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Population Review

Adams County, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 51st-largest in Wisconsin

The population of Adams County, Wisconsin is 20,928 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 51st-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $59,153, the median home value is $184,500, and the median age is 55.5.

The population of Adams County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (20,878 → 21,352), a +0.16% annualized rate.

Adams County within Wisconsin · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

20,928

Population

+0.16%

Annual growth

32

People / sq mi

$59,153

Median Income

$184,500

Median Home Value

Adams County covers 646 sq mi of land at 32.4 people per square mile.

About Adams County, WI

Adams County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 20,928. It ranks #51 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 55.5, older than the national median. The population is 54.2% male and 45.8% female.

The median household income in Adams County is $59,153, below the US median of $74,580. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $184,500, with monthly rent averaging $789. The homeownership rate of 86.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Adams County reflects 17.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.1 minutes each way.

Adams County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Adams County had a population of 20,878 in 2010 and 21,352 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,528 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.17%.

2023 · 22K20102024

21,352

Population (2024)

20,878

Population (2010)

21,528

Peak (2023)

0.17%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201020,878
201120,767
201220,411
201320,407
201420,120
201520,027
201619,984
201719,905
201820,386
201920,268
202020,682
202120,844
202221,211
202321,528
202421,352

Race & Ethnicity

White89.8%
Black or African American2.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

55.5

Median Age

45.8%

Female

54.2%

Male

31.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
3.0%
5–9
3.6%
10–14
4.4%
15–19
4.4%
20–24
3.7%
25–34
8.5%
35–44
10.3%
45–54
11.5%
55–59
8.3%
60–64
10.8%
65–74
19.5%
75–84
9.1%
85+
3.0%

Children (under 15): 11.0% · Seniors (65+): 31.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$59,153$-16,517 vs state
Mean household income$74,613
Per-capita income$35,145
Poverty rate7.6%+1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.5%
Employment-to-population45.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
16.1%
Manufacturing
14.0%
Education & health care
11.9%
Construction
7.3%
Retail trade
7.1%
Public administration
7.1%
Finance & real estate
6.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.7%

The largest employment sector in Adams County is professional & business services, accounting for 16.1% of workers.

How residents commute

0.2%

Drive alone

1.3%

Carpool

79.1%

Public transit

9.3%

Work from home

29.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$184,500$-62,900 vs state

Median home value

$789

Median rent

86.4%

Homeownership rate

16,873

Total housing units

55.4%

Occupied

44.6%

Vacant

13.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.8%

With health insurance

89.9%

With broadband internet

29.7%

Foreign-born

10.2%

Veterans (18+)

21.8%

With a disability

96.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

89.0%

High School+

17.3%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Other counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Adams County, Wisconsin has a population of 20,928 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 51st-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 32 people per square mile.

The population of Adams County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (20,878 → 21,352), a +0.16% annualized rate.

The median household income in Adams County, Wisconsin is $59,153, with mean (average) household income of $74,613 and per-capita income of $35,145. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Adams County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.8%), Black or African American (2.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Adams County, Wisconsin is 55.5 years. Residents are 45.8% female and 54.2% male.

The median home value in Adams County is $184,500 and median monthly rent is $789. 86.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,873 total housing units, 44.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Adams County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 16.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.

Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Adams County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.

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

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