Colby, WI
Population 2,118 · Wisconsin
About Colby, WI
Colby is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 2,118 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,574 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Colby features a median home value of $147,900, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Colby in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $821, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 775 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (422 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (320 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Colby shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Colby have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Colby residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 23.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 11.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Colby, WI
Compared to national averages, Colby has a median household income of $52,574 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $147,900, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $821 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Colby's income is 28% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 28% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Colby, WI?
Colby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $147,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $821/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,574) that falls below the national average. However, Colby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Colby has a population of 2,118 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Colby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Colby
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbotsford | 2,100 | $59,943 | $135,600 | Compare |
| Kohler | 2,136 | $135,688 | $369,300 | Compare |
| Bohners Lake | 2,138 | $77,021 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Cuba City | 2,094 | $72,434 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Adams | 2,144 | $41,917 | $101,200 | Compare |
| Hammond | 2,071 | $82,159 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Shorewood Hills | 2,067 | $129,688 | $913,200 | Compare |
| Campbellsport | 2,053 | $74,833 | $197,100 | 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 Colby With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Colby
What is the population of Colby, WI?
The population of Colby, WI is 2,118 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Colby?
The median household income in Colby, WI is $52,574 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Colby?
The median home value in Colby, WI is $147,900, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Colby?
The median monthly rent in Colby, WI is $821, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Colby?
The unemployment rate in Colby, WI is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Colby, WI a good place to live?
Colby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,118 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Colby, WI?
15.7% of residents in Colby aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Colby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Colby, WI: median home value is $147,900 (40% below national), median rent is $821/month, and median household income is $52,574. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Colby?
The poverty rate in Colby, WI is 16.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Colby, WI?
Colby's population is 23.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.6% of residents are foreign-born.