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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Richland County: a median age of 46.4, older than the national median. With 17,229 residents, Richland County is a county in Wisconsin.
Median household income is $62,649, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.9%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $182,800, with typical rent around $786.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Richland County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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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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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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.