Burnett County, Wisconsin Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Burnett County is located in Wisconsin with a total population of 16,741. It is the 60th most populous county out of 72 in Wisconsin. The county encompasses 3 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Burnett County is 55.2 years. This is 38% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 11.9% 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 Burnett County is $61,664. This is 19% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%. This is 24% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 33% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $215,500. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $247,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 85.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Burnett County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

22.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% 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 92.8%.