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
Bayfield County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,410. It ranks #61 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 54.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.1% male and 48.9% female.
The median household income in Bayfield County is $69,609, below the US median of $74,580. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $228,100, with monthly rent averaging $789. The homeownership rate of 84.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bayfield County reflects 35.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.3 minutes each way.
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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County rankings
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.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Wisconsin
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.