Wisconsin Counties With the Highest Percentage of Veterans

Wisconsin’s veteran population is shrinking as the state’s total number of former service members has dropped by nearly 38,000 since 2020, WBAY reported.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 288,078 veterans lived in Wisconsin as of 2024. This is a significant decrease from the 326,288 residents with military experience recorded in 2020.

This local trend mirrors a broader national shift. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are roughly 17.1 million veterans currently living in the United States. Looking ahead, the VA anticipates the percentage of the U.S. population with military experience will continue to fall, projecting a 29% decrease in the total number of living U.S. veterans by 2046.

While the overall numbers are dipping, the distribution of veterans across Wisconsin counties varies significantly. Identifying which communities hold the highest concentrations of former service members provides a window into the demographic makeup of the state’s rural and urban hubs.

A recent compilation by Stacker, using Census Bureau data, ranks Wisconsin counties by the highest percentage of residents who are veterans. Monroe County leads the state, with veterans making up 11.9% of its population, totaling 4,063 individuals.

The demographic breakdown in Monroe County shows a heavy reliance on more recent service eras. While only one resident is identified as a World War II veteran, the county is home to 1,477 Vietnam War veterans, 1,306 from the first Gulf War era (August 1990 to August 2001), and 1,355 who served in the post-September 11, 2001, Gulf War period.

Other counties with high per capita veteran populations include Florence County at 11.3% and Bayfield County at 10.7%. These figures suggest that veteran-heavy populations are often found in smaller, more concentrated communities rather than just major metropolitan centers.

Rank	County	Veteran Percentage	Total Veterans
1	Monroe	11.9%	4,063
2	Florence	11.3%	443
3	Bayfield	10.7%	1,488
4	Burnett	10.3%	1,473
5	Adams	10.3%	1,884

The data reveals a clear transition in the age and era of Wisconsin’s veteran community. In many counties, the presence of World War II and Korean War veterans has dwindled to minimal numbers, while the numbers for Vietnam War and modern Gulf War-era veterans remain the dominant force.

In Winnebago County, for example, 3,243 residents are veterans of the Vietnam War, compared to just 138 from World War II. Similarly, in Rock County, the 2,935 Vietnam War veterans outnumber the 116 who served in World War II.

This shift has direct implications for local civic infrastructure. As the veteran population ages and the total numbers contract, the demand for specific types of healthcare, specialized social services, and community support systems is likely to evolve. The concentration of veterans in certain counties means that local governments in places like Monroe or Florence may face different resource pressures than those in counties with lower veteran densities.

The decline in the veteran population is a long-term demographic reality that will reshape the state’s social and economic landscape over the coming decades.