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Colby city, Wisconsin Demographics & Population 2026

As of 2026, Colby city, Wisconsin has a total population of 2,118, the 263rd largest city in Wisconsin, with a median household income of $52,574, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.0%.

Key Takeaways

Colby city Quick Facts

Population 2,118
Median Household Income $52,574
Median Home Value $147,900
Poverty Rate 16.0%
Unemployment Rate 2.0%
Median Age 38.2 years
Homeownership Rate 56.9%
Affordability Ratio 2.8x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 15.7%
High School Graduation Rate 86.7%
Diversity Index 42/100
Population 2,118 263rd of 807
Median Income $52,574 bottom 20%
Poverty Rate 16.0% 29% higher national
Median Home Value $147,900 below average

How Colby city Compares

Economy & Housing

Employment

2.0% Unemployment Rate State: 3.3% | National: 5.2%
55.2% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 56.9%
Renter 43.1%
Affordability Index Very Affordable
2.8x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

42out of 100
Moderate Diversity

Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.

State average: 36 | National average: 60

Education

Colby city Rankings in Wisconsin

#263 Population of 807
#652 Median Income of 807
#525 Education of 807
#535 Home Value of 807

Other Cities in Marathon County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Wausau city 39,893 $61,877 14.4% $155,900
Weston village 15,784 $75,565 7.7% $215,900
Kronenwetter village 8,420 $107,268 7.7% $240,700
Rothschild village 5,532 $87,250 9.5% $188,000
Mosinee city 4,492 $71,314 10.3% $150,000
Maine village 2,608 $110,592 2.1% $262,100
Abbotsford city 2,100 $59,943 17.0% $135,600
Schofield city 2,020 $65,478 9.8% $144,200
Spencer village 1,621 $74,245 2.2% $143,000
Stratford village 1,439 $65,880 12.6% $189,700

Cities Similar to Colby city

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Abbotsford city2,100$59,943$135,60014.7%17.0%
Butler village2,003$55,577$216,30030.4%9.1%
Chetek city2,017$59,554$156,50017.1%14.2%
Spooner city2,203$44,474$141,80017.0%20.9%
Adams city2,144$41,917$101,20013.7%23.9%

Population Overview

Colby city is a small community located in Wisconsin, within Marathon County. The total population is 2,118. It ranks as the 263rd most populous out of 807 cities and towns in Wisconsin.

Age Demographics

The median age in Colby city is 38.2 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 40.1 years. With 29.5% of the population under 18, Colby city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 10.2% 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 Colby city is $52,574. This is 31% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%. This is 51% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $147,900. Housing costs are 40% lower than the state median of $247,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Colby city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 56.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% lower than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Colby city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 72.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 24.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (24.8% vs 7.8%). The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

15.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% 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 86.7%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Colby city, Wisconsin is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Wisconsin state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 807 Census-designated places in Wisconsin. For official data, visit data.census.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Colby city, Wisconsin?

Colby city, Wisconsin has a population of 2,118 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Colby city, WI?

The median household income in Colby city is $52,574, which is 33% lower the national median of $78,538.

What is the poverty rate in Colby city, WI?

The poverty rate in Colby city is 16.0%. This means approximately 318 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Colby city, Wisconsin?

Colby city's population is 72.0% White, 0.0% Black, 24.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.1% Asian.

What is the median home value in Colby city, WI?

The median home value in Colby city is $147,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.

How educated is Colby city, Wisconsin?

15.7% of adults (25+) in Colby city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.