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
Jefferson County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 85,867. It ranks #20 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 41.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Jefferson County is $80,604, above the US median of $74,580. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $253,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,012. The homeownership rate of 72.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Jefferson County reflects 28.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.9 minutes each way.
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.