(UNDATED) The latest population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau paint a picture of a Dodge County that is stable, aging, and increasingly distinct from Wisconsin’s fastest-growing regions.
The Census Bureau’s newest estimates place Dodge County’s population at 89,097 residents as of July 2025. That marks a slight increase from the 2024 estimate of 88,635 and brings the county close to its official 2020 Census population of 89,396.
The broader Wisconsin story, however, remains one of uneven growth.
Dane County and the Madison area continue to lead the state in population gains, driven largely by younger workers, families and a strong economy tied to education, technology, and health care. Counties connected to larger metro areas or recreation economies are generally continuing to grow.
Meanwhile, many rural or manufacturing-based counties across Wisconsin remain flat or are growing slowly.
One of the more significant trends in Dodge County is its aging population.
According to the Census Bureau estimates, about 20.2 percent of Dodge County residents are age 65 or older, while only 18.8 percent are under age 18. That makes the county noticeably older than Wisconsin’s fastest-growing counties, many of which continue attracting younger residents and families.
Demographers say aging populations can create long-term challenges even in counties with stable population totals. Fewer births and more retirements can place pressure on local labor markets, schools, and health care systems.
The Census Bureau estimates the median owner-occupied home value in Dodge County at about $232,000 — significantly lower than home prices in Dane County, Waukesha County and some parts of the Fox Valley.
Overall, the newest Census data suggests Dodge County occupies a middle ground within Wisconsin’s changing demographic landscape.
The county is not experiencing dramatic decline, but it also is not part of the state’s high-growth corridor. Instead, Dodge County appears increasingly defined by population stability, an aging demographic profile and comparatively affordable housing within southern Wisconsin.
The Census estimate reveals Wisconsin’s growth continues to concentrate around Madison and metro-adjacent counties, while many other areas age and grow more slowly.
