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.
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
What distinguishes Brown County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 508 people per square mile. Brown County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 269,425. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Wisconsin in the country, at #4 by population.
Median household income is $77,490, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.0%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $245,900, with typical rent around $973.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Brown County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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%.
273,909
Population (2024)
248,474
Population (2010)
273,909
Peak (2024)
0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 248,474 |
| 2011 | 250,496 |
| 2012 | 252,700 |
| 2013 | 254,249 |
| 2014 | 256,254 |
| 2015 | 257,916 |
| 2016 | 259,588 |
| 2017 | 261,714 |
| 2018 | 262,985 |
| 2019 | 263,899 |
| 2020 | 268,966 |
| 2021 | 268,948 |
| 2022 | 270,561 |
| 2023 | 272,074 |
| 2024 | 273,909 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.9
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
16.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 6.0%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
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+
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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.
Brown County, WI Climate
Brown County, WI has an average annual temperature of 7.1°C (45°F) and receives about 749 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.1°C
Avg Temp
749
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 35 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 25 mm |
| March | 0° / 31° | 54 mm |
| April | 7° / 44° | 66 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 76 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 87 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 86 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 88 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 82 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 56 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 56 mm |
| December | -5° / 22° | 38 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 Brown County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Brown County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Brown County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.