Shawano County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 37th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Shawano County, Wisconsin is 40,927 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $67,032, the median home value is $179,100, and the median age is 45.5.
The population of Shawano County has declined 1.5% since 2010 (41,938 → 41,299), a -0.11% annualized rate.
40,927
Population
-0.11%
Annual growth
46
People / sq mi
$67,032
Median Income
$179,100
Median Home Value
Shawano County covers 893 sq mi of land at 45.8 people per square mile.
About Shawano County, WI
Shawano County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.1% of the population. With 40,927 residents, Shawano County is a county in Wisconsin. It ranks #37 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,032 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.6%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $179,100, with typical rent around $777.
Roughly 18.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.1%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Shawano County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shawano County had a population of 41,938 in 2010 and 41,299 in 2024, a -1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 41,938 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.11%.
41,299
Population (2024)
41,938
Population (2010)
41,938
Peak (2010)
-0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,938 |
| 2011 | 41,669 |
| 2012 | 41,512 |
| 2013 | 41,408 |
| 2014 | 41,349 |
| 2015 | 41,058 |
| 2016 | 40,927 |
| 2017 | 40,832 |
| 2018 | 40,725 |
| 2019 | 40,794 |
| 2020 | 40,869 |
| 2021 | 40,861 |
| 2022 | 41,017 |
| 2023 | 41,148 |
| 2024 | 41,299 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 10.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.5
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
21.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,032$-8,638 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,534 |
| Per-capita income | $36,172 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%+3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shawano County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.9%
Carpool
79.7%
Public transit
9.1%
Work from home
23.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$179,100$-68,300 vs state
Median home value
$777
Median rent
78.6%
Homeownership rate
20,430
Total housing units
82.6%
Occupied
17.4%
Vacant
21.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
89.4%
With broadband internet
12.1%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
18.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shawano County, Wisconsin has a population of 40,927 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 46 people per square mile.
The population of Shawano County has declined 1.5% since 2010 (41,938 → 41,299), a -0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shawano County, Wisconsin is $67,032, with mean (average) household income of $85,534 and per-capita income of $36,172. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shawano County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.1%), Hispanic or Latino (10.0%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shawano County, Wisconsin is 45.5 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Shawano County is $179,100 and median monthly rent is $777. 78.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,430 total housing units, 17.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shawano County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Shawano County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
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Statewide data for Wisconsin
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.