Madison, WI
Population 275,568 · Wisconsin
About Madison, WI
Madison is a major city located in Wisconsin with a population of 275,568 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,983 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Madison features a median home value of $346,900, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Madison in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,364, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 130,848 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (58,668 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (67,119 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Madison shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Madison have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
59.2% of Madison 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 5.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 11.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Madison Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Madison, WI
Compared to national averages, Madison has a median household income of $76,983 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $346,900, which is 42% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,364 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Madison's income is 6% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 69% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Madison, WI?
Madison offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,983, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%, and a well-educated community where 59.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Madison has a population of 275,568 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Madison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Madison
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay | 106,585 | $62,546 | $191,500 | Compare |
| Kenosha | 99,147 | $68,532 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Racine | 77,155 | $55,705 | $158,100 | Compare |
| Appleton | 74,873 | $77,450 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Eau Claire | 69,274 | $65,369 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Oshkosh | 66,247 | $61,929 | $168,400 | Compare |
| Janesville | 65,813 | $71,664 | $209,700 | Compare |
| West Allis | 59,588 | $69,685 | $191,700 | 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 Madison With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison
What is the population of Madison, WI?
The population of Madison, WI is 275,568 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison, WI is $76,983 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Madison?
The median home value in Madison, WI is $346,900, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Madison?
The median monthly rent in Madison, WI is $1,364, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Madison?
The unemployment rate in Madison, WI is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live?
Madison offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 275,568 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Madison, WI?
59.2% of residents in Madison 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 Madison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Madison, WI: median home value is $346,900 (42% above national), median rent is $1,364/month, and median household income is $76,983. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Madison?
The poverty rate in Madison, WI is 16.2%, 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 Madison, WI?
Madison's population is 5.7% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 7.0% two or more races. 11.6% of residents are foreign-born.