Shawano, WI
Population 9,236 · Wisconsin
About Shawano, WI
Shawano is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 9,236 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,457 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shawano features a median home value of $127,200, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shawano one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $773, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,360 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (2,257 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,651 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shawano shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shawano have an average one-way commute time of 15.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.1% of Shawano 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 1.7% White, 19.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shawano, WI
Compared to national averages, Shawano has a median household income of $56,457 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,200, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $773 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Shawano's income is 22% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 38% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Shawano, WI?
Shawano offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $773/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,457) that falls below the national average. However, Shawano’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shawano has a population of 9,236 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Shawano with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Shawano
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McFarland | 9,230 | $93,810 | $363,400 | Compare |
| Merrill | 9,224 | $49,947 | $113,200 | Compare |
| St. Francis | 9,318 | $58,490 | $207,200 | Compare |
| Rice Lake | 9,030 | $55,040 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Windsor | 8,992 | $115,111 | $399,900 | Compare |
| Tomah | 9,505 | $51,185 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 8,913 | $67,784 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Sturgeon Bay | 9,702 | $56,882 | $217,600 | 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 Shawano With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shawano
What is the population of Shawano, WI?
The population of Shawano, WI is 9,236 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Shawano?
The median household income in Shawano, WI is $56,457 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shawano?
The median home value in Shawano, WI is $127,200, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shawano?
The median monthly rent in Shawano, WI is $773, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shawano?
The unemployment rate in Shawano, WI is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shawano, WI a good place to live?
Shawano offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 9,236 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shawano, WI?
21.1% of residents in Shawano 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 Shawano?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shawano, WI: median home value is $127,200 (48% below national), median rent is $773/month, and median household income is $56,457. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shawano?
The poverty rate in Shawano, WI is 17.0%, 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 Shawano, WI?
Shawano's population is 1.7% White, 19.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.