Madison

Current Population

286,233

Estimated July 1, 2025

Annual change+0.7%2024–2025

Among the largest in Wisconsin

Population Over Time

Estimated population changed from 274,851 in 2020 to 286,233 in 2025.

2020 Census (official count): 269,840

Insights

• Madison is Wisconsin's capital.

  Source: Wisconsin Statutes § 1.09 (Seat of government) — Wisconsin State Legislature — Legislative Reference Bureau — https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/1.09

  How this was determined

  Strongest eligible observation in category "identity" (score 92.5, confidence 95); chosen from 1 eligible candidate(s).

  Confidence: 95/100

• Madison's population grew 15.7% from 2010 to 2020.

  Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2020 Census Redistricting Data (P.L. 94-171), table P1

  How this was determined

  Strongest eligible observation in category "change" (score 68.46, confidence 75); chosen from 1 eligible candidate(s).

  Compared against: U.S. places

  Confidence: 75/100

• Madison is Wisconsin's second-largest incorporated place by population.

  Source: U.S. Census Bureau — Subcounty Resident Population Estimates (SUB-EST2025), Vintage 2025

  How this was determined

  Strongest eligible observation in category "perspective" (score 82.05, confidence 85); chosen from 1 eligible candidate(s).

  Compared against: incorporated places in Wisconsin

  Confidence: 85/100

Sources & Methodology

The current population figure is an annual estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program. The 2020 Census is shown separately as the official benchmark.

These figures can differ because the Census and annual population estimates are produced at different times using different methods. Both are shown so you can distinguish the most current estimate from the official Census benchmark.

Other places in Dane County

• Fitchburg
• Middleton
• Stoughton
• Sun Prairie
• Verona
• Waunakee