Hartford, WI
Population 15,761 · Wisconsin
About Hartford, WI
Hartford is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 15,761 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,252 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hartford features a median home value of $261,300, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Hartford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,095, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,696 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (4,348 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (2,230 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hartford shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hartford have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.3% of Hartford 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 3.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hartford, WI
Compared to national averages, Hartford has a median household income of $74,252 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $261,300, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,095 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Hartford's income is 2% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 27% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Hartford, WI?
Hartford offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,095/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,252) that falls below the national average. However, Hartford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hartford has a population of 15,761 with a median age of 38.6 years. Compare Hartford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Hartford
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weston | 15,784 | $75,565 | $215,900 | Compare |
| Whitewater | 15,705 | $49,000 | $211,800 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 16,255 | $80,750 | $267,700 | Compare |
| River Falls | 16,349 | $78,078 | $299,800 | Compare |
| Hudson | 15,004 | $97,036 | $355,000 | Compare |
| Menomonie | 16,548 | $54,587 | $203,800 | Compare |
| Waunakee | 14,927 | $128,750 | $490,300 | Compare |
| Beaver Dam | 16,629 | $68,757 | $189,800 | 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 Hartford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartford
What is the population of Hartford, WI?
The population of Hartford, WI is 15,761 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 Hartford?
The median household income in Hartford, WI is $74,252 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hartford?
The median home value in Hartford, WI is $261,300, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hartford?
The median monthly rent in Hartford, WI is $1,095, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hartford?
The unemployment rate in Hartford, WI is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hartford, WI a good place to live?
Hartford offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,761 and a median age of 38.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hartford, WI?
29.3% of residents in Hartford 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 Hartford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hartford, WI: median home value is $261,300 (7% above national), median rent is $1,095/month, and median household income is $74,252. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hartford?
The poverty rate in Hartford, WI is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hartford, WI?
Hartford's population is 3.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.