Lincoln County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Lincoln County, Wisconsin is 28,403 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $67,726, the median home value is $177,700, and the median age is 49.2.
The population of Lincoln County has declined 1.1% since 2010 (28,777 → 28,461), a -0.08% annualized rate.
28,403
Population
-0.08%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$67,726
Median Income
$177,700
Median Home Value
Lincoln County covers 879 sq mi of land at 32.3 people per square mile.
About Lincoln County, WI
Lincoln County skews on age — the median resident is 49.2, older than the national median. Lincoln County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 28,403. It ranks #45 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,726, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.9%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $177,700, with typical rent around $768.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.2% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Lincoln County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Lincoln County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lincoln County had a population of 28,777 in 2010 and 28,461 in 2024, a -1.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,777 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.07%.
28,461
Population (2024)
28,777
Population (2010)
28,777
Peak (2010)
-0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,777 |
| 2011 | 28,503 |
| 2012 | 28,501 |
| 2013 | 28,301 |
| 2014 | 28,105 |
| 2015 | 27,864 |
| 2016 | 27,844 |
| 2017 | 27,745 |
| 2018 | 27,686 |
| 2019 | 27,596 |
| 2020 | 28,429 |
| 2021 | 28,463 |
| 2022 | 28,345 |
| 2023 | 28,430 |
| 2024 | 28,461 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.2
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
23.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.7% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,726$-7,944 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,765 |
| Per-capita income | $38,296 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9%+0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
79.7%
Public transit
11.2%
Work from home
22.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$177,700$-69,700 vs state
Median home value
$768
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
16,233
Total housing units
77.5%
Occupied
22.5%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
18.6%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
14.9%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.5%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lincoln County, Wisconsin has a population of 28,403 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Lincoln County has declined 1.1% since 2010 (28,777 → 28,461), a -0.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lincoln County, Wisconsin is $67,726, with mean (average) household income of $83,765 and per-capita income of $38,296. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lincoln County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lincoln County, Wisconsin is 49.2 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $177,700 and median monthly rent is $768. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,233 total housing units, 22.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lincoln County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Lincoln County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Lincoln County, WI Climate
Lincoln County, WI has an average annual temperature of 4.9°C (41°F) and receives about 822 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.9°C
Avg Temp
822
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 27 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 24 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 50 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 68 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 89 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 99 mm |
| July | 19° / 67° | 95 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 102 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 113 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 65 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 53 mm |
| December | -9° / 17° | 37 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lincoln County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Lincoln County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lincoln County
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Top-rated places to stay near Lincoln County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.