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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

The poverty rate is what most separates Marathon County from the typical county: 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Marathon County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 138,067. It is the #10-largest of all counties in Wisconsin nationally.

Households take in a median $76,185, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.4% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $205,500, with typical rent around $950.

Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 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
Marathon County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.