Washburn County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 59th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Washburn County, Wisconsin is 16,749 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 59th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $61,270, the median home value is $207,900, and the median age is 52.4.
The population of Washburn County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (15,927 → 16,982), a +0.46% annualized rate.
16,749
Population
+0.46%
Annual growth
21
People / sq mi
$61,270
Median Income
$207,900
Median Home Value
Washburn County covers 797 sq mi of land at 21.0 people per square mile.
About Washburn County, WI
Washburn County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,749. It ranks #59 among counties in Wisconsin by population. The median age is 52.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Washburn County is $61,270, below the US median of $74,580. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $207,900, with monthly rent averaging $815. The homeownership rate of 80.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Washburn County reflects 23.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.1 minutes each way.
Washburn County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washburn County had a population of 15,927 in 2010 and 16,982 in 2024, a 6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,996 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.47%.
16,982
Population (2024)
15,927
Population (2010)
16,996
Peak (2023)
0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,927 |
| 2011 | 15,838 |
| 2012 | 15,844 |
| 2013 | 15,655 |
| 2014 | 15,654 |
| 2015 | 15,515 |
| 2016 | 15,587 |
| 2017 | 15,728 |
| 2018 | 15,841 |
| 2019 | 15,764 |
| 2020 | 16,623 |
| 2021 | 16,755 |
| 2022 | 16,915 |
| 2023 | 16,996 |
| 2024 | 16,982 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
52.4
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
27.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.7% · Seniors (65+): 27.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,270$-14,400 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,948 |
| Per-capita income | $36,411 |
| Poverty rate | 6.7%+0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washburn County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
76.3%
Public transit
11.8%
Work from home
23.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$207,900$-39,500 vs state
Median home value
$815
Median rent
80.9%
Homeownership rate
12,823
Total housing units
58.7%
Occupied
41.3%
Vacant
19.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
37.6%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.7%
High School+
23.6%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Washburn County, Wisconsin has a population of 16,749 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 59th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 21 people per square mile.
The population of Washburn County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (15,927 → 16,982), a +0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washburn County, Wisconsin is $61,270, with mean (average) household income of $79,948 and per-capita income of $36,411. 6.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washburn County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.6%), 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 Washburn County, Wisconsin is 52.4 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Washburn County is $207,900 and median monthly rent is $815. 80.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,823 total housing units, 41.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washburn County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Washburn 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.