Bayfield County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 61st-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Bayfield County, Wisconsin is 16,410 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 61st-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $69,609, the median home value is $228,100, and the median age is 54.1.
The population of Bayfield County has grown 12.2% since 2010 (15,001 → 16,838), a +0.83% annualized rate.
16,410
Population
+0.83%
Annual growth
11
People / sq mi
$69,609
Median Income
$228,100
Median Home Value
Bayfield County covers 1,478 sq mi of land at 11.1 people per square mile.
About Bayfield County, WI
Age is the most distinctive thing about Bayfield County: a median age of 54.1, older than the national median. Bayfield County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,410.
Median household income is $69,609, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $228,100, with typical rent around $789.
About 35.0% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Bayfield County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Bayfield County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bayfield County had a population of 15,001 in 2010 and 16,838 in 2024, a 12.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,838 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.84%.
16,838
Population (2024)
15,001
Population (2010)
16,838
Peak (2024)
0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,001 |
| 2011 | 15,061 |
| 2012 | 15,060 |
| 2013 | 15,115 |
| 2014 | 14,975 |
| 2015 | 14,980 |
| 2016 | 14,926 |
| 2017 | 15,013 |
| 2018 | 15,086 |
| 2019 | 15,172 |
| 2020 | 16,238 |
| 2021 | 16,327 |
| 2022 | 16,664 |
| 2023 | 16,809 |
| 2024 | 16,838 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 11.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.1
Median Age
48.9%
Female
51.1%
Male
30.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.3% · Seniors (65+): 30.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,609$-6,061 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,980 |
| Per-capita income | $40,846 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bayfield County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
71.8%
Public transit
13.1%
Work from home
23.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$228,100$-19,300 vs state
Median home value
$789
Median rent
84.5%
Homeownership rate
13,285
Total housing units
56.2%
Occupied
43.8%
Vacant
15.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.1%
With health insurance
93.7%
With broadband internet
40.2%
Foreign-born
11.2%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
97.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.2%
High School+
35.0%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bayfield County, Wisconsin has a population of 16,410 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 61st-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 11 people per square mile.
The population of Bayfield County has grown 12.2% since 2010 (15,001 → 16,838), a +0.83% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bayfield County, Wisconsin is $69,609, with mean (average) household income of $88,980 and per-capita income of $40,846. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bayfield County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.5%), Hispanic or Latino (11.4%), 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 Bayfield County, Wisconsin is 54.1 years. Residents are 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
The median home value in Bayfield County is $228,100 and median monthly rent is $789. 84.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,285 total housing units, 43.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bayfield County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Bayfield County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Bayfield County, WI Climate
Bayfield County, WI has an average annual temperature of 4.2°C (40°F) and receives about 798 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.2°C
Avg Temp
798
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 9° | 31 mm |
| February | -10° / 14° | 21 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 51 mm |
| April | 4° / 39° | 59 mm |
| May | 11° / 53° | 83 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 94 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 97 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 104 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 101 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 70 mm |
| November | -1° / 29° | 53 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 34 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 Bayfield County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Bayfield County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -19°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Bayfield County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.