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 is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,050. It ranks #63 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 43.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.4% male and 48.6% female.
The median household income in Ashland County is $57,645, below the US median of $74,580. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $160,500, with monthly rent averaging $665. The homeownership rate of 72.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ashland County reflects 22.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.4 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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.