Douglas County, Wisconsin Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Douglas County is located in Wisconsin with a total population of 44,197. It is the 34th most populous county out of 72 in Wisconsin. The county encompasses 6 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Douglas County is 42.8 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Douglas County is $72,579. This is 4% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 6% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $190,400. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $247,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Douglas County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Douglas County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Black or African American population (1.3%) 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 (1.1%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

27.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% 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 94.6%.