Appleton, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
75,023
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,483/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,221
0.7% year-over-year change

Appleton population

How many people live in Appleton

Appleton is home to 75,023 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Appleton locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
75,023
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
37,334
Female
50.2%
37,689
Value Percent YoY change
Male 37,334 49.8% -0.3%
Female 37,689 50.2% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Appleton is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 13.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
13.9%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,622 18.2% -1.1%
15 to 24 10,407 13.9% -2.1%
25 to 44 20,998 28% 1.5%
45 to 64 17,576 23.4% -1.5%
Over 65 12,420 16.6% 4.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Appleton, 92.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.9% are African American and 6.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 69,219 92.3% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,591 4.8% -0.1%
Non-citizens 2,213 3% -4.4%
Racial breakdown
White
80.7%
Black or African American
2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.4%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 60,537 80.7%
Black or African American 2,158 2.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 278 0.4%
Asian 4,970 6.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 47 0.1%
Two or more races 5,535 7.4%
Other 1,498 2%

Households in Appleton

A peek inside Appleton households

Appleton has 31,030 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.9% are families, while the remaining 40.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,030
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,434
Family households
18,596
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,434 40.1% 0.1%
Family households 18,596 59.9% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Appleton

The housing landscape of Appleton

Appleton's housing consists of 32,221 units, with 67.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
32,221
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 21,690 67.3%
1 unit, attached 2,172 6.7%
2 units 1,997 6.2%
3 or 4 units 778 2.4%
5 to 9 units 1,690 5.2%
10 to 19 units 1,648 5.1%
20 to 49 units 984 3%
50 or more units 1,187 3.7%
Mobile home 75 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
316
105.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Appleton

In Appleton, the median construction year is 1971. About 19.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,209 19.3% -0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,109 6.6% -8.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,855 12% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,288 10.2% 2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,402 16.8% -1.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,895 12.1% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,607 8.1% -2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,414 7.5% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,126 6.6% 19.0%
Built in 2020 or later 316 1% 105.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Appleton occupancy rates

Out of the 31,030 occupied housing units in Appleton, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,030
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,224
Owner occupied
20,806
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,224 33% -0.6%
Owner occupied 20,806 67% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Appleton housing costs

Housing costs in Appleton come to a median of $1,142 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,030.

Median housing costs per month
$1,142/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Appleton
$1,030/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Appleton

Appleton education at a glance

About 31.4% of the population in Appleton went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 24.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,277 2.2% -11.9%
High school diploma 18,228 31.4% -1.6%
College diploma 11,503 19.8% -2.5%
Associate degree 6,957 12% 4.2%
Bachelor's degree 13,993 24.1% 3.6%
Graduate degree 6,001 10.4% 3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Appleton

How much people earn in Appleton

The average annual household income in Appleton was $119,940 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,483, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Appleton
$119,940/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Appleton
$80,483/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Appleton income by age

In Appleton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,005. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,343 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,504, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,463 in earnings. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,504 -0.0%
25 - 44 $89,005 7.5%
45 - 64 $92,343 1.8%
Over 65 $58,463 4.5%
Above poverty level
65,751
Below poverty level
5,927
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 65,751 91.7% 0.4%
Below poverty level 5,927 8.3% -2.4%

Average renter income in Appleton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Appleton, their median household income was $48,517 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,517
Rent-to-income ratio
25.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Appleton

Workforce and job types in Appleton

The job market in Appleton is powered by 39,843 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 72.6% are employed by private companies, and 10.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
39,843
-0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
30,627
Blue collar
9,216
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 30,627 76.9% 1.1%
Blue collar 9,216 23.1% -5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
72.6%
Governmental workers
10.2%
Not for profit companies
10.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,666 6.7% 5.1%
Private companies 28,920 72.6% -1.3%
Governmental workers 4,053 10.2% 6.7%
Not for profit companies 4,204 10.6% -4.1%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
-11.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Appleton stands at 3.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Appleton

How people get around in Appleton

Commuting methods vary: 83% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 32,583 83% -1.7%
Taxicab 73 0.2% -14.1%
Bus or trolleybus 257 0.6% 23.0%
Ferryboat 6 0% -33.3%
Motorcycle 80 0.2% 6.7%
Bicycle 81 0.2% -43.0%
Walk 926 2.4% -13.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Appleton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54911 25,308 10,585 $67,001 $92,411
54913 25,147 10,057 $105,385 $146,174
54914 31,849 13,888 $79,875 $127,971
54915 44,367 18,204 $87,426 $103,760

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Appleton demographics 

What is the total population of Appleton?

Appleton has a total population of 75,023 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Appleton?

The gender ratio in Appleton is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (37,334 residents)
  • 50.2% females (37,689 residents)

What is the median age in Appleton?

The median age in Appleton is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Appleton?

The age distribution in Appleton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (13,622 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.9% (10,407 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (20,998 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (17,576 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (12,420 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Appleton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Appleton is as follows:
  • White: 80.7% (60,537 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.9% (2,158 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (278 residents)
  • Asian: 6.6% (4,970 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (47 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.4% (5,535 residents)
  • Other: 2% (1,498 residents)

What percentage of the population in Appleton are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.3% of the population in Appleton.

How many housing units are there in Appleton?

There are 32,221 housing units in Appleton, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Appleton and what is the average household size?

Appleton has a total of 31,030 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Appleton?

Appleton has a median household income of $80,483, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Appleton?

The employment rate is 96.5% in Appleton, with a workforce of 39,843 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.9% (30,627 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.1% (9,216 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (2,666 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.6% (28,920 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.2% (4,053 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.6% (4,204 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025