CountyScore

Ashland County

Wisconsin · WI

#20 in Wisconsin
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Ashland County, Wisconsin

Ashland ranks well nationally

Ashland County's composite score of 67.7 exceeds the national median by 35%, placing it comfortably in America's upper livability tier. This strong showing reflects a county that delivers on affordability and environmental resilience.

Slightly above Wisconsin average

Ashland's score of 67.7 nudges above Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, ranking it in the upper third of Wisconsin counties. It represents a county slightly more livable than its neighbors across the state.

Risk resilience and housing affordability

Ashland County stands out with a Risk Score of 68.3—far above the county's overall score—indicating strong environmental and hazard resilience. Housing affordability remains exceptional with a Cost Score of 83.3 and median rent of just $665 per month, among Wisconsin's lowest.

Income growth lags behind

The county's median household income of $57,645 generates an Income Score of only 21.0, placing it among Wisconsin's lower-earning communities. Tax rates at 1.467% are moderately higher than some peers, reducing take-home income further.

Rural retreat for the resilient

Ashland County appeals to remote workers, early retirees, and families seeking a safe, affordable northern Wisconsin base with strong environmental protections. It's ideal for those who don't rely on high local wages and value natural stability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax61Cost83.3SafetyComing SoonHealth69.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome21Risk68.3WaterComing Soon
🏛61
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡68.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Ashland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lee County
Alabama
67.7
Median income: $61,123
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
67.7
Median income: $100,513
Bacon County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $50,310
Lee County
Georgia
67.7
Median income: $88,024
Clark County
Illinois
67.7
Median income: $70,625

Deep Dives

Ashland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ashland County

via TaxByCounty

Ashland's tax rate sits just below national median

Ashland County's effective rate of 1.467% places it around the 48th percentile nationally, nearly matching the median U.S. rate. The median tax of $2,354 runs $336 below the national median, reflecting Ashland's smaller median home value of $160,500.

Ashland ranks slightly above Wisconsin average

At 1.467%, Ashland's effective rate edges above Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 72 counties. The median tax of $2,354 falls $727 below Wisconsin's median of $3,081.

Higher than Adams, lower than Barron

Ashland's 1.467% rate sits between Adams County (1.299%) to the south and Barron (1.424%) to the east, positioning it as a moderate-tax option in north-central Wisconsin. The rate is notably higher than regional leader Burnett (0.952%).

A $160,500 home costs about $2,350 yearly

The median Ashland County home valued at $160,500 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $2,354. With mortgage, that rises to $2,547; without, it drops to $2,063.

Challenge assessments that don't match market value

Wisconsin allows homeowners to appeal property assessments each year at no cost. If your assessed value diverges from comparable sales prices, an appeal could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ashland County

via CostByCounty

Ashland County leads on rental affordability

Ashland County residents enjoy a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, beating both the national standard and Wisconsin's 14.9% state average. The county's median household income of $57,645 is lower than the national median of $74,755, yet affordable rents at $665/month cushion that gap.

Among Wisconsin's most affordable counties

Ashland County ranks favorably statewide with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, comfortably below the state average of 14.9%. Its median rent of $665 is the lowest among the eight comparison counties, offering genuine affordability relief for renters.

Cheapest rents in the northern group

Ashland County's $665 monthly rent undercuts all comparable counties, including nearby Bayfield ($789) and Burnett ($758), reflecting its lower regional housing demand. Despite lower incomes, Ashland's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio is the best among its peers.

Rents consume just 14% of income

Ashland County renters spend $665 monthly—only 13.8% of the $57,645 median household income—leaving substantial room in household budgets. Homeowners face higher relative costs at $872/month, though median home values of $160,500 remain among the county's lowest in this group.

Best rental value in northern Wisconsin

Ashland County delivers the strongest rent-to-income ratio in this comparison, ideal for renters prioritizing affordability in a rural setting. If lower cost of living appeals to you more than wage premiums, Ashland's combination of cheap rents and manageable home values merits serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ashland County

via IncomeByCounty

Ashland income trails U.S. average significantly

Ashland County's median household income of $57,645 lags the national median of $74,755 by $17,110, representing a 23% gap. This positions Ashland among lower-income counties nationally, reflecting a rural economy with limited high-wage employment sectors.

Ashland ranks near the Wisconsin bottom

At $57,645, Ashland County trails Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $14,070. This places Ashland in Wisconsin's lowest quartile of counties by income, alongside other rural northern counties with limited urban centers.

Ashland earns less than most northern peers

Ashland's $57,645 median income ranks lowest among its northern Wisconsin neighbors, trailing Adams County ($59,153) and significantly behind Bayfield ($69,609) and Burnett ($61,664). The income gap reflects Ashland's more tourism-dependent economy versus manufacturing neighbors.

Ashland enjoys strong housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.8%—among Wisconsin's best—Ashland offers genuine housing relief for residents earning $57,645 annually. The median home value of $160,500 represents just 2.8 years of household income, creating accessible homeownership opportunities.

Leverage Ashland's affordable base to invest

Ashland's low housing costs (13.8% of income) free up capital for retirement accounts, education savings, and wealth-building investments unavailable to residents in higher-cost areas. Even $100 monthly into a diversified portfolio can grow to $40,000+ over 20 years at historical market returns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ashland County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Ashland County residents live to 74.0 years on average—roughly 4 years shorter than the national life expectancy of 78 years. With nearly 1 in 5 adults (19.3%) reporting poor or fair health, the county faces steeper health challenges than most U.S. communities.

Lowest life expectancy in Wisconsin

At 74.0 years, Ashland County has the lowest life expectancy in the state, falling 3.8 years below Wisconsin's 77.8-year average. The 19.3% poor/fair health rate is also among the highest statewide, signaling urgent need for health interventions.

Significant health gap with surrounding counties

Ashland's 74.0-year life expectancy trails neighboring Bayfield and Burnett counties by 5+ years despite having exceptional provider access. This gap suggests factors beyond provider availability—such as socioeconomic conditions or healthcare-seeking behaviors—are driving poor outcomes.

Excellent providers, but barriers remain

Ashland County boasts 174 primary care providers and 411 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding state averages and among the best in Wisconsin. Yet a 7.4% uninsured rate and low life expectancy suggest access barriers and underlying social determinants are limiting care's impact.

Connect with coverage and support

7.4% of Ashland County residents lack insurance despite strong local healthcare capacity. Check BadgerCare+, marketplace plans, and tribal health programs—many Ashland residents qualify for affordable or free coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ashland County

via RiskByCounty

Ashland County sits in safest tier

Ashland County's composite risk score of 31.68 ranks it in the Very Low category—less than half the state average of 59.08 and well below national norms. This northern Wisconsin county enjoys one of the most favorable natural disaster risk profiles in the region.

Among Wisconsin's safest counties

Ashland County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Wisconsin, with a score of 31.68 that sits well below the state average of 59.08. Few Wisconsin counties face substantially less natural disaster exposure than Ashland.

Exceptionally safe for the region

Ashland County's 31.68 score ranks it safer than most neighboring counties, particularly compared to Adams County (70.90) and Barron County (68.64). Only Bayfield County (35.08) among its regional peers comes close to matching Ashland's favorable risk position.

Flooding poses the primary concern

Ashland County's flood risk of 28.24 represents its most significant natural disaster exposure, though even this remains well below state averages. Tornado, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score substantially lower, with minimal hurricane threat at 0.00.

Standard coverage meets protection needs

Ashland County residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance with modest flood protection considerations. The county's low overall risk profile means insurance needs are straightforward, though property owners in flood-prone areas should still verify their coverage limits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.