Richland County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 57th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Richland County, Wisconsin is 17,229 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 57th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $62,649, the median home value is $182,800, and the median age is 46.4.
The population of Richland County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (18,023 → 17,123), a -0.37% annualized rate.
17,229
Population
-0.37%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$62,649
Median Income
$182,800
Median Home Value
Richland County covers 586 sq mi of land at 29.4 people per square mile.
About Richland County, WI
Richland County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 17,229. It ranks #57 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 46.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Richland County is $62,649, below the US median of $74,580. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $182,800, with monthly rent averaging $786. The homeownership rate of 76.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Richland County reflects 20.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.5 minutes each way.
Richland County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Richland County had a population of 18,023 in 2010 and 17,123 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,023 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
17,123
Population (2024)
18,023
Population (2010)
18,023
Peak (2010)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,023 |
| 2011 | 18,009 |
| 2012 | 17,815 |
| 2013 | 17,822 |
| 2014 | 17,747 |
| 2015 | 17,568 |
| 2016 | 17,545 |
| 2017 | 17,510 |
| 2018 | 17,416 |
| 2019 | 17,313 |
| 2020 | 17,283 |
| 2021 | 17,205 |
| 2022 | 17,161 |
| 2023 | 17,251 |
| 2024 | 17,123 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.4
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
24.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.8% · Seniors (65+): 24.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,649$-13,021 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,217 |
| Per-capita income | $34,011 |
| Poverty rate | 8.9%+2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Richland County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.7%
Carpool
78.7%
Public transit
8.2%
Work from home
23.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$182,800$-64,600 vs state
Median home value
$786
Median rent
76.5%
Homeownership rate
8,542
Total housing units
83.3%
Occupied
16.7%
Vacant
23.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
87.1%
With broadband internet
17.6%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
14.3%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.1%
High School+
20.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Richland County, Wisconsin has a population of 17,229 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 57th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Richland County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (18,023 → 17,123), a -0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Richland County, Wisconsin is $62,649, with mean (average) household income of $80,217 and per-capita income of $34,011. 8.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Richland County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Black or African American (0.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Richland County, Wisconsin is 46.4 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Richland County is $182,800 and median monthly rent is $786. 76.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,542 total housing units, 16.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Richland County, Wisconsin is manufacturing, employing 23.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Richland 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.