Waukesha, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Waukesha, Wisconsin is 70,779 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest city in Wisconsin. The median household income is $81,651, the median home value is $286,600, and the median age is 36.4.
The population has grown 0.3% since 2010 (71,215 → 71,461).
70,779
Population
2773
People / sq mi
$81,651
Median Income
$286,600
Median Home Value
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Waukesha covers 25.5 sq mi of land at 2773 people per square mile.
About Waukesha, WI
With 70,779 residents, Waukesha is a city in Wisconsin. It is the #7-largest of all cities in Wisconsin nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $81,651 — near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $286,600, with typical rent around $1,183.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 40.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 11.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Waukesha city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Waukesha city had a population of 71,215 in 2010 and 71,461 in 2024, a 0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 72,516 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
71,461
Population (2024)
71,215
Population (2010)
72,516
Peak (2017)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 71,215 |
| 2011 | 71,224 |
| 2012 | 71,717 |
| 2013 | 71,775 |
| 2014 | 72,009 |
| 2015 | 72,375 |
| 2016 | 72,405 |
| 2017 | 72,516 |
| 2018 | 72,453 |
| 2019 | 72,299 |
| 2020 | 71,138 |
| 2021 | 71,039 |
| 2022 | 71,088 |
| 2023 | 71,349 |
| 2024 | 71,461 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.0% |
| Black or African American | 3.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$81,651
Median Household Income
$43,090
Per Capita Income
7.2%
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$286,600
Median Home Value
$1,183
Median Rent
59.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.5%
High School+
40.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
76.6%
Public Transit
11.8%
Work From Home
21.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.1%
Foreign Born
89.0%
Non-English at Home
4.6%
Veterans
10.7%
With Disability
94.1%
Health Insurance
96.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.3% |
| Manufacturing | 18.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.7% |
| Information | 6.5% |
| Construction | 5.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.2% |
| Retail Trade | 4.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Waukesha, Wisconsin has a population of 70,779 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest city in Wisconsin.
The median household income in Waukesha, Wisconsin is $81,651, with 7.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Waukesha, Wisconsin is $286,600, with median monthly rent at $1,183 and a homeownership rate of 59.3%.
The median age in Waukesha, Wisconsin is 36.4 years. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The population has grown 0.3% since 2010 (71,215 → 71,461).
Where to stay in Waukesha
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.