Ashland County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Ashland County, Wisconsin is 16,050 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $57,645, the median home value is $160,500, and the median age is 43.1.
The population of Ashland County has grown 0.3% since 2010 (16,142 → 16,196), a +0.02% annualized rate.
16,050
Population
+0.02%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$57,645
Median Income
$160,500
Median Home Value
Ashland County covers 1,045 sq mi of land at 15.4 people per square mile.
About Ashland County, WI
Ashland County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 15 people per square mile. Ashland County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,050.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $57,645 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.8%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $160,500, with typical rent around $665.
Roughly 22.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.5%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Ashland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ashland County had a population of 16,142 in 2010 and 16,196 in 2024, a 0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,196 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
16,196
Population (2024)
16,142
Population (2010)
16,196
Peak (2024)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,142 |
| 2011 | 16,025 |
| 2012 | 15,835 |
| 2013 | 15,968 |
| 2014 | 15,996 |
| 2015 | 15,808 |
| 2016 | 15,637 |
| 2017 | 15,507 |
| 2018 | 15,553 |
| 2019 | 15,506 |
| 2020 | 16,015 |
| 2021 | 16,044 |
| 2022 | 16,037 |
| 2023 | 16,103 |
| 2024 | 16,196 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 12.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.1
Median Age
48.6%
Female
51.4%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,645$-18,025 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,039 |
| Per-capita income | $31,803 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ashland County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.7%
Drive alone
6.3%
Carpool
73.6%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
17.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$160,500$-86,900 vs state
Median home value
$665
Median rent
72.4%
Homeownership rate
9,402
Total housing units
72.8%
Occupied
27.2%
Vacant
27.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
89.2%
With broadband internet
28.4%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.2%
High School+
22.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a population of 16,050 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Ashland County has grown 0.3% since 2010 (16,142 → 16,196), a +0.02% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ashland County, Wisconsin is $57,645, with mean (average) household income of $72,039 and per-capita income of $31,803. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ashland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (83.3%), Hispanic or Latino (12.9%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ashland County, Wisconsin is 43.1 years. Residents are 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
The median home value in Ashland County is $160,500 and median monthly rent is $665. 72.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,402 total housing units, 27.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ashland County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Ashland County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Ashland County, WI Climate
Ashland County, WI has an average annual temperature of 5.2°C (41°F) and receives about 806 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.2°C
Avg Temp
806
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -11° / 11° | 36 mm |
| February | -9° / 17° | 24 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 49 mm |
| April | 5° / 40° | 56 mm |
| May | 11° / 53° | 83 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 94 mm |
| July | 19° / 67° | 94 mm |
| August | 19° / 65° | 102 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 97 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 72 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 60 mm |
| December | -7° / 19° | 39 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 Ashland County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Ashland County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -17°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ashland County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.