Vilas County, Wisconsin Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Vilas County is located in Wisconsin with a total population of 23,410. It is the 49th most populous county out of 72 in Wisconsin. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Vilas County is 55.5 years. This is 38% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 12.1% 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 Vilas County is $67,132. This is 11% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 15% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 26% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $270,700. Housing costs are 9% higher than the state median of $247,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 83.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Vilas County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.3%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

30.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% 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 96.1%.