Wisconsin population has reached approximately 5,931,370 as of early 2025 according to World Population Review, reflecting a modest growth since the 2020 Census.
This continued population increase offers insights into the state’s economic vitality and regional development.
Analyzing past trends, it’s notable that between 2000 and 2023, Wisconsin’s population surged by over 500,000 people.
Such steady growth underscores the state’s ability to attract and retain residents.
Age Structure and Median Age
- Largest Age Group: The 70-74 years group is the largest, comprising 10.16% of the total population, suggesting a significant elderly presence in the town according to Neilsberg.
- Smallest Age Group: The smallest age group is the 80-84 range, accounting for only 0.86% of the population, which may indicate limited longevity past the mid-70s in this community.
- Children: Those under 15 years old make up about 17.89% of the population, hinting at a moderate level of young families.
- Working Age: The age group of 30 to 64 years accounts for the majority, around 41.62%, indicating a stable workforce presence.
- Senior Population: Individuals aged 65 and older represent 26.19% of the population, showing a community with a substantial aging population.
Population by Key Age Cohorts
| Cohort | Age Range | Population | % of Total Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children | Under 18 years | 186 | ~26% |
| Working Age Adults | 18 to 64 years | 330 | ~46% |
| Seniors | 65 years and older | 183 | ~28% |
Children cohort (under 18) makes up about one-fourth of the population, showing a balance of younger age groups within the community.
Nearly half of the population falls within the working age of 18-64 years, suggesting a significant proportion of potentially employed or employable residents.
The senior population (65+), at approximately 28%, indicates a high proportion of elderly residents, which could affect community services and healthcare needs.
Gender Distribution
Wisconsin population is nearly evenly split between genders, with males slightly outnumbering females.
Males make up 50.13% of the population, while females represent 49.87%. This slight imbalance translates to approximately 15,396 more males than females across the state.
The close parity in gender distribution reflects a balanced demographic structure, which can have implications for resource allocation and policy planning in areas like healthcare, education, and community services.
Counites
| County | Population | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | 914,332 | -2.58% |
| Dane County | 582,936 | 3.61% |
| Waukesha County | 414,909 | 1.82% |
| Brown County | 272,766 | 1.42% |
| Racine County | 197,265 | -0.15% |
| Outagamie County | 194,199 | 1.69% |
| Winnebago County | 172,782 | 0.56% |
| Kenosha County | 167,339 | -1.1% |
| Rock County | 164,715 | 0.58% |
| Marathon County | 139,269 | 0.86% |
| Washington County | 138,580 | 1.3% |
| La Crosse County | 120,720 | -0.17% |
| Sheboygan County | 117,843 | -0.18% |
| Eau Claire County | 109,020 | 2.95% |
| Walworth County | 105,980 | 0.62% |
| Fond du Lac County | 104,084 | -0.08% |
| St. Croix County | 97,559 | 3.93% |
| Ozaukee County | 93,899 | 2.48% |
| Dodge County | 88,088 | -1.42% |
| Jefferson County | 85,761 | -0.52% |
| Manitowoc County | 81,464 | 0.09% |
| Wood County | 74,100 | -0.13% |
| Portage County | 71,414 | 1.43% |
| Chippewa County | 67,187 | 1.28% |
| Sauk County | 66,070 | 0.43% |
| Columbia County | 57,954 | -0.99% |
| Calumet County | 53,686 | 2.29% |
| Grant County | 51,503 | -0.93% |
| Waupaca County | 51,266 | -1.03% |
| Barron County | 46,951 | 0.46% |
| Monroe County | 46,408 | 0.23% |
| Polk County | 45,978 | 2.08% |
| Dunn County | 45,966 | 1.16% |
| Douglas County | 44,302 | -0.11% |
| Pierce County | 43,500 | 3.01% |
| Marinette County | 42,246 | 0.85% |
| Shawano County | 41,231 | 0.92% |
| Oconto County | 39,854 | 1.99% |
| Oneida County | 38,259 | 1.03% |
| Green County | 37,017 | -0.05% |
| Clark County | 34,816 | 0.42% |
| Vernon County | 31,277 | 1.89% |
| Trempealeau County | 30,907 | 0.29% |
| Door County | 30,573 | 1.51% |
| Lincoln County | 28,455 | 0.1% |
| Juneau County | 26,413 | -1.35% |
| Waushara County | 24,941 | 1.59% |
| Vilas County | 24,028 | 4.03% |
| Iowa County | 23,954 | 0.99% |
| Adams County | 21,646 | 4.69% |
| Jackson County | 20,817 | -1.32% |
| Kewaunee County | 20,727 | 0.8% |
| Taylor County | 20,175 | 1.22% |
| Green Lake County | 19,480 | 2.43% |
| Langlade County | 19,306 | -0.81% |
| Sawyer County | 18,583 | 2.57% |
| Richland County | 17,266 | -0.1% |
| Burnett County | 17,196 | 3.73% |
| Washburn County | 16,989 | 2.24% |
| Lafayette County | 16,984 | 2.2% |
| Bayfield County | 16,879 | 3.95% |
| Ashland County | 16,118 | 0.6% |
| Marquette County | 15,899 | 1.98% |
| Crawford County | 15,873 | -1.32% |
| Rusk County | 14,187 | 0.08% |
| Price County | 14,045 | 0.14% |
| Buffalo County | 13,448 | 1.04% |
| Forest County | 9,318 | 1.63% |
| Pepin County | 7,504 | 2.22% |
| Iron County | 6,257 | 1.92% |
| Florence County | 4,658 | 2.04% |
| Menominee County | 4,246 | -0.26% |
Milwaukee County remains the largest in Wisconsin with a population of 914,332, though it has seen a slight decline of -2.58%.
Other major counties include Dane County (582,936), Waukesha County (414,909), and Brown County (272,766) as per WPR notes in their article.
These counties are the only ones with populations exceeding 200,000 residents.
Price County has seen the largest population decrease with a growth rate of -4.97%.
Other counties experiencing declines include Iron County (-4.19%) and Florence County (-1.75%), which highlights some shifts in population distribution across Wisconsin counties.
Counties with Largest Populations
Counties with Fewest Residents
Wisconsin has five counties with populations below 10,000. Florence County is the least populous, with 4,658 residents and a decline of 1.75%.
Other small counties include Menominee, Iron, Pepin, and Forest, with Menominee County showing notable growth at 9.11%.
Counties with Rapid Growth
Dane County, home to Madison, leads in growth with an increase of 10.87% since the 2010 census. Menominee County follows with 9.11% growth.
Other counties showing significant growth include St. Croix, Brown, Outagamie, and Eau Claire.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
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 (2025)
| Metric | Wisconsin | United States | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Household Income | $94,995 | $105,833 | 10% lower in WI |
| Median Household Income | $72,458 | $75,149 | 4% lower in WI |
| Poverty Level Threshold | $27,750 | $27,750 | Same as national |
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 (2025)
| Rank | Zip Code | Population | Mean Income | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 53097 | 7,220 | $222,712 | $148,633 |
| 2 | 53044 | 2,267 | $191,353 | $128,036 |
| 3 | 53217 | 30,132 | $183,179 | $124,338 |
| 4 | 53092 | 21,161 | $182,787 | $121,994 |
| 5 | 53122 | 6,461 | $173,043 | $127,157 |
| 6 | 53125 | 1,738 | $172,119 | $104,318 |
| 7 | 53058 | 3,177 | $168,802 | $117,250 |
| 8 | 53017 | 5,369 | $168,257 | $141,250 |
| 9 | 53045 | 23,292 | $166,912 | $115,202 |
| 10 | 53005 | 21,624 | $161,138 | $120,988 |
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
| Income Type | Average Income | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| Family Income | $115,460 | $92,974 |
| Retirement Income | $52,550 | N/A |
| Retirement Account Income | $28,704 | N/A |
| Social Security Income | $23,846 | N/A |
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
| Month | Civilian Labor Force (thousands) | Employment (thousands) | Unemployment (thousands) | Unemployment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | 3,139.6 | 3,047.9 | 91.7 | 2.9 |
| May 2024 | 3,140.5 | 3,048.0 | 92.5 | 2.9 |
| June 2024 | 3,140.2 | 3,048.4 | 91.8 | 2.9 |
| July 2024 | 3,143.1 | 3,049.8 | 93.3 | 3.0 |
| August 2024 | 3,143.1 | 3,052.0 | 91.1 | 2.9 |
| Sept 2024 (p) | 3,149.8 | 3,059.7 | 90.1 | 2.9 |
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
| Metric | Wisconsin | National Comparison | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Health Rank (2022) | 21st | N/A | – |
| Health Outcomes Rank (2022) | 28th | N/A | – |
| Low Birthweight Racial Gap Rank | 50th | Worst in U.S. | – |
| Public Health Funding per Capita | 49th | Low | – |
| High School Graduation Racial Disparity | 46th | High | – |
| Drinking Water Violations | 46th | High | – |
| Residential Segregation (Black/White) | 47th | High | – |
| Children Without Health Insurance | 4% | Similar to U.S. | 2016-2020 |
| Low Birthweight (Black Infants) | 16.8% | Higher than U.S. avg | 2020 |
| Infant Mortality Rate (overall) | 5.9 per 1,000 | U.S. avg: 5.4 | 2020 |
| Infant Mortality Rate (Black Infants) | 14.0 per 1,000 | 3.2 times White rate | Ranks 4th in Black/White disparity |
| Leading Cause of Death (Adults) | Heart Disease | N/A | Followed by Cancer and COVID-19 |
| Leading Cause of Death (Youth) | Accidents | N/A | Followed by Homicide and Suicide |
Migration Patterns and Trends
| Population Segment | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Immigrants | 297,928 | 5% of WI Population |
| Native-born with Immigrant Parent(s) | 315,683 | 5% of WI Population |
| Naturalized U.S. Citizens | 142,489 | 48% of Immigrants |
| Eligible for Naturalization (2017) | 55,443 | N/A |
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
| Education Level | Immigrants (%) | Natives (%) |
|---|---|---|
| College Degree or More | 32% | 30% |
| Some College | 18% | 32% |
| High School Diploma Only | 23% | 31% |
| Less than High School Diploma | 28% | 7% |
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
| Tax Contributions (2018) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Federal Taxes Paid by Immigrants | $1.7 billion |
| Total State & Local Taxes Paid by Immigrants | $968.3 million |
| Federal Taxes by Undocumented Immigrants | $156.9 million |
| State & Local Taxes by Undocumented Immigrants | $101.1 million |
| State & Local Taxes by DACA Recipients | $15.9 million |
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
- World Population Review – Wisconsin Population
- U.S. Census Bureau – 2020 Census Wisconsin Profile
- Neilsberg – Wisconsin Population by Age
- Census Reporter – Wisconsin Demographics by Race
- Income by Zip Code – Wisconsin Household Income
- United Health Foundation – All State Summaries – 2022 Report
- Kids Count Data Center – 2022 KIDS COUNT Data Book
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Wisconsin Economy at a Glance
- American Immigration Council – Immigrants in Wisconsin
