Dane County Public RecordsWisconsin

Dane County, WI hosts over 50 public high schools, part of more than 120 total K-12 schools, with a high school graduation rate of 93%. Bachelor’s degree attainment among adults is approximately 52%, significantly above the national average. School safety measures are robust, with the Madison Metropolitan School District allocating $2.2 million annually for safety initiatives. Top schools average a score of 8/10 on GreatSchools. The county offers diverse educational programs, including Advanced Placement, dual-enrollment, and adult education at institutions like Madison College and UW–Madison, supporting lifelong learning across the community.

As of 2023, Dane County, WI boasts an employment rate of approximately 67%. Major industries include education and healthcare (28%), professional and business services (15%), and government (12%). Common occupations are management (11%), office/administrative support (12%), and healthcare practitioners (9%). About 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Madison, the county seat, is the primary employment hub, accounting for over 60% of county jobs. Remote work trends increased post-2020, with 18% working from home. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS)

Dane County, WI, has a homeownership rate of around 57%, with a median home value near $370,000 as of 2024 and median rent about $1,300. The housing market has seen prices rise nearly 5% year-over-year. Housing types range from historic homes in Madison’s Isthmus and Nakoma neighborhoods to suburban developments in Sun Prairie and Fitchburg. Property taxes are relatively high, averaging 2.01% of assessed value. Popular neighborhoods include Middleton, Waunakee, and Verona, offering diverse options from condos to single-family homes, with robust public services and access to UW-Madison and regional amenities.

As of 2023, Dane County, WI, has an estimated population of about 575,000. The median age is approximately 36 years. Females make up 50.3% and males 49.7% of the population. Racially, the county is 77% White, 7% Black or African American, 7% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 6% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). The county is home to a diverse, growing community centered around Madison, the state capital.

Dane County, WI, with over 366,000 registered voters as of 2022, conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, including presidential, gubernatorial, and referendums. In the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout was approximately 87%, with 260,157 votes cast—75% for Democrats and 23% for Republicans. The county has more than 90 polling locations managed by the Dane County Clerk’s Office. Issues such as redistricting, absentee ballot processing, and voter accessibility are prominent. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with the county leaning strongly Democratic in recent cycles.

Dane County, WI, reported a total crime rate of approximately 2,200 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, with property crimes (burglary and theft) comprising 65% of cases and violent crimes (assault, robbery) making up 12%. There was a slight decrease from 2022, with a 4% reduction overall. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office encourages community reporting and transparency, reflected in an annual clearance rate of 38%. Public safety efforts focus on prevention and rapid response, contributing to Dane County’s reputation as relatively safe compared to national averages.