Fond du Lac, WI
Population 44,491 · Wisconsin
About Fond du Lac, WI
Fond du Lac is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 44,491 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,620 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fond du Lac features a median home value of $161,300, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fond du Lac in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $905, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,165 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (10,859 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (7,864 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fond du Lac shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fond du Lac have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Fond du Lac 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 5.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fond du Lac Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Fond du Lac, WI
Compared to national averages, Fond du Lac has a median household income of $61,620 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $161,300, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $905 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Fond du Lac's income is 15% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 22% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Fond du Lac, WI?
Fond du Lac offers affordable housing with a median home value of $161,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $905/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,620) that falls below the national average. However, Fond du Lac’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fond du Lac has a population of 44,491 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Fond du Lac with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Fond du Lac
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield | 41,592 | $124,026 | $419,300 | Compare |
| Wauwatosa | 47,718 | $93,859 | $307,600 | Compare |
| New Berlin | 40,384 | $97,414 | $343,500 | Compare |
| Wausau | 39,893 | $61,877 | $155,900 | Compare |
| Sheboygan | 49,812 | $62,953 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Menomonee Falls | 38,963 | $98,460 | $341,600 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 37,361 | $69,016 | $247,800 | Compare |
| La Crosse | 51,791 | $53,803 | $196,600 | 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 Fond du Lac With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fond du Lac
What is the population of Fond du Lac, WI?
The population of Fond du Lac, WI is 44,491 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 Fond du Lac?
The median household income in Fond du Lac, WI is $61,620 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fond du Lac?
The median home value in Fond du Lac, WI is $161,300, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fond du Lac?
The median monthly rent in Fond du Lac, WI is $905, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fond du Lac?
The unemployment rate in Fond du Lac, WI is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fond du Lac, WI a good place to live?
Fond du Lac offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 44,491 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fond du Lac, WI?
21.7% of residents in Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fond du Lac, WI: median home value is $161,300 (34% below national), median rent is $905/month, and median household income is $61,620. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fond du Lac?
The poverty rate in Fond du Lac, WI is 12.5%, 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 Fond du Lac, WI?
Fond du Lac's population is 5.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.