Dane County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Dane County, Wisconsin is 564,777 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $88,108, the median home value is $366,100, and the median age is 35.6.
The population of Dane County has grown 20.3% since 2010 (489,247 → 588,347), a +1.33% annualized rate.
564,777
Population
+1.33%
Annual growth
472
People / sq mi
$88,108
Median Income
$366,100
Median Home Value
Dane County covers 1,196 sq mi of land at 472.0 people per square mile.
About Dane County, WI
Dane County is defined demographically by education — 54.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 564,777 residents, Dane County is a county in Wisconsin. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Wisconsin in the country, at #2 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $88,108, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $366,100, with typical rent around $1,345.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 54.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 17.8% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Dane County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Dane County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dane County had a population of 489,247 in 2010 and 588,347 in 2024, a 20.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 588,347 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.33%.
588,347
Population (2024)
489,247
Population (2010)
588,347
Peak (2024)
1.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 489,247 |
| 2011 | 496,121 |
| 2012 | 503,087 |
| 2013 | 510,026 |
| 2014 | 516,602 |
| 2015 | 523,399 |
| 2016 | 531,775 |
| 2017 | 537,901 |
| 2018 | 542,448 |
| 2019 | 547,637 |
| 2020 | 562,620 |
| 2021 | 561,788 |
| 2022 | 570,869 |
| 2023 | 579,739 |
| 2024 | 588,347 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.0% |
| Black or African American | 5.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.6
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
14.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $88,108+$12,438 vs state |
| Mean household income | $117,041 |
| Per-capita income | $51,486 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 68.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dane County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.7% of workers.
How residents commute
3.1%
Drive alone
5.2%
Carpool
65.2%
Public transit
17.8%
Work from home
20.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$366,100+$118,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,345
Median rent
57.7%
Homeownership rate
254,880
Total housing units
96.4%
Occupied
3.6%
Vacant
42.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.4%
With health insurance
97.0%
With broadband internet
30.4%
Foreign-born
4.6%
Veterans (18+)
8.9%
With a disability
89.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.3%
High School+
54.4%
Bachelor's+
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Common questions about Dane County, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Dane County, Wisconsin has a population of 564,777 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 472 people per square mile.
The population of Dane County has grown 20.3% since 2010 (489,247 → 588,347), a +1.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dane County, Wisconsin is $88,108, with mean (average) household income of $117,041 and per-capita income of $51,486. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dane County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (79.0%), Black or African American (5.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dane County, Wisconsin is 35.6 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Dane County is $366,100 and median monthly rent is $1,345. 57.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 254,880 total housing units, 3.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dane County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Dane County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.