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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Rusk County: a median age of 49.1, older than the national median. With 14,146 residents, Rusk County is a county in Wisconsin.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $58,322 — below the US median of $78,538. About 8.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $152,000, with typical rent around $816.
College attainment is 16.3%, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Rusk County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Rusk County, WI Climate
Rusk County, WI has an average annual temperature of 5.4°C (42°F) and receives about 838 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.4°C
Avg Temp
838
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 27 mm |
| February | -9° / 17° | 21 mm |
| March | -2° / 29° | 48 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 67 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 89 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 109 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 103 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 112 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 114 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 68 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 47 mm |
| December | -9° / 16° | 33 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 Rusk County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Rusk County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rusk County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.