Rock County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Rock County, Wisconsin is 163,944 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $74,390, the median home value is $215,900, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Rock County has grown 3.2% since 2010 (160,261 → 165,461), a +0.23% annualized rate.
163,944
Population
+0.23%
Annual growth
228
People / sq mi
$74,390
Median Income
$215,900
Median Home Value
Rock County covers 718 sq mi of land at 228.3 people per square mile.
About Rock County, WI
Rock County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 228 people per square mile. With 163,944 residents, Rock County is a county in Wisconsin. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Wisconsin nationally.
Households take in a median $74,390, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.8%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $215,900, with typical rent around $1,019.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 25.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.2%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Rock County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Rock County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rock County had a population of 160,261 in 2010 and 165,461 in 2024, a 3.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 165,461 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.23%.
165,461
Population (2024)
160,261
Population (2010)
165,461
Peak (2024)
0.23%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 160,261 |
| 2011 | 159,899 |
| 2012 | 160,113 |
| 2013 | 160,402 |
| 2014 | 160,999 |
| 2015 | 161,095 |
| 2016 | 161,363 |
| 2017 | 162,278 |
| 2018 | 162,817 |
| 2019 | 163,120 |
| 2020 | 163,761 |
| 2021 | 164,128 |
| 2022 | 163,959 |
| 2023 | 164,443 |
| 2024 | 165,461 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $74,390$-1,280 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,673 |
| Per-capita income | $37,428 |
| Poverty rate | 6.8%+0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rock County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
80.3%
Public transit
8.2%
Work from home
23.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$215,900$-31,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,019
Median rent
70.6%
Homeownership rate
70,694
Total housing units
94.3%
Occupied
5.7%
Vacant
29.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
94.9%
With broadband internet
24.5%
Foreign-born
7.1%
Veterans (18+)
13.1%
With a disability
91.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.6%
High School+
25.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rock County, Wisconsin has a population of 163,944 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 228 people per square mile.
The population of Rock County has grown 3.2% since 2010 (160,261 → 165,461), a +0.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rock County, Wisconsin is $74,390, with mean (average) household income of $89,673 and per-capita income of $37,428. 6.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rock County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.3%), Black or African American (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rock County, Wisconsin is 40.1 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Rock County is $215,900 and median monthly rent is $1,019. 70.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 70,694 total housing units, 5.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rock County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Rock County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
Rock County, WI Climate
Rock County, WI has an average annual temperature of 8.2°C (47°F) and receives about 847 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.2°C
Avg Temp
847
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 17° | 30 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 28 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 58 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 83 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 98 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 100 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 102 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 99 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 62 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 61 mm |
| December | -5° / 24° | 45 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Rock County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Rock County, WI are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rock County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.