Appleton, WI Census Data
The 6th largest city in Wisconsin by population · 12 cities ranked
Appleton is the 6th largest city in Wisconsin by population and ranks 2nd of 12 for median household income. With 74,873 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 11 other Wisconsin cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
74,873
50.0% male · 50.0% female
Median Age
36.9
1.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$77,450
$1,088 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
37.0%
2.0% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 94.2%
Poverty Rate
8.5%
3.9% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.9%
Broadband Access
95.6%
5.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$211,500
Median rent: $957 · 67% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Labor force participation: 66.9%
Per Capita Income
$44,417
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.6%
Disability rate: 11.3%
How Appleton Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities
Rankings among all 12 Wisconsin cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 6th of 12 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 12 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 1st of 12 | Top 10% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 3rd of 12 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 4th of 12 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Appleton, WI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Appleton, WI?
The population of Appleton, WI is 74,873 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.9 years.
What is the median household income in Appleton?
The median household income in Appleton, WI is $77,450, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $44,417.
What is the poverty rate in Appleton?
The poverty rate in Appleton, WI is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Appleton residents have a college degree?
37.0% of adults (25+) in Appleton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 94.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Appleton?
The median home value in Appleton, WI is $211,500. Median rent is $957 per month, with 67% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Appleton?
Appleton's population is 81.0% White, 2.9% Black, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Appleton rank among Wisconsin cities?
Appleton is the 6th largest city in Wisconsin by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 1st lowest for poverty rate, the 3rd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 12 ranked Wisconsin cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Appleton?
The unemployment rate in Appleton, WI is 3.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.9%. Per capita income is $44,417.
Cities Similar to Appleton
Other Wisconsin cities with comparable population and income levels.