Lafayette County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Lafayette County, Wisconsin is 16,788 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $72,091, the median home value is $182,100, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Lafayette County has grown 3.0% since 2010 (16,799 → 17,306), a +0.21% annualized rate.
16,788
Population
+0.21%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$72,091
Median Income
$182,100
Median Home Value
Lafayette County covers 634 sq mi of land at 26.5 people per square mile.
About Lafayette County, WI
Lafayette County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,788. It ranks #58 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 40.9, older than the national median. The population is 51.2% male and 48.8% female.
The median household income in Lafayette County is $72,091, near the US median of $74,580. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $182,100, with monthly rent averaging $835. The homeownership rate of 79.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lafayette County reflects 20.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 12.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.7 minutes each way.
Lafayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lafayette County had a population of 16,799 in 2010 and 17,306 in 2024, a 3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,306 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.21%.
17,306
Population (2024)
16,799
Population (2010)
17,306
Peak (2024)
0.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,799 |
| 2011 | 16,853 |
| 2012 | 16,792 |
| 2013 | 16,662 |
| 2014 | 16,769 |
| 2015 | 16,785 |
| 2016 | 16,751 |
| 2017 | 16,688 |
| 2018 | 16,659 |
| 2019 | 16,667 |
| 2020 | 16,604 |
| 2021 | 16,817 |
| 2022 | 16,926 |
| 2023 | 17,059 |
| 2024 | 17,306 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,091$-3,579 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,841 |
| Per-capita income | $34,686 |
| Poverty rate | 7.1%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County is manufacturing, accounting for 19.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
74.9%
Public transit
12.3%
Work from home
24.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$182,100$-65,300 vs state
Median home value
$835
Median rent
79.3%
Homeownership rate
7,193
Total housing units
92.9%
Occupied
7.1%
Vacant
20.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.3%
With health insurance
88.1%
With broadband internet
24.9%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
10.7%
With a disability
92.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.0%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lafayette County, Wisconsin has a population of 16,788 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Lafayette County has grown 3.0% since 2010 (16,799 → 17,306), a +0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lafayette County, Wisconsin is $72,091, with mean (average) household income of $86,841 and per-capita income of $34,686. 7.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lafayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lafayette County, Wisconsin is 40.9 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Lafayette County is $182,100 and median monthly rent is $835. 79.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,193 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County, Wisconsin is manufacturing, employing 19.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Lafayette 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.