Grafton, WI
Population 12,274 · Wisconsin
About Grafton, WI
Grafton is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 12,274 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,634 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grafton features a median home value of $301,300, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Grafton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,162, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,824 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (3,544 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,068 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grafton shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Grafton have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.4% of Grafton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Grafton, WI
Compared to national averages, Grafton has a median household income of $88,634 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $301,300, which is 23% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,162 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Grafton's income is 22% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 46% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Grafton, WI?
Grafton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,634, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,162/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 44.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Grafton has a population of 12,274 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Grafton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Grafton
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedarburg | 12,317 | $82,110 | $386,400 | Compare |
| Fort Atkinson | 12,490 | $75,350 | $198,600 | Compare |
| Baraboo | 12,506 | $73,515 | $201,800 | Compare |
| Port Washington | 12,569 | $81,582 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Brown Deer | 12,615 | $91,567 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Little Chute | 11,930 | $79,260 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Richfield | 11,806 | $135,774 | $456,500 | Compare |
| Sussex | 11,795 | $112,031 | $384,900 | 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 Grafton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grafton
What is the population of Grafton, WI?
The population of Grafton, WI is 12,274 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 Grafton?
The median household income in Grafton, WI is $88,634 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grafton?
The median home value in Grafton, WI is $301,300, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grafton?
The median monthly rent in Grafton, WI is $1,162, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grafton?
The unemployment rate in Grafton, WI is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Grafton, WI a good place to live?
Grafton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,274 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Grafton, WI?
44.4% of residents in Grafton 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 Grafton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grafton, WI: median home value is $301,300 (23% above national), median rent is $1,162/month, and median household income is $88,634. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grafton?
The poverty rate in Grafton, WI is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Grafton, WI?
Grafton's population is 2.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.