Madison, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
278,001
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,050/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
133,530
2.0% year-over-year change

Madison population

How many people live in Madison

Madison is home to 278,001 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Madison locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
278,001
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
139,065
Female
50%
138,936
Value Percent YoY change
Male 139,065 50% 1.0%
Female 138,936 50% 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 Madison is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 23.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.5% of the population, while another 18.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
23.2%
25 to 44
31.5%
45 to 64
18.7%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 37,907 13.6% -0.3%
15 to 24 64,406 23.2% 2.4%
25 to 44 87,502 31.5% 0.6%
45 to 64 51,946 18.7% -1.4%
Over 65 36,240 13% 3.5%
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 Madison, 87.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.4% of locals are Caucasian, 7.2% are African American and 8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
6.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 242,408 87.2% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,332 5.9% -0.2%
Non-citizens 19,261 6.9% 1.4%
Racial breakdown
White
71.4%
Black or African American
7.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.5%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 198,360 71.4%
Black or African American 20,112 7.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 967 0.4%
Asian 22,292 8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0%
Two or more races 29,299 10.5%
Other 6,929 2.5%

Households in Madison

A peek inside Madison households

Madison has 128,261 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 43% are families, while the remaining 57% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
128,261
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
73,179
Family households
55,082
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 73,179 57% 3.5%
Family households 55,082 43% 0.0%
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 Madison

The housing landscape of Madison

Madison's housing consists of 133,530 units, with 39.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.9% 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
133,530
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 53,292 39.9%
1 unit, attached 6,598 4.9%
2 units 5,928 4.4%
3 or 4 units 8,355 6.3%
5 to 9 units 10,324 7.7%
10 to 19 units 9,542 7.2%
20 to 49 units 17,398 13%
50 or more units 20,939 15.7%
Mobile home 1,138 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 16 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,551
111.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Madison

In Madison, the median construction year is 1980. About 13% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 17,310 13% -1.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,377 4% -4.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 12,369 9.3% 2.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 15,360 11.5% -1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 17,146 12.8% 2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 12,660 9.5% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 14,851 11.1% -4.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 19,337 14.5% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16,569 12.4% 7.1%
Built in 2020 or later 2,551 1.9% 111.3%
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.

Madison occupancy rates

Out of the 128,261 occupied housing units in Madison, 46% are owner-occupied, while 54% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
128,261
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
69,252
Owner occupied
59,009
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 69,252 54% 3.2%
Owner occupied 59,009 46% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

Madison housing costs

Housing costs in Madison come to a median of $1,515 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,413.

Median housing costs per month
$1,515/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 Madison
$1,413/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 Madison

Madison education at a glance

About 19.2% of the population in Madison went to high school, while 21.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 31.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,232 1.8% 5.6%
High school diploma 44,722 19.2% 2.7%
College diploma 49,296 21.1% -2.2%
Associate degree 14,317 6.1% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 73,432 31.5% 3.0%
Graduate degree 47,287 20.3% 0.3%
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 Madison

How much people earn in Madison

The average annual household income in Madison was $105,566 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,050, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Madison
$105,566/year
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Madison
$78,050/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Madison income by age

In Madison, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,077. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,417 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,774, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,643 in earnings. Overall, 83.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,774 8.5%
25 - 44 $89,077 1.3%
45 - 64 $100,417 1.8%
Over 65 $73,643 0.5%
Above poverty level
220,854
Below poverty level
43,562
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 220,854 83.5% 0.7%
Below poverty level 43,562 16.5% 1.9%

Average renter income in Madison

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Madison, their median household income was $49,408 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,408
Rent-to-income ratio
34.3%
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 Madison

Workforce and job types in Madison

The job market in Madison is powered by 162,356 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 60.4% are employed by private companies, and 22.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
162,356
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
143,265
Blue collar
19,091
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 143,265 88.2% 1.1%
Blue collar 19,091 11.8% -0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
60.4%
Governmental workers
22.5%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9,965 6.1% 0.8%
Private companies 98,042 60.4% 1.9%
Governmental workers 36,503 22.5% -3.1%
Not for profit companies 17,846 11% 4.0%
Unemployment rate
2.6%
-0.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Madison stands at 2.6%, 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 Madison

How people get around in Madison

Commuting methods vary: 62.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7.6% 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 99,798 62.5% -0.9%
Taxicab 358 0.2% 7.2%
Bus or trolleybus 8,294 5.2% -7.5%
Subway or elevated 17 0% N/A
Railroad 36 0% -58.6%
Ferryboat 31 0% 3.3%
Motorcycle 251 0.2% 2.0%
Bicycle 4,666 2.9% -4.8%
Walk 12,114 7.6% -7.3%
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 Madison by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
53558 13,164 5,391 $107,609 $136,208
53703 37,659 20,373 $47,847 $85,555
53704 46,730 22,186 $74,034 $99,722
53705 25,017 12,253 $88,549 $131,689
53706 3,958 58 $6,053 $6,371
53711 51,279 23,377 $100,735 $135,245
53713 24,351 11,908 $58,017 $76,437
53714 16,169 7,862 $71,519 $83,160
53715 15,974 5,346 $38,996 $70,660
53716 18,596 8,302 $91,716 $114,902

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FAQs about Madison demographics 

What is the total population of Madison?

Madison has a total population of 278,001 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Madison?

The gender ratio in Madison is as follows:
  • 50% males (139,065 residents)
  • 50% females (138,936 residents)

What is the median age in Madison?

The median age in Madison is 31.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Madison?

The age distribution in Madison is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (37,907 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.2% (64,406 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.5% (87,502 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.7% (51,946 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (36,240 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Madison?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Madison is as follows:
  • White: 71.4% (198,360 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.2% (20,112 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (967 residents)
  • Asian: 8% (22,292 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.5% (29,299 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (6,929 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.2% of the population in Madison.

How many housing units are there in Madison?

There are 133,530 housing units in Madison, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Madison has a total of 128,261 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Madison?

Madison has a median household income of $78,050, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.4% in Madison, with a workforce of 162,356 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.2% (143,265 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.8% (19,091 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (9,965 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.4% (98,042 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.5% (36,503 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (17,846 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