Adams County, Wisconsin Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Adams County is located in Wisconsin with a total population of 20,928. It is the 51st most populous county out of 72 in Wisconsin. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Adams County is 55.5 years. This is 38% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. Only 13.9% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 12.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Adams County is $59,153. This is 22% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%. This is 30% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 55% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $184,500. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $247,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 86.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Adams County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.3%. The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

17.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 32.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.0%.