Wisconsin Demographics 2026
5.9 million residents in a state that has been decided by fewer than 25,000 votes in three of the last four presidential elections.
Race & Ethnicity Breakdown
| Group | Wisconsin | National Avg | Partisan Lean |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Non-Hispanic | 83% | 59% | R+10 rural / D+5 suburban |
| Black / African American | 7% | 13% | D+75 (Milwaukee) |
| Hispanic / Latino | 7% | 19% | D+18 (Milwaukee) |
| Native American | 1% | 1.3% | D+40 (tribal lands) |
| Asian American / Pacific Islander | 3% | 6% | D+25 |
| Urban population | 70% | 83% | D-leaning |
| Rural population | 30% | 17% | R+25 avg |
| Median age | 39.4 yrs | 38.9 yrs | Near national avg |
| College-educated adults | 31% | 33% | Shifting D |
Regional Breakdown
Key Trends & 2026 Implications
Hispanic Population +35% Since 2010
Milwaukee's Latinx community and meatpacking workers in Racine, Kenosha, and Green Bay. Still heavily Democratic but with rising Republican inroads among working-class Hispanic men.
Evers-Johnson Splits Reveal Independent Core
Wisconsin has higher ticket-splitting than almost any other swing states. This creates unusual 2026 dynamics: Senate and governor races can decouple from national trends. Candidate quality and local issues matter more here than elsewhere.
Senate Seat Among Most Competitive
Ron Johnson (R) is up in 2026. Wisconsin is a true 50/50 state. Democrats need Milwaukee Black turnout near 2012 levels and WOW suburb erosion to continue. Republicans must maximize Fox Valley and rural margins. Expected margin: under 2 points either direction.
