Vilas County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Vilas County, Wisconsin is 23,410 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $67,132, the median home value is $270,700, and the median age is 55.5.
The population of Vilas County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (21,454 → 23,948), a +0.79% annualized rate.
23,410
Population
+0.79%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$67,132
Median Income
$270,700
Median Home Value
Vilas County covers 858 sq mi of land at 27.3 people per square mile.
About Vilas County, WI
Vilas County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 23,410. It ranks #49 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 55.5, older than the national median. The population is 51.9% male and 48.1% female.
The median household income in Vilas County is $67,132, below the US median of $74,580. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $270,700, with monthly rent averaging $810. The homeownership rate of 83.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Vilas County reflects 30.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.5 minutes each way.
Vilas County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Vilas County had a population of 21,454 in 2010 and 23,948 in 2024, a 11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,948 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
23,948
Population (2024)
21,454
Population (2010)
23,948
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,454 |
| 2011 | 21,414 |
| 2012 | 21,315 |
| 2013 | 21,401 |
| 2014 | 21,422 |
| 2015 | 21,455 |
| 2016 | 21,488 |
| 2017 | 21,667 |
| 2018 | 21,949 |
| 2019 | 22,153 |
| 2020 | 23,097 |
| 2021 | 23,516 |
| 2022 | 23,755 |
| 2023 | 23,914 |
| 2024 | 23,948 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 10.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
55.5
Median Age
48.1%
Female
51.9%
Male
31.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.2% · Seniors (65+): 31.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,132$-8,538 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,265 |
| Per-capita income | $42,822 |
| Poverty rate | 7.4%+0.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Vilas County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
77.7%
Public transit
10.8%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$270,700+$23,300 vs state
Median home value
$810
Median rent
83.5%
Homeownership rate
24,783
Total housing units
43.9%
Occupied
56.1%
Vacant
16.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
36.1%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.4%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.1%
High School+
30.5%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Vilas County, Wisconsin has a population of 23,410 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Vilas County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (21,454 → 23,948), a +0.79% annualized rate.
The median household income in Vilas County, Wisconsin is $67,132, with mean (average) household income of $89,265 and per-capita income of $42,822. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Vilas County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.9%), Hispanic or Latino (10.6%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Vilas County, Wisconsin is 55.5 years. Residents are 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
The median home value in Vilas County is $270,700 and median monthly rent is $810. 83.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,783 total housing units, 56.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Vilas County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Vilas 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.