Appleton, WI
Population 74,873 · Wisconsin
About Appleton, WI
Appleton is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 74,873 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,450 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Appleton features a median home value of $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Appleton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $957, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 31,999 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (20,572 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (10,288 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Appleton shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Appleton have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.0% of Appleton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Appleton Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Appleton, WI
Compared to national averages, Appleton has a median household income of $77,450 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,500, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $957 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Appleton's income is 7% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 3% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Appleton, WI?
Appleton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,450, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $211,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $957/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 37.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Appleton has a population of 74,873 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Appleton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Appleton
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racine | 77,155 | $55,705 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Eau Claire | 69,274 | $65,369 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Oshkosh | 66,247 | $61,929 | $168,400 | Compare |
| Janesville | 65,813 | $71,664 | $209,700 | Compare |
| West Allis | 59,588 | $69,685 | $191,700 | Compare |
| La Crosse | 51,791 | $53,803 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Kenosha | 99,147 | $68,532 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Sheboygan | 49,812 | $62,953 | $165,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Appleton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Appleton
What is the population of Appleton, WI?
The population of Appleton, WI is 74,873 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Appleton?
The median household income in Appleton, WI is $77,450 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Appleton?
The median home value in Appleton, WI is $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Appleton?
The median monthly rent in Appleton, WI is $957, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Appleton?
The unemployment rate in Appleton, WI is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Appleton, WI a good place to live?
Appleton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 74,873 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Appleton, WI?
37.0% of residents in Appleton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Appleton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Appleton, WI: median home value is $211,500 (14% below national), median rent is $957/month, and median household income is $77,450. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Appleton?
The poverty rate in Appleton, WI is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Appleton, WI?
Appleton's population is 4.6% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.