Dane County is the second-largest metropolitan area in Wisconsin and the seat of state government. It is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and is expected to reach a total population of over 600,000 people by the year 2040 – an increase of about 24% over the 2010 population.

In 2010, about 62% of the population was located in the central urban area, 25% in outlying urban communities, and 13% scattered throughout the rural areas of the county. The trend of more growth rates in cities and villages  (urban areas) compared to towns (rural areas) is expected to continue into the future. Over the next twenty years, 55% of projected population growth is expected to be in the central urban area, 41% in the outlying urban communities, and only 4% in the rural areas.

Sewer Service Areas (SSA) are concentrated urban developments with sanitary sewers and other public services. Boundaries are adjusted as new development is proposed. This map shows the current SSA boundaries and projected population growth from 2010-2040 in proportionally sized circles. As new land is developed to accommodate expected growth, SSA boundaries will also be amended. The Central SSA encompasses Fitchburg, Madison, McFarland, Middleton, and Monona. The Northern SSA includes Windsor and Deforest.

Projected Growth 2010-2014

• Hover over each circle to see the sewer service area (SSA) name and expected population growth from 2010 to 2040.
• Zoom in to the map to explore the current SSA boundaries

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Projected Population by Decade

• Hover over each bar to see sewer service area (SSA), projected population, and growth since 2010
• The population living outside SSA's is more dispersed and rural that the populations inside SSA's
• The Central SSA, shown in red, is home to the majority of the region's population.