Forest County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 68th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Forest County, Wisconsin is 9,261 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $59,727, the median home value is $170,000, and the median age is 49.1.
The population of Forest County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (9,294 → 9,506), a +0.16% annualized rate.
9,261
Population
+0.16%
Annual growth
9
People / sq mi
$59,727
Median Income
$170,000
Median Home Value
Forest County covers 1,014 sq mi of land at 9.1 people per square mile.
About Forest County, WI
Age is the most distinctive thing about Forest County: a median age of 49.1, older than the national median. With 9,261 residents, Forest County is a county in Wisconsin.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,727 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.1%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $170,000, with typical rent around $585.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 15.5%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Forest County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Forest County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Forest County had a population of 9,294 in 2010 and 9,506 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,506 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.17%.
9,506
Population (2024)
9,294
Population (2010)
9,506
Peak (2024)
0.17%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,294 |
| 2011 | 9,249 |
| 2012 | 9,162 |
| 2013 | 9,097 |
| 2014 | 9,112 |
| 2015 | 9,015 |
| 2016 | 9,040 |
| 2017 | 8,981 |
| 2018 | 9,001 |
| 2019 | 9,034 |
| 2020 | 9,168 |
| 2021 | 9,448 |
| 2022 | 9,344 |
| 2023 | 9,381 |
| 2024 | 9,506 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 16.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.1
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
25.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 25.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,727$-15,943 vs state |
| Mean household income | $73,293 |
| Per-capita income | $31,994 |
| Poverty rate | 9.1%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Forest County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
79.2%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
25.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,000$-77,400 vs state
Median home value
$585
Median rent
82.4%
Homeownership rate
8,696
Total housing units
45.4%
Occupied
54.6%
Vacant
17.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
88.9%
With broadband internet
16.1%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
17.9%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
15.5%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Forest County, Wisconsin has a population of 9,261 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 9 people per square mile.
The population of Forest County has grown 2.3% since 2010 (9,294 → 9,506), a +0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Forest County, Wisconsin is $59,727, with mean (average) household income of $73,293 and per-capita income of $31,994. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Forest County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.4%), Hispanic or Latino (16.8%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Forest County, Wisconsin is 49.1 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Forest County is $170,000 and median monthly rent is $585. 82.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,696 total housing units, 54.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Forest County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Forest 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.