Kaukauna, WI
Population 17,237 · Wisconsin
About Kaukauna, WI
Kaukauna is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 17,237 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,353 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kaukauna features a median home value of $198,800, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kaukauna in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $988, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,298 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (5,093 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (1,972 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kaukauna shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kaukauna have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.1% of Kaukauna 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 3.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kaukauna Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Kaukauna, WI
Compared to national averages, Kaukauna has a median household income of $78,353 (4% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,800, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $988 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Kaukauna's income is 8% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 3% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Kaukauna, WI?
Kaukauna offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,353, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $198,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $988/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Kaukauna has a population of 17,237 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Kaukauna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Kaukauna
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwaubenon | 16,931 | $71,180 | $245,100 | Compare |
| Beaver Dam | 16,629 | $68,757 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Menomonie | 16,548 | $54,587 | $203,800 | Compare |
| Cudahy | 17,964 | $66,717 | $201,000 | Compare |
| River Falls | 16,349 | $78,078 | $299,800 | Compare |
| Menasha | 18,130 | $64,392 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 16,255 | $80,750 | $267,700 | Compare |
| Oconomowoc | 18,385 | $105,833 | $367,700 | 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 Kaukauna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kaukauna
What is the population of Kaukauna, WI?
The population of Kaukauna, WI is 17,237 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 Kaukauna?
The median household income in Kaukauna, WI is $78,353 per year, which is 4% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kaukauna?
The median home value in Kaukauna, WI is $198,800, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kaukauna?
The median monthly rent in Kaukauna, WI is $988, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kaukauna?
The unemployment rate in Kaukauna, WI is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kaukauna, WI a good place to live?
Kaukauna offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,237 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kaukauna, WI?
27.1% of residents in Kaukauna 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 Kaukauna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kaukauna, WI: median home value is $198,800 (19% below national), median rent is $988/month, and median household income is $78,353. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kaukauna?
The poverty rate in Kaukauna, WI is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kaukauna, WI?
Kaukauna's population is 3.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.