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
Forest County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 9,261. It ranks #68 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 49.1, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Forest County is $59,727, below the US median of $74,580. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $170,000, with monthly rent averaging $585. The homeownership rate of 82.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Forest County reflects 15.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.5 minutes each way.
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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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.