Richland County, Wisconsin Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Richland County is located in Wisconsin with a total population of 17,229. It is the 57th most populous county out of 72 in Wisconsin. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Richland County is 46.4 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.1% 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 Richland County is $62,649. This is 17% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 20% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%. This is 37% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. The median home value is $182,800. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $247,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Richland County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Richland County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.1%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.1%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

20.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% 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 92.1%.