Skip to main content
Population Review

Brown County, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Wisconsin

The population of Brown County, Wisconsin is 269,425 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $77,490, the median home value is $245,900, and the median age is 37.9.

The population of Brown County has grown 10.2% since 2010 (248,474 → 273,909), a +0.70% annualized rate.

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

269,425

Population

+0.70%

Annual growth

508

People / sq mi

$77,490

Median Income

$245,900

Median Home Value

Brown County covers 530 sq mi of land at 508.3 people per square mile.

About Brown County, WI

Brown County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 269,425. It ranks #4 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 37.9, in line with the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

The median household income in Brown County is $77,490, near the US median of $74,580. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $245,900, with monthly rent averaging $973. The homeownership rate of 64.6% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Brown County reflects 32.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.4 minutes each way.

Brown County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Brown County had a population of 248,474 in 2010 and 273,909 in 2024, a 10.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 273,909 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.70%.

2024 · 274K20102024

273,909

Population (2024)

248,474

Population (2010)

273,909

Peak (2024)

0.70%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010248,474
2011250,496
2012252,700
2013254,249
2014256,254
2015257,916
2016259,588
2017261,714
2018262,985
2019263,899
2020268,966
2021268,948
2022270,561
2023272,074
2024273,909

Race & Ethnicity

White80.5%
Black or African American2.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.9

Median Age

50.1%

Female

49.9%

Male

16.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.9%
5–9
6.4%
10–14
6.9%
15–19
6.8%
20–24
6.5%
25–34
13.3%
35–44
13.1%
45–54
12.0%
55–59
7.2%
60–64
6.0%
65–74
9.8%
75–84
4.5%
85+
1.7%

Children (under 15): 19.2% · Seniors (65+): 16.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$77,490+$1,820 vs state
Mean household income$99,390
Per-capita income$40,907
Poverty rate6.0%-0.6% vs state
Unemployment rate1.9%
Employment-to-population66.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.2%
Manufacturing
18.5%
Finance & real estate
8.6%
Education & health care
7.8%
Information
7.1%
Retail trade
6.2%
Construction
5.9%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.6%

The largest employment sector in Brown County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.

How residents commute

0.5%

Drive alone

1.7%

Carpool

78.5%

Public transit

10.4%

Work from home

19.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$245,900$-1,500 vs state

Median home value

$973

Median rent

64.6%

Homeownership rate

114,123

Total housing units

96.6%

Occupied

3.4%

Vacant

35.4%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.5%

With health insurance

94.8%

With broadband internet

18.1%

Foreign-born

6.5%

Veterans (18+)

11.6%

With a disability

89.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.3%

High School+

32.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Other counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Brown County, Wisconsin has a population of 269,425 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 508 people per square mile.

The population of Brown County has grown 10.2% since 2010 (248,474 → 273,909), a +0.70% annualized rate.

The median household income in Brown County, Wisconsin is $77,490, with mean (average) household income of $99,390 and per-capita income of $40,907. 6.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Brown County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%), Black or African American (2.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Brown County, Wisconsin is 37.9 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.

The median home value in Brown County is $245,900 and median monthly rent is $973. 64.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 114,123 total housing units, 3.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Brown County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.

Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Brown 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.