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Population Review

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.

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

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

Columbia County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 58,322. It ranks #26 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 43.3, older than the national median. The population is 51.5% male and 48.5% female.

The median household income in Columbia County is $82,792, above the US median of $74,580. 5.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $258,700, with monthly rent averaging $926. The homeownership rate of 76.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Columbia County reflects 25.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.6 minutes each way.

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%.

2020 · 59K20102024

58,113

Population (2024)

56,854

Population (2010)

58,520

Peak (2020)

0.16%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201056,854
201156,712
201256,476
201356,577
201456,645
201556,683
201656,907
201757,267
201857,275
201957,537
202058,520
202158,440
202258,337
202357,949
202458,113

Race & Ethnicity

White92.1%
Black or African American1.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.3

Median Age

48.5%

Female

51.5%

Male

19.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.1%
5–9
5.2%
10–14
6.4%
15–19
6.1%
20–24
5.1%
25–34
11.4%
35–44
13.2%
45–54
12.9%
55–59
7.7%
60–64
7.7%
65–74
11.7%
75–84
5.3%
85+
2.1%

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 rate5.2%-1.4% vs state
Unemployment rate2.0%
Employment-to-population63.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.7%
Manufacturing
15.7%
Construction
8.6%
Finance & real estate
8.4%
Education & health care
6.4%
Information
6.4%
Retail trade
5.7%
Public administration
5.3%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.