Madison, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Madison, Wisconsin is 275,568 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 79th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Wisconsin. The median household income is $76,983, the median home value is $346,900, and the median age is 31.8.
The population has grown 22.1% since 2010 (233,730 → 285,300).
275,568
Population
3296
People / sq mi
$76,983
Median Income
$346,900
Median Home Value
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Madison covers 83.6 sq mi of land at 3296 people per square mile.
About Madison, WI
Madison skews on age — the median resident is 31.8, younger than the national median. With 275,568 residents, Madison is a city in Wisconsin. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Wisconsin in the country, at #2 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $76,983 — near the US median of $78,538. About 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $346,900, with typical rent around $1,364.
College attainment is above the local norm at 59.2%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 18.2%, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Madison city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Madison city had a population of 233,730 in 2010 and 285,300 in 2024, a 22.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 285,300 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.44%.
285,300
Population (2024)
233,730
Population (2010)
285,300
Peak (2024)
1.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 233,730 |
| 2011 | 236,908 |
| 2012 | 239,880 |
| 2013 | 243,233 |
| 2014 | 245,848 |
| 2015 | 248,788 |
| 2016 | 252,677 |
| 2017 | 255,786 |
| 2018 | 257,854 |
| 2019 | 259,680 |
| 2020 | 274,884 |
| 2021 | 271,139 |
| 2022 | 277,416 |
| 2023 | 281,162 |
| 2024 | 285,300 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.0% |
| Black or African American | 7.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$76,983
Median Household Income
$48,557
Per Capita Income
6.6%
Poverty Rate
1.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$346,900
Median Home Value
$1,364
Median Rent
46.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.7%
High School+
59.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.8%
Drive Alone
57.6%
Public Transit
18.2%
Work From Home
19.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.5%
Foreign Born
85.6%
Non-English at Home
3.6%
Veterans
9.1%
With Disability
95.7%
Health Insurance
97.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 16.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.1% |
| Manufacturing | 7.8% |
| Information | 6.6% |
| Public Administration | 4.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.2% |
| Construction | 3.0% |
| Retail Trade | 2.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
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Common questions about Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Madison, Wisconsin has a population of 275,568 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 79th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Wisconsin.
The median household income in Madison, Wisconsin is $76,983, with 6.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Madison, Wisconsin is $346,900, with median monthly rent at $1,364 and a homeownership rate of 46.6%.
The median age in Madison, Wisconsin is 31.8 years. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The population has grown 22.1% since 2010 (233,730 → 285,300).
Madison city, WI Climate
Madison city, WI has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 822 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.7°C
Avg Temp
822
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 29 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 29 mm |
| March | 0° / 33° | 55 mm |
| April | 7° / 45° | 80 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 84 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 98 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 98 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 104 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 89 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 58 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 56 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 42 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 Madison city, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Madison 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.
Where to stay near Madison
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Wisconsin
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.