Madison, WI Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Wisconsin by population · 12 cities ranked
Madison is the 2nd largest city in Wisconsin by population and ranks 3rd of 12 for median household income. With 275,568 residents, its poverty rate of 16.2% ranks among the higher rates in Wisconsin. 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
275,568
50.0% male · 50.0% female
Median Age
31.8
6.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$76,983
$1,555 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
59.2%
24.2% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.7%
Poverty Rate
16.2%
3.8% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.3%
Broadband Access
97.3%
7.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$346,900
Median rent: $1,364 · 47% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Labor force participation: 68.6%
Per Capita Income
$44,332
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.6%
Disability rate: 9.1%
How Madison Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities
Rankings among all 12 Wisconsin cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 12 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 3rd of 12 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 8th of 12 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 1st of 12 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 1st of 12 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Madison, WI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Madison, WI?
The population of Madison, WI is 275,568 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 31.8 years.
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison, WI is $76,983, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $44,332.
What is the poverty rate in Madison?
The poverty rate in Madison, WI is 16.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Madison residents have a college degree?
59.2% of adults (25+) in Madison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.7% 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 Madison?
The median home value in Madison, WI is $346,900. Median rent is $1,364 per month, with 47% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Madison?
Madison's population is 73.0% White, 7.1% Black, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 8.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Madison rank among Wisconsin cities?
Madison is the 2nd largest city in Wisconsin by population, the 3rd highest for median household income, the 8th lowest for poverty rate, the 1st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 12 ranked Wisconsin cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Madison?
The unemployment rate in Madison, WI is 2.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 68.6%. Per capita income is $44,332.