Appleton, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Appleton, Wisconsin is 74,873 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest city in Wisconsin. The median household income is $77,450, the median home value is $211,500, and the median age is 36.9.
The population has grown 3.6% since 2010 (72,704 → 75,344).
74,873
Population
2945
People / sq mi
$77,450
Median Income
$211,500
Median Home Value
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Appleton covers 25.4 sq mi of land at 2945 people per square mile.
About Appleton, WI
In Appleton, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $211,500. Appleton is a city in Wisconsin with a population of 74,873. It is the #6-largest of all cities in Wisconsin nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $77,450 — near the US median of $78,538. About 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $211,500, with typical rent around $957.
Roughly 37.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, above the national 35.0%. About 11.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Appleton city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Appleton city had a population of 72,704 in 2010 and 75,344 in 2024, a 3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 75,593 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.
75,344
Population (2024)
72,704
Population (2010)
75,593
Peak (2020)
0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 72,704 |
| 2011 | 72,921 |
| 2012 | 73,128 |
| 2013 | 73,591 |
| 2014 | 74,001 |
| 2015 | 74,151 |
| 2016 | 74,392 |
| 2017 | 74,524 |
| 2018 | 74,378 |
| 2019 | 74,098 |
| 2020 | 75,593 |
| 2021 | 74,977 |
| 2022 | 74,912 |
| 2023 | 75,102 |
| 2024 | 75,344 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.0% |
| Black or African American | 2.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$77,450
Median Household Income
$48,093
Per Capita Income
5.5%
Poverty Rate
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$211,500
Median Home Value
$957
Median Rent
66.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.2%
High School+
37.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
75.0%
Public Transit
11.2%
Work From Home
19.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.7%
Foreign Born
88.8%
Non-English at Home
6.6%
Veterans
11.3%
With Disability
95.1%
Health Insurance
95.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 21.1% |
| Manufacturing | 20.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.0% |
| Information | 6.9% |
| Construction | 4.8% |
| Retail Trade | 4.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.8% |
| Public Administration | 1.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Appleton, Wisconsin has a population of 74,873 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest city in Wisconsin.
The median household income in Appleton, Wisconsin is $77,450, with 5.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Appleton, Wisconsin is $211,500, with median monthly rent at $957 and a homeownership rate of 66.7%.
The median age in Appleton, Wisconsin is 36.9 years. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The population has grown 3.6% since 2010 (72,704 → 75,344).
Where to stay in Appleton
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.