Colby, Wisconsin Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Colby, Wisconsin had a total population of 1,907, the 277th largest city in Wisconsin, with a median household income of $50,114, which is 35% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%.
Colby Quick Facts
How Colby Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,118 | 1,907 | -10.0% |
| Median household income | $52,574 | $50,114 | -4.7% |
| Median home value | $147,900 | $184,700 | +24.9% |
How Colby Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 37 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Colby Rankings in Wisconsin
Explore Wisconsin Rankings
Other Cities in Marathon County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wausau | 39,996 | $64,389 | 14.6% | $167,900 |
| Marshfield | 18,700 | $58,407 | 11.6% | $177,800 |
| Weston | 15,749 | $78,207 | 5.5% | $229,300 |
| Kronenwetter | 8,395 | $115,044 | 6.7% | $273,300 |
| Rib Mountain | 7,289 | $94,294 | 3.6% | $255,900 |
| Rothschild | 5,600 | $88,261 | 8.5% | $203,600 |
| Mosinee | 4,498 | $73,479 | 9.3% | $156,100 |
| Maine | 2,602 | $110,721 | 2.8% | $277,500 |
| Schofield | 2,120 | $65,583 | 8.0% | $154,000 |
| Abbotsford | 2,024 | $68,580 | 9.5% | $151,500 |
Cities Similar to Colby
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler | 1,859 | $60,000 | $244,700 | 22.7% | 11.8% |
| Washburn | 1,884 | $62,128 | $178,900 | 36.5% | 6.7% |
| Redgranite | 1,938 | $64,345 | $104,100 | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Adams | 2,050 | $43,364 | $102,500 | 14.2% | 25.7% |
| Durand | 1,731 | $58,820 | $152,400 | 23.8% | 13.5% |
Population Overview
Colby is a small community located in Wisconsin, within Marathon County. The total population is 1,907. It ranks as the 277th most populous out of 808 Census-designated places in Wisconsin.
Age Demographics
The median age in Colby is 38.3 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 40.2 years. With 29.8% of the population under 18, Colby has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community. 12.2% 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 is $50,114. This is 35% lower than the state median of $77,485. It is also 38% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%. This is 81% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.5%. The unemployment rate is 1.4%. This is 56% lower than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $184,700. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $266,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 53.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 67.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Colby is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 25.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (25.4% vs 8.0%).
Education
16.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 33.4%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Colby, Wisconsin is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Wisconsin state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 808 Census-designated places in Wisconsin. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Colby, Wisconsin?
Colby, Wisconsin has a population of 1,907 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Colby, WI?
The median household income in Colby is $50,114, which is 38% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Colby, WI?
The poverty rate in Colby is 19.1%. This means approximately 339 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Colby, Wisconsin?
Colby's population is 71.5% White, 0.0% Black, 25.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Colby, WI?
The median home value in Colby is $184,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Colby, Wisconsin?
16.1% of adults (25+) in Colby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.