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).
Appleton city, WI Climate
Appleton city, WI has an average annual temperature of 7.2°C (45°F) and receives about 779 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.2°C
Avg Temp
779
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 30 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 26 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 54 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 70 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 81 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 91 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 86 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 96 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 91 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 61 mm |
| November | 1° / 35° | 55 mm |
| December | -6° / 22° | 38 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Appleton city, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Appleton city, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.