Colby, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,907
-10.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,114/yr
-4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
713
-8.0% year-over-year change

Colby population

How many people live in Colby

Colby is home to 1,907 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Colby locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
1,907
-10.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
955
Female
49.9%
952
Value Percent YoY change
Male 955 50.1% -9.8%
Female 952 49.9% -10.1%
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 Colby is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.6% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 17.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.6%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
17.8%
Over 65
22.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 411 21.6% -7.8%
15 to 24 280 14.7% -16.2%
25 to 44 452 23.7% -12.7%
45 to 64 339 17.8% -5.3%
Over 65 425 22.3% -8.0%
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 Colby, 86% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 13% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,641 86% -10.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 54 2.8% -5.3%
Non-citizens 212 11.1% -4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
79.1%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13%
Other
8%
Value Percent
White 1,508 79.1%
Two or more races 247 13%
Other 152 8%

Households in Colby

A peek inside Colby households

Colby has 689 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.2% are families, while the remaining 35.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
689
-7.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
247
Family households
442
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 247 35.8% -12.1%
Family households 442 64.2% -4.1%
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 Colby

The housing landscape of Colby

Colby's housing consists of 713 units, with 61.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
713
-8.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 436 61.2%
2 units 60 8.4%
3 or 4 units 26 3.6%
5 to 9 units 13 1.8%
10 to 19 units 107 15%
20 to 49 units 37 5.2%
Mobile home 34 4.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Colby

In Colby, the median construction year is 1974. About 14.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 103 14.4% -35.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 54 7.6% 54.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 75 10.5% -13.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 45 6.3% 18.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 183 25.7% 4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 70 9.8% 14.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 112 15.7% -10.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 42 5.9% -22.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 4.1% -29.3%
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.

Colby occupancy rates

Out of the 689 occupied housing units in Colby, 53.4% are owner-occupied, while 46.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
689
-7.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
321
Owner occupied
368
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 321 46.6% 0.3%
Owner occupied 368 53.4% -12.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
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.

Colby housing costs

Housing costs in Colby come to a median of $859 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $854.

Median housing costs per month
$859/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 Colby
$854/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 Colby

Colby education at a glance

About 59.9% of the population in Colby went to high school, while 12% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 12.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 69 5.2% 13.1%
High school diploma 802 59.9% -14.6%
College diploma 160 12% -10.1%
Associate degree 98 7.3% 1.0%
Bachelor's degree 163 12.2% -6.9%
Graduate degree 46 3.4% 7.0%
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 Colby

How much people earn in Colby

The average annual household income in Colby was $62,462 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,114, reflecting a -4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Colby
$62,462/year
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Colby
$50,114/year
-4.7% year-over-year change

Colby income by age

In Colby, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,804. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,125 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,885, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $25,898 in earnings. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,885 2.5%
25 - 44 $60,804 4.2%
45 - 64 $68,125 -0.1%
Over 65 $25,898 -1.3%
Above poverty level
1,422
Below poverty level
330
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,422 81.2% -13.8%
Below poverty level 330 18.8% 6.1%

Average renter income in Colby

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Colby, their median household income was $33,469 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,469
Rent-to-income ratio
30.6%
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 Colby

Workforce and job types in Colby

The job market in Colby is powered by 763 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 72.5% are employed by private companies, and 9.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
763
-13.6% year-over-year change
White collar
462
Blue collar
301
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 462 60.6% -12.7%
Blue collar 301 39.4% -15.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
72.5%
Governmental workers
9.2%
Not for profit companies
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 69 9% -2.8%
Private companies 553 72.5% -17.0%
Governmental workers 70 9.2% -1.4%
Not for profit companies 71 9.3% -5.3%
Unemployment rate
1.4%
-38.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Colby stands at 1.4%, 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 Colby

How people get around in Colby

In Colby, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
3.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 649 86% -19.2%
Bicycle 24 3.2% 50.0%
Walk 28 3.7% 86.7%
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 Colby by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54421 3,468 1,170 $60,820 $78,515

Explore more communities

FAQs about Colby demographics 

What is the total population of Colby?

Colby has a total population of 1,907 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 -10.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Colby?

The gender ratio in Colby is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (955 residents)
  • 49.9% females (952 residents)

What is the median age in Colby?

The median age in Colby is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Colby?

The age distribution in Colby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.6% (411 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (280 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (452 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.8% (339 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.3% (425 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Colby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Colby is as follows:
  • White: 79.1% (1,508 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13% (247 residents)
  • Other: 8% (152 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86% of the population in Colby.

How many housing units are there in Colby?

There are 713 housing units in Colby, reflecting a -8.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Colby has a total of 689 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Colby?

Colby has a median household income of $50,114, representing a -4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.6% in Colby, with a workforce of 763 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.6% (462 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.4% (301 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (69 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.5% (553 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.2% (70 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.3% (71 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