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 a county in Wisconsin with a population of 40,927. It ranks #37 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 45.5, older than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.
The median household income in Shawano County is $67,032, below the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $179,100, with monthly rent averaging $777. The homeownership rate of 78.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shawano County reflects 18.7% 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 23.2 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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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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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.