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

Total population
138,403
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,884/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
60,910
1.0% year-over-year change

Marathon County population

How many people live in Marathon County

Marathon County is home to 138,403 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Marathon County locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
138,403
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
69,850
Female
49.5%
68,553
Value Percent YoY change
Male 69,850 50.5% 0.2%
Female 68,553 49.5% 0.2%
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 Marathon County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.3% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.3%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 25,310 18.3% -1.0%
15 to 24 15,959 11.5% 0.1%
25 to 44 34,413 24.9% 0.7%
45 to 64 36,168 26.1% -1.3%
Over 65 26,553 19.2% 3.2%
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 Marathon County, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 5.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.9%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 131,724 95.2% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,057 2.9% 4.3%
Non-citizens 2,622 1.9% 2.3%
Racial breakdown
White
87%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.9%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 120,384 87%
Black or African American 800 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 251 0.2%
Asian 7,850 5.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 30 0%
Two or more races 6,769 4.9%
Other 2,319 1.7%

Households in Marathon County

A peek inside Marathon County households

Marathon County has 57,866 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.4% are families, while the remaining 36.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
57,866
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
21,161
Family households
36,705
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,161 36.6% 6.0%
Family households 36,705 63.4% -0.6%
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 Marathon County

The housing landscape of Marathon County

Marathon County's housing consists of 60,910 units, with 75.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
60,910
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 45,939 75.4%
1 unit, attached 1,643 2.7%
2 units 2,419 4%
3 or 4 units 1,068 1.8%
5 to 9 units 3,243 5.3%
10 to 19 units 2,448 4%
20 to 49 units 854 1.4%
50 or more units 1,769 2.9%
Mobile home 1,498 2.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 29 0%
Homes built since 2020
992
52.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Marathon County

In Marathon County, the median construction year is 1978. About 16.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,024 16.5% -1.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,931 4.8% -1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,755 9.4% -3.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,009 8.2% 2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,885 14.6% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,813 9.5% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,784 12.8% 0.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9,538 15.7% 4.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,179 6.9% 6.4%
Built in 2020 or later 992 1.6% 52.1%
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.

Marathon County occupancy rates

Out of the 57,866 occupied housing units in Marathon County, 73.3% are owner-occupied, while 26.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
57,866
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,452
Owner occupied
42,414
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,452 26.7% 2.2%
Owner occupied 42,414 73.3% 1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
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.

Marathon County housing costs

Housing costs in Marathon County come to a median of $1,028 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $999.

Median housing costs per month
$1,028/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 Marathon County
$999/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 Marathon County

Marathon County education at a glance

About 38% of the population in Marathon County went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 13.1% earned an associate degree and 18.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,273 3% 5.7%
High school diploma 40,816 38% -0.2%
College diploma 20,725 19.3% -4.8%
Associate degree 14,055 13.1% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 20,184 18.8% 4.5%
Graduate degree 8,220 7.7% 1.5%
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 Marathon County

How much people earn in Marathon County

The average annual household income in Marathon County was $97,899 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,884, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Marathon County
$97,899/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Marathon County
$77,884/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Marathon County income by age

In Marathon County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,686. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,098 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $66,385, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,258 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $66,385 23.7%
25 - 44 $91,686 1.6%
45 - 64 $98,098 3.0%
Over 65 $53,258 2.7%
Above poverty level
123,319
Below poverty level
11,710
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 123,319 91.3% 0.2%
Below poverty level 11,710 8.7% -2.0%

Employment in Marathon County

Workforce and job types in Marathon County

The job market in Marathon County is powered by 72,144 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 70.2% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
72,144
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
52,124
Blue collar
20,020
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 52,124 72.2% 0.9%
Blue collar 20,020 27.8% -2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
70.2%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,074 9.8% -3.1%
Private companies 50,648 70.2% 0.1%
Governmental workers 7,147 9.9% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 7,275 10.1% 2.7%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
-0.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Marathon County stands at 2.9%, 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 Marathon County

How people get around in Marathon County

Commuting methods vary: 83.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 59,529 83.7% -1.4%
Taxicab 111 0.2% -34.3%
Bus or trolleybus 161 0.2% -23.0%
Ferryboat 3 0% N/A
Motorcycle 71 0.1% -14.5%
Bicycle 254 0.4% 18.7%
Walk 1,321 1.9% 0.0%
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 Marathon County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54401 31,692 13,449 $71,586 $89,947
54403 24,950 10,499 $69,030 $91,357
54405 2,770 984 $69,659 $87,700
54408 1,247 477 $72,768 $95,680
54411 5,028 1,915 $77,176 $94,151
54412 2,122 792 $83,576 $102,643
54414 3,208 1,340 $72,500 $84,307
54417 4 4 $0 $0
54421 3,468 1,170 $60,820 $78,515
54425 1,988 731 $63,424 $81,316

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FAQs about Marathon County demographics 

What is the total population of Marathon County?

Marathon County has a total population of 138,403 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 Marathon County?

The gender ratio in Marathon County is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (69,850 residents)
  • 49.5% females (68,553 residents)

What is the median age in Marathon County?

The median age in Marathon County is 41.3.

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

The age distribution in Marathon County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.3% (25,310 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (15,959 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (34,413 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (36,168 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (26,553 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Marathon County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Marathon County is as follows:
  • White: 87% (120,384 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (800 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (251 residents)
  • Asian: 5.7% (7,850 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (30 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.9% (6,769 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (2,319 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Marathon County.

How many housing units are there in Marathon County?

There are 60,910 housing units in Marathon County, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Marathon County has a total of 57,866 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Marathon County?

Marathon County has a median household income of $77,884, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.1% in Marathon County, with a workforce of 72,144 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.2% (52,124 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (20,020 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (7,074 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.2% (50,648 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (7,147 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (7,275 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