Here & Now

Fast Facts: Population Changes

Marisa Wojcik:

New data shows that Wisconsin’s population has shuffled quite a bit, even over the course of one year, according to new estimates from the US Census Bureau. The Annual Report shows changes in population, as of July 2017. The numbers look at natural changes, such as, births and deaths, as well as overall, or net migration. In terms of recent changes, from 2016 to 2017, Milwaukee County saw the highest loss, with a total of more than 11,000 people moving out of the area. In contrast, Dane County saw a gain of more than 3000 people, And Waukesha County, almost 2000 people migrating to those areas in that same year. When looking at longer term trends, rural areas across the state are seeing the biggest hits to their overall population, since back in 2010. From areas up north like Ashland and Iron Counties, Rusk County and Adams County in the middle of the state, all saw their population totals drop by 4% or more. Since 2010, nearly 70,000 people have moved out of Wisconsin. But the state has gained more than 50,000 people migrating from outside the United States. These numbers are based on recent estimates from the US Census Bureau. The next official census count will happen in the year 2020. For these and other fast facts, visit wpt.org.