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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 43.3% of the population. With 45,327 residents, Polk County is a county in Wisconsin. It ranks #33 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
The typical household earns $76,208 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 5.5%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $241,200, with typical rent around $958.
Roughly 23.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Polk County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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.