Jefferson County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Jefferson County, Wisconsin is 85,867 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $80,604, the median home value is $253,800, and the median age is 41.3.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 3.0% since 2010 (83,727 → 86,245), a +0.21% annualized rate.
85,867
Population
+0.21%
Annual growth
154
People / sq mi
$80,604
Median Income
$253,800
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 556 sq mi of land at 154.3 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, WI
Among US counties, Jefferson County stands out first on household income: a median of $80,604, near the US median of $78,538. With 85,867 residents, Jefferson County is a county in Wisconsin. It ranks #20 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
Median household income is $80,604, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.9%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $253,800, with typical rent around $1,012.
College attainment is above the local norm at 28.1%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.3%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Jefferson County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 83,727 in 2010 and 86,245 in 2024, a 3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 86,245 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.
86,245
Population (2024)
83,727
Population (2010)
86,245
Peak (2024)
0.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 83,727 |
| 2011 | 83,854 |
| 2012 | 84,367 |
| 2013 | 84,613 |
| 2014 | 84,370 |
| 2015 | 84,501 |
| 2016 | 84,494 |
| 2017 | 84,733 |
| 2018 | 85,091 |
| 2019 | 84,829 |
| 2020 | 86,208 |
| 2021 | 85,781 |
| 2022 | 85,809 |
| 2023 | 85,971 |
| 2024 | 86,245 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.3
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
18.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.2% · Seniors (65+): 18.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,604+$4,934 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,779 |
| Per-capita income | $40,640 |
| Poverty rate | 5.9%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.1%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
9.3%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$253,800+$6,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,012
Median rent
72.9%
Homeownership rate
36,649
Total housing units
94.0%
Occupied
6.0%
Vacant
27.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
20.9%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
11.9%
With a disability
93.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
28.1%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Wisconsin has a population of 85,867 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 154 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 3.0% since 2010 (83,727 → 86,245), a +0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Wisconsin is $80,604, with mean (average) household income of $97,779 and per-capita income of $40,640. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, Wisconsin is 41.3 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $253,800 and median monthly rent is $1,012. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 36,649 total housing units, 6.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson 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.