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Population Review

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%.

2024 · 285K20102024
Madison city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

285,300

Population (2024)

233,730

Population (2010)

285,300

Peak (2024)

1.44%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010233,730
2011236,908
2012239,880
2013243,233
2014245,848
2015248,788
2016252,677
2017255,786
2018257,854
2019259,680
2020274,884
2021271,139
2022277,416
2023281,162
2024285,300

Race & Ethnicity

White73.0%
Black or African American7.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

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 & Management31.9%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate16.5%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.1%
Manufacturing7.8%
Information6.6%
Public Administration4.6%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.2%
Transportation & Warehousing3.2%
Construction3.0%
Retail Trade2.4%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Largest counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

City rankings

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).

Where to stay in Madison

Visiting or relocating to Madison, WI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.