Columbia County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Columbia County, Wisconsin is 58,322 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $82,792, the median home value is $258,700, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Columbia County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (56,854 → 58,113), a +0.16% annualized rate.
58,322
Population
+0.16%
Annual growth
76
People / sq mi
$82,792
Median Income
$258,700
Median Home Value
Columbia County covers 766 sq mi of land at 76.2 people per square mile.
About Columbia County, WI
What sets Columbia County apart is money: median household income runs $82,792, above the US median of $78,538. With 58,322 residents, Columbia County is a county in Wisconsin. It ranks #26 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
Median household income is $82,792, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.2%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $258,700, with typical rent around $926.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.3% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Columbia County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbia County had a population of 56,854 in 2010 and 58,113 in 2024, a 2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 58,520 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.16%.
58,113
Population (2024)
56,854
Population (2010)
58,520
Peak (2020)
0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 56,854 |
| 2011 | 56,712 |
| 2012 | 56,476 |
| 2013 | 56,577 |
| 2014 | 56,645 |
| 2015 | 56,683 |
| 2016 | 56,907 |
| 2017 | 57,267 |
| 2018 | 57,275 |
| 2019 | 57,537 |
| 2020 | 58,520 |
| 2021 | 58,440 |
| 2022 | 58,337 |
| 2023 | 57,949 |
| 2024 | 58,113 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $82,792+$7,122 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,820 |
| Per-capita income | $41,515 |
| Poverty rate | 5.2%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
77.9%
Public transit
11.3%
Work from home
26.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$258,700+$11,300 vs state
Median home value
$926
Median rent
76.9%
Homeownership rate
26,826
Total housing units
90.3%
Occupied
9.7%
Vacant
23.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
18.1%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.8%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.8%
High School+
25.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Wisconsin
Other counties in Wisconsin
Part of Wisconsin
Metro areas in Wisconsin
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County, Wisconsin has a population of 58,322 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 76 people per square mile.
The population of Columbia County has grown 2.2% since 2010 (56,854 → 58,113), a +0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbia County, Wisconsin is $82,792, with mean (average) household income of $98,820 and per-capita income of $41,515. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Black or African American (1.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbia County, Wisconsin is 43.3 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Columbia County is $258,700 and median monthly rent is $926. 76.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,826 total housing units, 9.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbia County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Columbia County, WI Climate
Columbia County, WI has an average annual temperature of 7.5°C (46°F) and receives about 846 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.5°C
Avg Temp
846
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 30 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 29 mm |
| March | 0° / 33° | 56 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 85 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 88 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 100 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 100 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 103 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 96 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 61 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 59 mm |
| December | -6° / 22° | 39 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 Columbia County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Columbia County, WI are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Columbia County
Visiting or relocating to Columbia County, WI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Columbia County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Columbia County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Columbia County, WI by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Wisconsin
Population 927,656
Population 564,777
Population 409,040
Population 269,425
Full rankings of Wisconsin counties
Statewide data for Wisconsin
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.