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Wisconsin Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Wisconsin is a state in the Upper Midwestern United States, bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. It is the 25th most populous state in the United States and the third-largest by land area.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wisconsin recorded a population of 5,893,718 in the 2020 Census. The latest Census population estimate (July 1, 2024) places Wisconsin’s population at 5,960,975, reflecting modest but steady growth since 2020.
Based on recent Census trends, limited net migration, and natural population change, Wisconsin’s population is expected to grow slowly over the next few years.
👉 Projected Population of Wisconsin (2026): ~6.0 million
Wisconsin Population Growth (2010–2020)
Wisconsin has a population growth rate of 3.6% during 2010-2020. It has had a population increase of 206,732 since 2010. The median age of the population residing in the state of Wisconsin is approximately 39.1 years of age. In terms of the ratio of females to males, females lead at 50.3% with males at 49.7% of the population.
Wisconsin Census Snapshot (2020)
| Indicators | Data |
| Total Population | 58,93,718 (5.9 million) |
| Median Age | 39.1 years |
| Population Rank | 20th |
| Total Land Area | 54,153 sq mi (140,256 km2) |
| Area Rank | 25th |
| Population Density | 108.8/sq mi (42.0/km2) |
| Capital City | Madison |
| Largest City | Milwaukee |
Source: US Census 2020 and estimates
Wisconsin Historical Population
Wisconsin’s population has grown steadily since becoming a U.S. territory, rising from just 1,444 people in 1820 to 5.9 million in the 2020 Census. The fastest growth occurred during the 19th century due to settlement and industrial expansion, while population increases slowed significantly after 1970. In recent decades, growth has been modest, with the lowest decennial increase of 3.6% recorded between 2010 and 2020, reflecting slower migration and lower natural population growth.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Census | Population | % Change |
| 1820 | 1,444 | – |
| 1830 | 3,635 | 151.70% |
| 1840 | 30,945 | 751.30% |
| 1850 | 305,391 | 886.90% |
| 1860 | 775,881 | 154.10% |
| 1870 | 1,054,670 | 35.90% |
| 1880 | 1,315,457 | 24.70% |
| 1890 | 1,693,330 | 28.70% |
| 1900 | 2,069,042 | 22.20% |
| 1910 | 2,333,860 | 12.80% |
| 1920 | 2,632,067 | 12.80% |
| 1930 | 2,939,006 | 11.70% |
| 1940 | 3,137,587 | 6.80% |
| 1950 | 3,434,575 | 9.50% |
| 1960 | 3,951,777 | 15.10% |
| 1970 | 4,417,731 | 11.80% |
| 1980 | 4,705,767 | 6.50% |
| 1990 | 4,891,769 | 4.00% |
| 2000 | 5,363,675 | 9.60% |
| 2010 | 5,686,986 | 6.00% |
| 2020 | 5,893,718 | 3.60% |
Source: US Census 2020
Wisconsin Demographics (Summary)
Religion in Wisconsin (Overview)
Christianity is the largest religious affiliation in Wisconsin, followed by a sizable unaffiliated population.
Christian: ~71%
Protestant: 44%
Roman Catholic: 25%
Eastern Orthodox: 1%
Jehovah’s Witnesses: 1%
Other Christian groups: ~1%
Unaffiliated: ~25%
Other Religions: ~4%
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism
Islam
Other smaller faiths
🔗 Read detailed data: Religion in Wisconsin
Race and Ethnicity in Wisconsin (Overview)
Wisconsin’s population is predominantly White (non-Hispanic), with growing Hispanic and African American communities.
White (Non-Hispanic): 78.6%
Hispanic or Latino: 7.6%
Black or African American: 6.2%
Asian: 3.0%
Two or More Races: 3.5%
Ancestry in Wisconsin (Overview)
Wisconsin’s ancestry patterns reflect strong Central and Northern European roots. Some of the largest ancestry groups include:
German
Irish
Polish
Norwegian
English
🔗 Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in Wisconsin
Cities and Counties in Wisconsin (Overview)
As of 2022, Wisconsin is divided into 72 counties.
Most populous & most densely populated county: Milwaukee County
Least populated county: Menominee County
Largest county by land area: Marathon County
Smallest county by land area: Pepin County
Largest Cities in Wisconsin
Milwaukee: 589,067
Madison: 263,094
Green Bay: 103,836
Kenosha: 99,570
🔗 Read detailed data: Cities and Counties in Wisconsin
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