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Population Review

Marathon County, Wisconsin Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Wisconsin

The population of Marathon County, Wisconsin is 138,067 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $76,185, the median home value is $205,500, and the median age is 41.2.

The population of Marathon County has grown 3.7% since 2010 (134,064 → 139,091), a +0.26% annualized rate.

Marathon County within Wisconsin · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

138,067

Population

+0.26%

Annual growth

89

People / sq mi

$76,185

Median Income

$205,500

Median Home Value

Marathon County covers 1,545 sq mi of land at 89.3 people per square mile.

About Marathon County, WI

Marathon County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 138,067. It ranks #10 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

The median household income in Marathon County is $76,185, near the US median of $74,580. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $205,500, with monthly rent averaging $950. The homeownership rate of 73.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Marathon County reflects 27.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.3 minutes each way.

Marathon County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Marathon County had a population of 134,064 in 2010 and 139,091 in 2024, a 3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 139,091 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.

2024 · 139K20102024

139,091

Population (2024)

134,064

Population (2010)

139,091

Peak (2024)

0.26%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010134,064
2011134,355
2012134,391
2013134,912
2014135,173
2015135,361
2016135,132
2017135,525
2018135,478
2019135,697
2020138,114
2021137,798
2022138,175
2023138,838
2024139,091

Race & Ethnicity

White87.9%
Black or African American0.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

41.2

Median Age

49.5%

Female

50.5%

Male

18.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.6%
5–9
6.3%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
5.4%
25–34
11.9%
35–44
12.8%
45–54
12.2%
55–59
7.0%
60–64
7.4%
65–74
10.9%
75–84
5.3%
85+
2.5%

Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.7%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$76,185+$515 vs state
Mean household income$95,540
Per-capita income$39,970
Poverty rate5.4%-1.2% vs state
Unemployment rate1.9%
Employment-to-population65.2%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.2%
Manufacturing
20.5%
Information
7.7%
Education & health care
6.5%
Finance & real estate
6.3%
Construction
5.6%
Retail trade
4.5%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.3%

The largest employment sector in Marathon County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.

How residents commute

0.3%

Drive alone

1.9%

Carpool

76.5%

Public transit

11.7%

Work from home

19.3 min

Avg commute

Housing

$205,500$-41,900 vs state

Median home value

$950

Median rent

73.4%

Homeownership rate

60,296

Total housing units

94.3%

Occupied

5.7%

Vacant

26.6%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.0%

With health insurance

93.3%

With broadband internet

17.0%

Foreign-born

7.1%

Veterans (18+)

12.5%

With a disability

92.5%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.1%

High School+

27.3%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Other counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Marathon County, Wisconsin has a population of 138,067 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 89 people per square mile.

The population of Marathon County has grown 3.7% since 2010 (134,064 → 139,091), a +0.26% annualized rate.

The median household income in Marathon County, Wisconsin is $76,185, with mean (average) household income of $95,540 and per-capita income of $39,970. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Marathon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), 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 Marathon County, Wisconsin is 41.2 years. Residents are 49.5% female and 50.5% male.

The median home value in Marathon County is $205,500 and median monthly rent is $950. 73.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 60,296 total housing units, 5.7% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Marathon County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.

Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Marathon County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.