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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County rankings
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.
Dane County, WI Climate
Dane County, WI has an average annual temperature of 7.8°C (46°F) and receives about 836 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.8°C
Avg Temp
836
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 16° | 29 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 29 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 56 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 81 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 85 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 100 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 101 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 105 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 91 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 59 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 57 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 43 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 Dane County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Dane County, WI are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dane County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.