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 skews on age — the median resident is 52.4, older than the national median. Washburn County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 16,749.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,270 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 6.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $207,900, with typical rent around $815.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Washburn County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Washburn County, WI Climate
Washburn County, WI has an average annual temperature of 5.3°C (42°F) and receives about 783 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.3°C
Avg Temp
783
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 9° | 24 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 19 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 38 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 56 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 83 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 100 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 105 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 115 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 100 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 70 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 48 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 25 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Washburn County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Washburn County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -19°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Washburn County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.