contributions to Wisconsin’s economy.

Industries with Highest Shares of Immigrant Workers

Immigrants comprise substantial portions of various industries, particularly in waste management, agriculture, and manufacturing, where they represent around 9-10% of the workforce. Their involvement is essential in sustaining these industries within Wisconsin’s economy.

Occupations with Highest Numbers of Immigrant Workers

Immigrants in Wisconsin are widely represented across various occupational categories, particularly in production, transportation, and food services. This highlights the critical roles they play in supporting key sectors within the state.

Contributions of Immigrants in Wisconsin

Immigrant households in Wisconsin contribute significantly to the state’s tax base, paying nearly $2.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2018. This includes substantial contributions from undocumented immigrants and DACA recipients, reinforcing the financial impact of immigrant residents on Wisconsin’s economy.

Emigration trends indicate Wisconsin, similar to states like New York and Illinois, also experiences out-migration. Economic factors and weather are common reasons for such moves, as individuals relocate to states with warmer climates or for better job prospects. Yet, the impact on the state’s overall demographic structure is mitigated by incoming immigrants and internal migration.

Methodology

This report was crafted using recent demographic, economic, and health data from reputable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the United Health Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Data was compiled and analyzed to highlight Wisconsin’s population dynamics, income levels, health outcomes, and immigrant contributions. Key metrics, such as age distribution, income brackets, and industry participation, were organized in tables to ensure clarity.

Finally, insights were drawn from patterns in population growth, educational attainment, and labor force trends to provide a comprehensive snapshot of Wisconsin’s current demographic and economic profile.

References

1. World Population Review – Wisconsin Population
2. U.S. Census Bureau – 2020 Census Wisconsin Profile
3. Neilsberg – Wisconsin Population by Age
4. Census Reporter – Wisconsin Demographics by Race
5. Income by Zip Code – Wisconsin Household Income
6. United Health Foundation – All State Summaries – 2022 Report
7. Kids Count Data Center – 2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Wisconsin Economy at a Glance
9. American Immigration Council – Immigrants in Wisconsin