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Population Review

Burnett County, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 60th-largest in Wisconsin

The population of Burnett County, Wisconsin is 16,741 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 60th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $61,664, the median home value is $215,500, and the median age is 55.2.

The population of Burnett County has grown 11.4% since 2010 (15,430 → 17,187), a +0.77% annualized rate.

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

16,741

Population

+0.77%

Annual growth

20

People / sq mi

$61,664

Median Income

$215,500

Median Home Value

Burnett County covers 822 sq mi of land at 20.4 people per square mile.

About Burnett County, WI

Burnett County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,741. It ranks #60 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 55.2, older than the national median. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.

The median household income in Burnett County is $61,664, below the US median of $74,580. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $215,500, with monthly rent averaging $758. The homeownership rate of 85.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Burnett County reflects 22.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.3 minutes each way.

Burnett County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Burnett County had a population of 15,430 in 2010 and 17,187 in 2024, a 11.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,187 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.

2024 · 17K20102024

17,187

Population (2024)

15,430

Population (2010)

17,187

Peak (2024)

0.79%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201015,430
201115,464
201215,339
201315,266
201415,229
201515,140
201615,235
201715,297
201815,334
201915,390
202016,578
202116,755
202216,973
202317,089
202417,187

Race & Ethnicity

White90.7%
Black or African American0.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

55.2

Median Age

48.7%

Female

51.3%

Male

31.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
3.6%
5–9
4.6%
10–14
4.7%
15–19
5.0%
20–24
3.5%
25–34
8.0%
35–44
9.4%
45–54
10.9%
55–59
8.2%
60–64
10.8%
65–74
19.4%
75–84
9.0%
85+
2.9%

Children (under 15): 12.9% · Seniors (65+): 31.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$61,664$-14,006 vs state
Mean household income$82,526
Per-capita income$37,790
Poverty rate8.6%+2.0% vs state
Unemployment rate2.2%
Employment-to-population47.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
23.0%
Manufacturing
17.5%
Education & health care
9.5%
Construction
9.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.6%
Finance & real estate
5.5%
Retail trade
4.8%
Public administration
4.8%

The largest employment sector in Burnett County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.

How residents commute

1.1%

Drive alone

2.8%

Carpool

76.7%

Public transit

11.0%

Work from home

29.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$215,500$-31,900 vs state

Median home value

$758

Median rent

85.3%

Homeownership rate

15,328

Total housing units

46.2%

Occupied

53.8%

Vacant

14.7%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.7%

With health insurance

90.5%

With broadband internet

52.2%

Foreign-born

10.6%

Veterans (18+)

19.0%

With a disability

97.7%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.8%

High School+

22.0%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Other counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Burnett County, Wisconsin has a population of 16,741 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 60th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 20 people per square mile.

The population of Burnett County has grown 11.4% since 2010 (15,430 → 17,187), a +0.77% annualized rate.

The median household income in Burnett County, Wisconsin is $61,664, with mean (average) household income of $82,526 and per-capita income of $37,790. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Burnett County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.7%), Hispanic or Latino (5.6%), 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 Burnett County, Wisconsin is 55.2 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.

The median home value in Burnett County is $215,500 and median monthly rent is $758. 85.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,328 total housing units, 53.8% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Burnett County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.

Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Burnett 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.