
New Population Projections Paint A Troubling Picture In Wisconsin
On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union of States, making it the 30th state to join the United States, with its booming population allowing the action to be taken.
Anyone who has lived in or visited Wisconsin knows that the state has a lot to offer. While I live in Minnesota, my cabin is located in Wisconsin and we enjoy all the lakes, trails, and people we get to visit every time we are there.
However, despite all the advantages of living in Wisconsin, the population has been declining for years, and based on recent projections provided by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, that troubling trend looks like it will continue at least through 2050.
Wisconsin Department of Administration Releases Population Projections
The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) recently announced that most of Wisconsin's counties will face population declines by 2050, which is expected to result in a loss of about 200,000 people throughout the state.
The DOA says that two key factors will contribute to the population decline:
- Decreasing fertility rates
- Increasing aging population

Milwaukee County, the most populated county in Wisconsin with a population of 916,205 in 2023, is expected to see a population decline of 9% by 2050. However, The Travel notes that Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier has a plan to boost its population by over 1 million. The plan includes updating housing and decreasing density by altering zoning.
Largest Population Decline By County
As The Travel notes, Florence County, located in northeast Wisconsin, will experience the biggest population decrease. Its population is projected to decline by a whopping 31% by 2050.
According to the DOA, here are the Wisconsin counties projected to experience the largest population declines:
- Florence County: -31% estimated population decline
- Adams County: -29.1% estimated population decline
- Richland County: -28.7% estimated population decline
- Rusk County: -27.7% estimated population decline
- Forest County: -26.1% estimated population decline
- Crawford County: -25.9% estimated population decline
- Price County: -24.9% estimated population decline
- Shawano County: -24.6% estimated population decline
- Langlade County: -24.5% estimated population decline
- Polk County: -22.1% estimated population decline
Not All Counties Are Expected To Face Population Declines
There is good news for several Wisconsin counties as the DOA expects population growth to occur, with Dane County leading the way. Here are the counties expected to experience growth:
- Dane County: 38.8% estimated population increase
- Trempealeau County: 33.9% estimated population increase
- Eau Claire: 12.2% estimated population increase
- Brown County: 11.5% estimated population increase
- St. Croix: 10.1% estimated population increase
- Clark County: 8.7% estimated population increase
- Jackson County: 7% estimated population increase
- Outagamie County: 6.2% estimated population increase
- Vernon County: 2.6% estimated population increase
- Calumet County: 1.1% estimated population increase
SEE NOW: 13 Popular Food Items Now Gone Forever From Wisconsin Stores
A Possible Wild Card Could Lead To Unexpected Population Growth
It's important to remember that these projections are based on analyzing current data. However, one wild card could change things and create population growth in Wisconsin.
Climate-motivated migration is the movement of people caused by environmental factors related to climate change. These factors can include:
- Droughts
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Sea-level rise
- Water scarcity
- Low crop yields
- Heat stress
- Extreme weather events
SEE NOW: 15 Snacks That Will Disappear From Wisconsin Stores This Year
As people leave states most vulnerable to climate change, how many will choose Wisconsin as their new home? That is something that remains to be seen, as well as its impact on Wisconsin's population moving forward.
LOOK: This is the best place to live in every state
Gallery Credit: Stacker
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