Waukesha County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Waukesha County, Wisconsin is 409,040 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $104,100, the median home value is $373,600, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Waukesha County has grown 6.9% since 2010 (390,051 → 417,029), a +0.48% annualized rate.
409,040
Population
+0.48%
Annual growth
744
People / sq mi
$104,100
Median Income
$373,600
Median Home Value
Waukesha County covers 550 sq mi of land at 744.1 people per square mile.
About Waukesha County, WI
Educational attainment is the headline number in Waukesha County: 47.9% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 409,040 residents, Waukesha County is a county in Wisconsin. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Wisconsin nationally.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $104,100, above the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 3.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $373,600, with typical rent around $1,300.
Waukesha County is among the best-educated US counties: 47.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.3% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Waukesha County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Waukesha County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Waukesha County had a population of 390,051 in 2010 and 417,029 in 2024, a 6.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 417,029 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.48%.
417,029
Population (2024)
390,051
Population (2010)
417,029
Peak (2024)
0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 390,051 |
| 2011 | 390,895 |
| 2012 | 392,893 |
| 2013 | 394,257 |
| 2014 | 395,518 |
| 2015 | 396,377 |
| 2016 | 398,664 |
| 2017 | 401,099 |
| 2018 | 402,705 |
| 2019 | 404,545 |
| 2020 | 407,518 |
| 2021 | 409,191 |
| 2022 | 411,061 |
| 2023 | 414,013 |
| 2024 | 417,029 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
19.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $104,100+$28,430 vs state |
| Mean household income | $136,213 |
| Per-capita income | $57,291 |
| Poverty rate | 3.5%-3.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Waukesha County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
15.3%
Work from home
22.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$373,600+$126,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,300
Median rent
76.4%
Homeownership rate
173,567
Total housing units
96.1%
Occupied
3.9%
Vacant
23.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
97.0%
With health insurance
96.1%
With broadband internet
18.9%
Foreign-born
5.8%
Veterans (18+)
9.4%
With a disability
92.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
97.1%
High School+
47.9%
Bachelor's+
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Common questions about Waukesha County, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Waukesha County, Wisconsin has a population of 409,040 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 744 people per square mile.
The population of Waukesha County has grown 6.9% since 2010 (390,051 → 417,029), a +0.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Waukesha County, Wisconsin is $104,100, with mean (average) household income of $136,213 and per-capita income of $57,291. 3.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Waukesha County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.9%), Black or African American (1.5%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Waukesha County, Wisconsin is 43.3 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Waukesha County is $373,600 and median monthly rent is $1,300. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 173,567 total housing units, 3.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Waukesha County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Waukesha 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.