Dane County, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
572,674
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,975/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
261,061
2.4% year-over-year change

Dane County population

How many people live in Dane County

Dane County is home to 572,674 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Dane County locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
572,674
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
286,592
Female
50%
286,082
Value Percent YoY change
Male 286,592 50% 1.4%
Female 286,082 50% 1.4%
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 Dane County is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 17.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
17.1%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 92,895 16.2% -0.4%
15 to 24 97,986 17.1% 2.3%
25 to 44 168,303 29.4% 1.7%
45 to 64 127,221 22.2% -0.0%
Over 65 86,269 15.1% 3.9%
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 Dane County, 89.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.3% of locals are Caucasian, 5.2% are African American and 6.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.9%
Non-citizens
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 515,004 89.9% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27,818 4.9% 2.2%
Non-citizens 29,852 5.2% 3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
77.3%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 442,561 77.3%
Black or African American 29,788 5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,320 0.2%
Asian 35,212 6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 347 0.1%
Two or more races 51,214 8.9%
Other 12,232 2.1%

Households in Dane County

A peek inside Dane County households

Dane County has 251,529 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.4% are families, while the remaining 46.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
251,529
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
117,199
Family households
134,330
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 117,199 46.6% 3.9%
Family households 134,330 53.4% 1.1%
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 Dane County

The housing landscape of Dane County

Dane County's housing consists of 261,061 units, with 50.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% 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 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
261,061
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 131,748 50.5%
1 unit, attached 17,154 6.6%
2 units 9,579 3.7%
3 or 4 units 12,870 4.9%
5 to 9 units 15,294 5.9%
10 to 19 units 14,924 5.7%
20 to 49 units 28,325 10.8%
50 or more units 29,105 11.2%
Mobile home 2,020 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 42 0%
Homes built since 2020
6,372
97.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dane County

In Dane County, the median construction year is 1986. About 10.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 27,221 10.4% 0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,014 3.1% -0.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 18,814 7.2% 0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 24,300 9.3% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 34,979 13.4% 0.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 27,362 10.5% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 35,201 13.5% -3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 43,034 16.5% 3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 35,764 13.7% 8.6%
Built in 2020 or later 6,372 2.4% 97.2%
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.

Dane County occupancy rates

Out of the 251,529 occupied housing units in Dane County, 57.1% are owner-occupied, while 42.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
251,529
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
107,847
Owner occupied
143,682
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 107,847 42.9% 3.7%
Owner occupied 143,682 57.1% 1.4%
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.

Dane County housing costs

Housing costs in Dane County come to a median of $1,552 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,398.

Median housing costs per month
$1,552/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 Dane County
$1,398/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 Dane County

Dane County education at a glance

About 21.2% of the population in Dane County went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 31.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,415 1.4% 2.3%
High school diploma 97,317 21.2% 1.3%
College diploma 87,295 19% -1.2%
Associate degree 36,212 7.9% -0.8%
Bachelor's degree 145,081 31.6% 4.0%
Graduate degree 87,562 19% 2.9%
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 Dane County

How much people earn in Dane County

The average annual household income in Dane County was $119,709 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,975, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dane County
$119,709/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dane County
$89,975/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Dane County income by age

In Dane County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,525. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,057 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $40,002, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $72,639 in earnings. Overall, 89.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $40,002 8.6%
25 - 44 $101,525 2.5%
45 - 64 $115,057 2.6%
Over 65 $72,639 0.9%
Above poverty level
495,067
Below poverty level
59,094
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 495,067 89.3% 1.3%
Below poverty level 59,094 10.7% 2.8%

Employment in Dane County

Workforce and job types in Dane County

The job market in Dane County is powered by 324,319 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 86% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 62.5% are employed by private companies, and 20.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
324,319
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
278,745
Blue collar
45,574
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 278,745 86% 1.8%
Blue collar 45,574 14% 0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
62.5%
Governmental workers
20.2%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23,871 7.4% 2.3%
Private companies 202,726 62.5% 1.7%
Governmental workers 65,402 20.2% -0.1%
Not for profit companies 32,320 10% 3.9%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
0.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dane County stands at 2.4%, 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 Dane County

How people get around in Dane County

Commuting methods vary: 69.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.9% 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 222,308 69.4% -0.8%
Taxicab 502 0.2% 11.3%
Bus or trolleybus 9,068 2.8% -6.1%
Subway or elevated 17 0% N/A
Railroad 38 0% -56.3%
Ferryboat 32 0% 3.2%
Motorcycle 351 0.1% 0.6%
Bicycle 5,487 1.7% -6.1%
Walk 15,664 4.9% -5.0%
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 Dane County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53508 5,654 2,307 $99,948 $113,511
53515 2,647 1,047 $92,625 $122,244
53517 1,799 796 $84,722 $116,271
53521 3,640 1,393 $108,036 $124,294
53523 5,074 2,158 $102,188 $123,638
53527 11,924 4,874 $133,883 $135,254
53528 6,263 2,494 $106,823 $139,467
53529 2,611 931 $107,560 $119,169
53531 4,430 1,614 $105,000 $117,414
53532 16,514 6,387 $110,022 $135,430

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FAQs about Dane County demographics 

What is the total population of Dane County?

Dane County has a total population of 572,674 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dane County?

The gender ratio in Dane County is as follows:
  • 50% males (286,592 residents)
  • 50% females (286,082 residents)

What is the median age in Dane County?

The median age in Dane County is 35.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dane County?

The age distribution in Dane County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (92,895 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.1% (97,986 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (168,303 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (127,221 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (86,269 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dane County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dane County is as follows:
  • White: 77.3% (442,561 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (29,788 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1,320 residents)
  • Asian: 6.2% (35,212 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (347 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (51,214 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (12,232 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.9% of the population in Dane County.

How many housing units are there in Dane County?

There are 261,061 housing units in Dane County, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dane County has a total of 251,529 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dane County?

Dane County has a median household income of $89,975, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dane County?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Dane County, with a workforce of 324,319 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86% (278,745 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14% (45,574 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (23,871 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.5% (202,726 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.2% (65,402 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (32,320 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