2023 Dane County, Wisconsin Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Dane County, Wisconsin, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Dane County, Wisconsin Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Dane County, Wisconsin Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following statistics highlight Dane County, Wisconsin population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 564,777
- Median Age (Total)
- 35.6 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 34.9 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 36.5 years
Dane County, Wisconsin Age Distribution Comparison with Wisconsin 2023
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin age demographics with Wisconsin to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 35.6 yrs | 40.7 yrs | -5.1 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.17% | 5.08% | +0.1pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 14.82% | 15.61% | -0.8pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 13.48% | 9.31% | +4.2pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 25.15% | 24.40% | +0.8pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 14.70% | 19.65% | -4.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 53.12 | 67.60 | -14.5 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 53.12
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 30.61 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 22.51 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Dane County, Wisconsin Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Dane County, Wisconsin
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Dane County, Wisconsin are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 39.82
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin racial and ethnic demographics with Wisconsin to understand regional diversity patterns.
Dane County, Wisconsin Diversity
39.82
lowWisconsin Diversity
38.23
lowRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 76.69% | 77.75% | -1.1pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 7.59% | 8.39% | -0.8pp |
| Asian Alone | 5.94% | 3.08% | +2.9pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 5.06% | 5.95% | -0.9pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.17% | 3.90% | +0.3pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.38% | 0.30% | +0.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.15% | 0.58% | -0.4pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.03% | 0.05% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 39.82 | 38.23 | +1.59 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Dane County, Wisconsin Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Dane County, Wisconsin, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $88,108 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 245,736
Income Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin household income with Wisconsin to understand regional economic patterns.
Dane County, Wisconsin
$88,108
Wisconsin
$77,488
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 9.13% | 10.04% | -0.9pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 8.48% | 9.82% | -1.3pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 9.28% | 11.22% | -1.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 15.79% | 17.26% | -1.5pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 32.20% | 33.26% | -1.1pp |
| $150,000 or more | 25.12% | 18.41% | +6.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Wisconsin.
Dane County, Wisconsin Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Dane County, Wisconsin, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $366,100
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 141,699 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin property values with Wisconsin to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Dane County, Wisconsin
$366,100
Wisconsin
$294,700
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.17% | 2.41% | -1.2pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.78% | 1.52% | -0.7pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 0.56% | 3.86% | -3.3pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 7.72% | 18.28% | -10.6pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 66.50% | 57.07% | +9.4pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 22.53% | 16.03% | +6.5pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.74% | 0.83% | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Wisconsin.
Dane County, Wisconsin Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Dane County, Wisconsin, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 96.28%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 54.45%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 375,709
Education Level Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin educational attainment with Wisconsin to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Dane County, Wisconsin
54.45%
Bachelor's+ in Wisconsin
34.56%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 3.72% | 6.29% | -2.6pp |
| HS Graduate | 17.42% | 28.82% | -11.4pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 24.41% | 30.34% | -5.9pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 32.58% | 22.60% | +10.0pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 21.87% | 11.95% | +9.9pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 96.28% | 93.71% | +2.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Wisconsin.
Dane County, Wisconsin Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Dane County, Wisconsin, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 3.6%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 20,341
- Total Civilian Population
- 561,010
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin health insurance coverage with Wisconsin to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Dane County, Wisconsin
3.6%
Uninsured in Wisconsin
5.3%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 2.9% | 2.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| 18-34 years | 6.8% | 4.3% | 11.0% | 8.7% |
| 35-64 years | 4.6% | 3.5% | 6.5% | 5.2% |
| 65+ years | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Dane County, Wisconsin Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Dane County, Wisconsin, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 94.9% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 20,558 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 28,833
Citizenship Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin citizenship and nativity with Wisconsin to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Dane County, Wisconsin
94.9%
Citizenship in Wisconsin
97.1%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 90.1% | 93.5% | -3.4pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.3% | 0.4% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.9% | 0.6% | +0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 3.6% | 2.5% | +1.1pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 5.1% | 2.9% | +2.2pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 94.9% | 97.1% | -2.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Wisconsin.
Dane County, Wisconsin Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Dane County, Wisconsin, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 71.0%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 3.1%
- Work From Home Rate
- 17.8%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 315,568
Transportation Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin commuting patterns with Wisconsin to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Dane County, Wisconsin
71.0%
Drove in Wisconsin
82.7%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 71.0% | 82.7% | -11.7pp |
| Public transportation | 3.1% | 1.4% | +1.7pp |
| Bicycle | 1.9% | 0.5% | +1.4pp |
| Walked | 5.2% | 2.5% | +2.7pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.0pp |
| Worked from home | 17.8% | 11.8% | +6.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Wisconsin.
Dane County, Wisconsin Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Dane County, Wisconsin by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 319,261
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin employment patterns with Wisconsin to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Dane County, Wisconsin
9.1% (M) / 11.4% (F)
Government Employment in Wisconsin
5.5% (M) / 7.4% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.5% F: 27.9% | M: 40.5% F: 31.5% | M: -3.0pp F: -3.6pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.1% F: 6.7% | M: 3.0% F: 7.0% | M: +0.1pp F: -0.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 9.1% F: 11.4% | M: 5.5% F: 7.4% | M: +3.6pp F: +4.0pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.4% F: 1.9% | M: 2.9% F: 1.9% | M: -0.5pp F: 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Wisconsin.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Dane County, Wisconsin Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Dane County, Wisconsin, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 20,586
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
6,856 veterans (33.3%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin veteran demographics with Wisconsin to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Dane County, Wisconsin
20,586
Total Veterans in Wisconsin
296,513
- Dane County, Wisconsin: Vietnam Era Only (33.3%)
- Wisconsin: Vietnam Era Only (35.4%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 33.3% (6,856) | 35.4% (105,059) | -2.1pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 16.7% (3,446) | 14.1% (41,834) | +2.6pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 14.7% (3,027) | 15.8% (46,941) | -1.1pp |
| Gulf War Only | 11.8% (2,430) | 11.9% (35,144) | -0.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 8.2% (1,695) | 8.6% (25,363) | -0.4pp |
| Korean War Only | 6.1% (1,251) | 5.7% (16,834) | +0.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 5.1% (1,054) | 5.3% (15,592) | -0.2pp |
| WWII Only | 2.0% (412) | 1.6% (4,749) | +0.4pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.8% (164) | 0.8% (2,490) | 0.0pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.4% (87) | 0.3% (803) | +0.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.4% (78) | 0.3% (874) | +0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.3% (55) | 0.1% (321) | +0.2pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.1% (29) | 0.2% (470) | -0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.0% (2) | 0.0% (37) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Dane County, Wisconsin Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data categorizes families in Dane County, Wisconsin by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 4.8% (6,416 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 18.0% (23,929 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 77.2% (102,533 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin poverty levels with Wisconsin to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Dane County, Wisconsin
4.8%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Wisconsin
6.4%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 4.8% (6,416) | 6.4% (97,804) | -1.6pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 18.0% (23,929) | 26.3% (399,196) | -8.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 77.2% (102,533) | 67.3% (1,023,495) | +9.9pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 1.9% | 2.9% | -1.0pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.5% | 1.5% | 0.0pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.4% | 2.0% | -0.6pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 1.4% | 2.2% | -0.8pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 1.5% | 2.7% | -1.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.4% | 3.0% | -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Wisconsin.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Dane County, Wisconsin SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Dane County, Wisconsin
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Dane County, Wisconsin, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 18,424 (7.50% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 7,010 (38.05% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 245,736
SNAP Participation Comparison with Wisconsin
Compare Dane County, Wisconsin SNAP participation with Wisconsin to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Dane County, Wisconsin
7.50%
18,424 householdsSNAP Participation in Wisconsin
11.01%
279,061 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Dane County, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 11.01% (2,028) | 7.92% (1,459) | 13.22% (36,891) | 7.13% (19,889) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.61% (850) | 1.62% (298) | 4.40% (12,287) | 2.94% (8,209) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 21.75% (4,008) | 4.75% (876) | 23.08% (64,405) | 6.60% (18,420) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.67% (124) | 47.66% (8,781) | 0.61% (1,689) | 42.02% (117,271) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 18,424 (7.50% of households) | 279,061 (11.01% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.