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
Age is the most distinctive thing about Vilas County: a median age of 55.5, older than the national median. Vilas County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 23,410. It ranks #49 among counties in Wisconsin by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,132 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.4%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $270,700, with typical rent around $810.
College attainment is above the local norm at 30.5%, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.8% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Vilas County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.