Greater Madison, South Central Wisconsin, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
291,137
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$102,188/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
125,939
3.2% year-over-year change

Greater Madison population

How many people live in Greater Madison

Greater Madison is home to 291,137 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Greater Madison locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
291,137
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
146,024
Female
49.8%
145,112
Value Percent YoY change
Male 146,024 50.2% 1.9%
Female 145,112 49.8% 2.6%
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 Greater Madison is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.6% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
27.6%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 55,050 18.9% -0.2%
15 to 24 33,151 11.4% 2.8%
25 to 44 80,404 27.6% 3.4%
45 to 64 73,859 25.4% 1.1%
Over 65 48,673 16.7% 4.5%
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 Greater Madison, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.7% of locals are Caucasian, 3.4% are African American and 4.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 268,983 92.4% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11,795 4% 6.0%
Non-citizens 10,358 3.6% 6.6%
Racial breakdown
White
82.7%
Black or African American
3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 240,805 82.7%
Black or African American 9,741 3.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 369 0.1%
Asian 13,539 4.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 280 0.1%
Two or more races 21,723 7.5%
Other 4,680 1.6%

Households in Greater Madison

A peek inside Greater Madison households

Greater Madison has 121,028 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.9% are families, while the remaining 35.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
121,028
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
42,487
Family households
78,541
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 42,487 35.1% 4.5%
Family households 78,541 64.9% 2.3%
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 Greater Madison

The housing landscape of Greater Madison

Greater Madison's housing consists of 125,939 units, with 62.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.1% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
125,939
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 79,144 62.8%
1 unit, attached 10,241 8.1%
2 units 3,726 3%
3 or 4 units 4,557 3.6%
5 to 9 units 4,469 3.6%
10 to 19 units 4,917 3.9%
20 to 49 units 10,095 8%
50 or more units 7,534 6%
Mobile home 1,207 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 49 0%
Homes built since 2020
3,847
98.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Madison

In Greater Madison, the median construction year is 1988. About 8.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,571 8.4% 4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,672 2.1% 8.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,157 4.9% -4.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,550 7.6% 0.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 16,446 13.1% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13,471 10.7% -0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19,659 15.6% -3.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24,344 19.3% 3.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 19,220 15.3% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 3,847 3% 98.1%
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.

Greater Madison occupancy rates

Out of the 121,028 occupied housing units in Greater Madison, 70% are owner-occupied, while 30% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
121,028
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
36,303
Owner occupied
84,725
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 36,303 30% 5.3%
Owner occupied 84,725 70% 2.1%
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.

Greater Madison housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Madison come to a median of $1,624 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,240.

Median housing costs per month
$1,624/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 Greater Madison
$1,240/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 Greater Madison

Greater Madison education at a glance

About 22.6% of the population in Greater Madison went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 31.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,391 1.1% 8.5%
High school diploma 50,508 22.6% 0.5%
College diploma 37,955 17% 0.4%
Associate degree 21,058 9.4% -0.3%
Bachelor's degree 71,083 31.8% 5.2%
Graduate degree 40,494 18.1% 4.8%
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 Greater Madison

How much people earn in Greater Madison

The average annual household income in Greater Madison was $129,604 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $102,188, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Madison
$129,604/year
3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Madison
$102,188/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Greater Madison income by age

In Greater Madison, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $114,502. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,334 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,489, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $70,070 in earnings. Overall, 94.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,489 2.8%
25 - 44 $114,502 3.1%
45 - 64 $118,334 -0.2%
Over 65 $70,070 4.7%
Above poverty level
270,242
Below poverty level
15,483
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 270,242 94.6% 2.3%
Below poverty level 15,483 5.4% 2.7%

Employment in Greater Madison

Workforce and job types in Greater Madison

83.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.2% run their own businesses, 64.4% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
134,615
Blue collar
25,772
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 134,615 83.9% 2.4%
Blue collar 25,772 16.1% 2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.2%
Private companies
64.4%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 13,176 8.2% 3.2%
Private companies 103,229 64.4% 1.9%
Governmental workers 28,940 18% 3.2%
Not for profit companies 15,042 9.4% 4.2%

Transportation in Greater Madison

How people get around in Greater Madison

In Greater Madison, the average commute time is 230 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
230 min
-17.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 120,616 95.7% -0.2%
Taxicab 123 0.1% 7.0%
Bus or trolleybus 893 0.7% -10.2%
Railroad 1 0% N/A
Ferryboat 3 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 82 0.1% -9.9%
Bicycle 1,101 0.9% -15.6%
Walk 3,208 2.6% -2.3%
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 Greater Madison 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 Greater Madison demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Madison?

Greater Madison has a total population of 291,137 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 +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater Madison?

The gender ratio in Greater Madison is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (146,024 residents)
  • 49.8% females (145,112 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Madison?

The median age in Greater Madison is 40.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Madison?

The age distribution in Greater Madison is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (55,050 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (33,151 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.6% (80,404 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (73,859 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.7% (48,673 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Madison?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Madison is as follows:
  • White: 82.7% (240,805 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.4% (9,741 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (369 residents)
  • Asian: 4.6% (13,539 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (280 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (21,723 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (4,680 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Greater Madison.

How many housing units are there in Greater Madison?

There are 125,939 housing units in Greater Madison, reflecting a +3.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Greater Madison has a total of 121,028 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Madison?

Greater Madison has a median household income of $102,188, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Madison?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.9% (134,615 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.1% (25,772 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.2% (13,176 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.4% (103,229 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (28,940 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (15,042 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