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 is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 28,403. It ranks #45 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 49.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Lincoln County is $67,726, below the US median of $74,580. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $177,700, with monthly rent averaging $768. The homeownership rate of 78.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lincoln County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.1 minutes each way.
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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County rankings
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.
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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.