Wisconsin, “The Badger State,” has witnessed many population changes throughout its existence. In fact, during the 1950s, the state grew by 15.1 percent. Some cities, such as Madison, are growing. For example, Madison grew 17.7% between 2010 and 2020, largely due to The University of Wisconsin–Madison, the largest employer in the state. Rural areas are modestly growing as well, with the state’s rural population growing 5.1% from 2020 to 2022.
Why, then, are cities declining in population? One reason is that the tax burden is high, ranking 24th nationally for state and local taxes per capita. Another reason that seems obvious is that the winters are merciless. Wisconsin receives 40-50 inches of snow per year on average, but depending on where you are, you could see as little as 15 inches or as many as 200!
Other possible reasons for exiting could be a job transfer or better opportunities elsewhere. Let’s discover the seven Wisconsin towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
7. Big Falls
Big Falls is known for its outdoor recreation
©Martin Lemus/iStock via Getty Images
Big Falls, in Waupaca County, is the 57th largest town in Wisconsin.
From 2020 to 2023, Big Falls’ population decreased from 60 to 57 (-5%). The number of residents living below the poverty line is 13.79%, which is about 3% higher than the state as a whole. Finance and insurance followed by utilities are the town’s biggest industries.
Big Falls’ median household income is $76,974, which is around $9,000 higher than Wisconsin as a whole. Additionally, the city’s median age is 60.3, almost 21 years older than the state’s average.
6. Maple Bluff
Lake Mendota is located near Maple Bluff.
©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com
In Dane County, Maple Bluff is the 316th largest town in Wisconsin.
Maple Bluff’s population decreased -5.17% from 2020 to 2023 (1,374 to 1,203). Interestingly, the town has a relatively low poverty rate of 0.73%. Maple Bluff’s chief industries are professional, scientific, technical, and educational services.
The city’s median household income is $258,109, almost four times more than Wisconsin’s average. As well, Maple Bluff’s median age is 46.8, which is about seven years older than the state’s average.
5. Stockbridge
Stockbridge is known as “The
Sturgeon
Capital of the World.
©Ryan Hagerty/USFWS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons - Original / License
Located in Calamut County, Stockbridge is the 428th largest Wisconsin city.
Stockbridge’s population decreased -5.26% from 2020 to 2023, from 684 to 648. Only 9.6% of its residents live below the poverty line, which is a little less than the entire state. The largest industries in Stockbridge are manufacturing and construction.
The median household income is $70,965, about $3,000 more than the state’s average. The average age of Stockbridge’s residents is 56.7, significantly older than Wisconsin’s median.
4. Hilbert
Hilbert was brought about due to the robust rail industry during the late 1800’s.
©Ales Krivec/Shutterstock.com
In Calumet County, Hilbert is the state’s 331st largest town.
From 2020 to 2023, Hibert’s population decreased by -5.69%, from 1,247 to 1,176. Residents living below the poverty line here comprise 11.07% of the population. Production occupations are by far the largest industry in Hilbert.
The town’s median household income is $70,979, about $3,000 more than Wisconsin towns’ average. As well, Hilbert’s median age is 36, which is 3 years younger than the state’s average.
3. Chilton
Chilton averages 40 inches of snow per year.
©Michael Tatman/ via Getty Images
Located in Calumet County, Chilton is the 169th largest town in Wisconsin.
Chilton’s population decreased from 4,084 to 3,808 from 2020 to 2023 (-6.76%). 9.34% of its residents live below the poverty line, which is just under the state’s average. The largest industries in the town are manufacturing and health care and social assistance.
The median household income is $67,761, about the same as the state. The average age of Chilton’s residents is 41.3, slightly above the state’s average.
2. New Holstein
New Holstein was founded by immigrants from the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
©Conny Pokorny/iStock via Getty Images
Also in Calumet County, New Holstein is the 204th largest town in the state.
The town’s population decreased by -6.92% from 2020 to 2023, from 3,181 to 2,961. Residents living below the poverty line here comprise 9.21% of the population. New Holstein’s biggest industries are production occupations and office and administrative support occupations.
The city’s median household income is $79,750, about 16% more than Wisconsin towns’ average. As well, New Holstein’s median age is 45.2, about six years older than the state’s average.
1. Potter
Potter was originally named Muskratville because of the large number of muskrats that lived in the river and were trapped for their fur.
©Blende8/Shutterstock.com
Another town in Calumet County, Potter is the 557th largest town in Wisconsin. Its population decreased from 244 to 226, -7.38%, from 2020 to 2023. As well, its poverty rate is 3.02%. The overarching industry in Potter is production occupations.
The median household income is $75,034, about $8,000 higher than the state’s. Potter’s median age is 47.8 years.
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