Rusk County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Rusk County, Wisconsin is 14,146 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $58,322, the median home value is $152,000, and the median age is 49.1.
The population of Rusk County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (14,730 → 14,168), a -0.28% annualized rate.
14,146
Population
-0.28%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$58,322
Median Income
$152,000
Median Home Value
Rusk County covers 914 sq mi of land at 15.5 people per square mile.
About Rusk County, WI
Rusk County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 14,146. It ranks #65 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 49.1, older than the national median. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
The median household income in Rusk County is $58,322, below the US median of $74,580. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $152,000, with monthly rent averaging $816. The homeownership rate of 77.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rusk County reflects 16.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.0 minutes each way.
Rusk County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rusk County had a population of 14,730 in 2010 and 14,168 in 2024, a -3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,730 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
14,168
Population (2024)
14,730
Population (2010)
14,730
Peak (2010)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,730 |
| 2011 | 14,615 |
| 2012 | 14,305 |
| 2013 | 14,366 |
| 2014 | 14,347 |
| 2015 | 14,119 |
| 2016 | 14,084 |
| 2017 | 14,120 |
| 2018 | 14,054 |
| 2019 | 14,091 |
| 2020 | 14,181 |
| 2021 | 14,115 |
| 2022 | 14,180 |
| 2023 | 14,252 |
| 2024 | 14,168 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.1
Median Age
48.7%
Female
51.3%
Male
25.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 25.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,322$-17,348 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,443 |
| Per-capita income | $32,642 |
| Poverty rate | 8.2%+1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rusk County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
9.1%
Work from home
27.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$152,000$-95,400 vs state
Median home value
$816
Median rent
77.5%
Homeownership rate
8,679
Total housing units
72.1%
Occupied
27.9%
Vacant
22.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
88.7%
With broadband internet
23.6%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
17.3%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
16.3%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rusk County, Wisconsin has a population of 14,146 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Rusk County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (14,730 → 14,168), a -0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rusk County, Wisconsin is $58,322, with mean (average) household income of $72,443 and per-capita income of $32,642. 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rusk County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rusk County, Wisconsin is 49.1 years. Residents are 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
The median home value in Rusk County is $152,000 and median monthly rent is $816. 77.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,679 total housing units, 27.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rusk County, Wisconsin is manufacturing, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Rusk 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.