Polk County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Polk County, Wisconsin is 45,327 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $76,208, the median home value is $241,200, and the median age is 46.5.
The population of Polk County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (44,155 → 45,831), a +0.27% annualized rate.
45,327
Population
+0.27%
Annual growth
50
People / sq mi
$76,208
Median Income
$241,200
Median Home Value
Polk County covers 914 sq mi of land at 49.6 people per square mile.
About Polk County, WI
Polk County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 45,327. It ranks #33 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 46.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Polk County is $76,208, near the US median of $74,580. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $241,200, with monthly rent averaging $958. The homeownership rate of 81.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Polk County reflects 23.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.5 minutes each way.
Polk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Polk County had a population of 44,155 in 2010 and 45,831 in 2024, a 3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,845 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.27%.
45,831
Population (2024)
44,155
Population (2010)
45,845
Peak (2023)
0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 44,155 |
| 2011 | 43,953 |
| 2012 | 43,522 |
| 2013 | 43,320 |
| 2014 | 43,343 |
| 2015 | 43,240 |
| 2016 | 43,261 |
| 2017 | 43,409 |
| 2018 | 43,578 |
| 2019 | 43,705 |
| 2020 | 45,029 |
| 2021 | 45,462 |
| 2022 | 45,608 |
| 2023 | 45,845 |
| 2024 | 45,831 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.5
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
21.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,208+$538 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,480 |
| Per-capita income | $39,402 |
| Poverty rate | 5.5%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Polk County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
79.0%
Public transit
10.4%
Work from home
29.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$241,200$-6,200 vs state
Median home value
$958
Median rent
81.1%
Homeownership rate
24,377
Total housing units
77.2%
Occupied
22.8%
Vacant
18.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.9%
With health insurance
93.9%
With broadband internet
43.3%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
13.9%
With a disability
98.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.6%
High School+
23.7%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Polk County, Wisconsin has a population of 45,327 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 50 people per square mile.
The population of Polk County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (44,155 → 45,831), a +0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Polk County, Wisconsin is $76,208, with mean (average) household income of $92,480 and per-capita income of $39,402. 5.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Polk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Polk County, Wisconsin is 46.5 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Polk County is $241,200 and median monthly rent is $958. 81.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,377 total housing units, 22.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Polk County, Wisconsin is manufacturing, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Polk County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.