countyscore
58.6
County Score
Schools 83.2Health 78.7Soil Quality 67.4

County Report Card

About Bayfield County, Wisconsin

Top-Tier National Performance

Bayfield County earns a strong composite score of 58.6, placing it well above the 50.0 national median. This high score indicates a quality of life that exceeds the vast majority of U.S. counties. It stands out as a high-performing rural destination.

A Wisconsin Leader in Livability

Surpassing the state average of 50.3 by a wide margin, Bayfield is a standout in Wisconsin. Its score of 58.6 reflects exceptional performance in education and community health. It remains one of the most desirable counties in the northern part of the state.

Elite Schools and High Incomes

Bayfield boasts a remarkable school score of 83.2 and a health score of 78.7. The income score of 65.3 is supported by a median household income of $69,609. These factors create a robust environment for both professional and family life.

Water Infrastructure and Taxes

The county’s tax score of 33.3 and water score of 34.3 are its primary areas for improvement. While the effective tax rate is lower than some neighbors at 1.066%, utility infrastructure lags behind its high educational scores. These issues remain the only major drags on an otherwise stellar profile.

Ideal for Education-First Families

This county is a premier choice for families who prioritize top-notch schools and excellent health outcomes. It attracts high-earning residents who appreciate a $228,100 median home value. Bayfield suits those who want a high-performing community without the stressors of a major city.

2040608010033.353.351.378.783.265.364.934.349.5Tax33.3Cost53.3Safety51.3Health78.7Schools83.2Income65.3Risk64.9Water34.3Weather49.558.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Bayfield County DNA

Foverall

How Bayfield County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bayfield County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (83.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (34.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.3-18.700000000000003
Cost
53.3
Safety
51.3
Health
78.7+28.700000000000003
Schools
83.2+29.200000000000003
Income
65.3+14.299999999999997
Risk
64.9+17.900000000000006
Water
34.3-23.700000000000003
Weather
49.5
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Many homeowners in Bayfield County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$228,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$789/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$228,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,609/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Stewart County
Georgia
Median income: $35,000
58.6
Hancock County
Illinois
Median income: $65,044
58.6
Bremer County
Iowa
Median income: $83,343
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Madison County
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Median income: $89,542
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Monroe County
Missouri
Median income: $48,299
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De Baca County
New Mexico
Median income: $40,804
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Wyoming County
New York
Median income: $68,913
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Somerset County
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Median income: $59,378
58.6

Nearby counties

Ashland County
Wisconsin
37.6
Douglas County
Wisconsin
40
Iron County
Wisconsin
65.4
Sawyer County
Wisconsin
48.6
Gogebic County
Michigan
55.5
Washburn County
Wisconsin
58.2
Lake County
Minnesota
65.4
Carlton County
Minnesota
49.8

Deep Dives

Bayfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bayfield County

via TaxByCounty

Bayfield has the lowest property taxes regionally

Bayfield County's effective tax rate of 1.066% ranks in the 20th percentile nationally, well below the median U.S. rate. The median tax of $2,432 falls $258 short of the national median, despite Bayfield having a higher median home value of $228,100.

Bayfield ranks among Wisconsin's lowest-tax counties

At 1.066%, Bayfield claims one of Wisconsin's lowest effective tax rates, running well below the state average of 1.436% and ranking in the bottom quarter of the state's 72 counties. The median tax of $2,432 is $649 below Wisconsin's median.

Second only to Burnett in the region

Bayfield's 1.066% rate beats Ashland (1.467%), Adams (1.299%), and Barron (1.424%), trailing only regional champion Burnett (0.952%). This makes Bayfield one of the most tax-efficient counties in northwestern Wisconsin.

A $228,100 home costs about $2,432 yearly

The median Bayfield County home valued at $228,100 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $2,432. With mortgage, that rises to $2,495; without, it dips to $2,367.

Even low-tax counties benefit from assessments review

While Bayfield's rates are already favorable, overassessed properties still exist. A free tax appeal to your local assessor can identify and correct inflated valuations, stretching your tax savings further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bayfield County

via CostByCounty

Bayfield County balances income and rents

Bayfield County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Wisconsin's 14.9% state average and approaches ideal affordability benchmarks, supported by a relatively strong median household income of $69,609. Monthly rents of $789 remain modest for the income level.

Above-average incomes, below-average rent burden

Bayfield County ranks well statewide with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio, second-best in this eight-county comparison. The county's $69,609 median income exceeds the state and national medians, making housing costs feel lighter.

Higher home values, best rent-to-income ratio

Bayfield County's $789 monthly rent matches Adams County, but its 13.6% rent-to-income ratio is superior thanks to higher household income. Median home values of $228,100 significantly exceed northern neighbors like Ashland ($160,500), reflecting stronger local demand.

Housing takes 14% of household income

Bayfield County renters spend just 13.6% of their $69,609 household income on $789 monthly rent—nearly optimal affordability. Homeowners with $898/month ownership costs and $228,100 home values enjoy stable equity building with manageable payments.

Best balance: income, rent, home value

Bayfield County combines strong median incomes with low rent-to-income ratios and appreciating home values, making it ideal for households valuing affordability and stability. If you're considering a move to rural Wisconsin, Bayfield's balanced fundamentals offer an attractive entry point.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bayfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Bayfield nearly matches U.S. income median

Bayfield County's median household income of $69,609 sits just $5,146 below the national median of $74,755—a remarkable achievement for a rural Wisconsin county. This near-parity shows Bayfield's stronger economic base relative to most northern Wisconsin peers.

Bayfield exceeds Wisconsin average income

At $69,609, Bayfield falls slightly below Wisconsin's median of $71,715 by $2,106—virtually equal to the state standard. Bayfield's performance ranks it among Wisconsin's stronger rural counties, driven by tourism, forestry, and professional services.

Bayfield leads northern Wisconsin income race

Bayfield's $69,609 outearns every neighboring county in this cohort except Brown ($77,490), including Adams ($59,153), Ashland ($57,645), and Barron ($64,619). Its per capita income of $40,846 ranks second-highest among these eight counties, reflecting stronger middle-class job markets.

Bayfield balances income and housing costs well

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.6%, Bayfield offers strong housing affordability for its $69,609 median household income. The median home value of $228,100 represents just 3.3 years of median income, comparable to state standards.

Bayfield's income enables aggressive saving

Bayfield's $69,609 median income and 13.6% housing ratio leave substantial room for retirement contributions, education funding, and investment portfolio building. Residents capturing just $250 monthly in long-term investments could accumulate over $130,000 by retirement age.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bayfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet and Secure Bayfield

Bayfield County earns a strong 98.3 safety score, reflecting its secure rural character. The total crime rate of 1097.9 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Wisconsin Standard

The county perfectly matches the Wisconsin state average safety score of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 1097.9 aligns almost exactly with the state average of 1103.1.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

Bayfield is significantly safer than neighboring Ashland County, which reports 2269.2 crimes per 100K. It sits in a middle ground compared to the ultra-low crime seen in Barron County.

Minimal Violent Crime Risks

Violent crime is kept low at 178.9 per 100K, while property crime is slightly more common at 919.0. Personal safety remains high while theft stays relatively infrequent.

Keep Your Home Protected

Maintaining a safe home starts with basic awareness and property boundaries. Using alarm systems or community watch programs helps sustain the county’s peaceful reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bayfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Investment in Northern Rural Schools

Bayfield County maintains 12 schools across five districts for a student population of 1,651. The infrastructure is evenly split among five elementary, three middle, and four high schools.

Leading the State in Performance Metrics

The county achieves a 93.0% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 63.0. Expenditure is high at $10,665 per pupil, significantly outpacing the state average of $8,113.

Spotlight on Maple and Bayfield Districts

Maple School District is the largest by enrollment with 1,295 students, while Bayfield School District manages four campuses. There are currently no charter schools, keeping the focus on traditional community schools.

Small, Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average enrollment of only 138 students. Washburn Elementary is the largest school with 319 students, while Bayfield High serves just 116.

Relocate Near Top-Performing Rural Schools

Bayfield County offers some of the highest per-pupil investment and school scores in the region. Look for homes in the Washburn or Bayfield districts to secure a high-quality education for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bayfield County

via RiskByCounty

Bayfield County remains very safe

Bayfield County scores 35.08 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the Very Low category and well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This Lake Superior-adjacent county enjoys substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

Among safest Wisconsin counties

Bayfield County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Wisconsin, with a score of 35.08 that sits comfortably below the state average of 59.08. Only a few Wisconsin counties demonstrate comparably favorable natural disaster risk profiles.

Safer than most regional peers

Bayfield County's 35.08 score ranks it safer than neighboring Adams (70.90) and Barron (68.64), though slightly higher risk than Ashland County (31.68). Among its Lake Superior region peers, Bayfield maintains one of the more protective geographic positions.

Flooding remains minimal concern

Bayfield County's flood risk of 33.46 represents its highest natural disaster exposure, though even this remains moderate compared to state averages. Tornado, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score in the low range, with zero hurricane threat.

Basic homeowners insurance suffices

Bayfield County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most property protection needs given the county's low overall risk profile. Those in mapped floodplains should still carry flood insurance, but the vast majority of properties face minimal catastrophic risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bayfield County

via WaterByCounty

Bayfield Maintains Low Violation Rates

Despite receiving a grade of F, Bayfield County recorded only two health violations over five years. The violation rate of 49.2 per 100,000 residents remains well below the Wisconsin average of 76.3. Most residents receive water that meets federal health-based standards.

Vast Watersheds Show Minimal Impairment

Bayfield County boasts 1,313 assessed water bodies, but only 1.3% are classified as impaired. This is one of the lowest impairment rates in the state compared to the 7.6% average. Key pollutants identified in the 2022 cycle include phosphorus and mercury.

High Monitoring Density with 245,000 Results

The county features an extensive monitoring network of 190 sites that generated 245,414 results in five years. This high volume of data focuses heavily on microbiological, nutrient, and physical groups. This rigorous oversight provides a clear picture of the county's pristine water resources.

Namekagon River Flows Above Mean

The Namekagon River at Leonards is currently discharging 160 cubic feet per second. This represents 120% of its typical long-term mean flow for this period. Healthy discharge levels support the county's high-quality aquatic ecosystems across its 126 square mile drainage area.

Maintain High Standards for Clean Water

Bayfield's water quality is generally excellent, but residents should still be aware of mercury in fish and occasional phosphorus issues. High monitoring activity means data is readily available for those concerned about specific microbiological risks. Protect your water by continuing to limit development near sensitive shorelines.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bayfield County

via WeatherByCounty

Defined by Severe Northern Winters

Bayfield County averages 41.1°F annually, which is nearly 13 degrees cooler than the national median. This northern territory is known for its intense winter patterns and lake-moderated summers.

A Cold Spot in the State

The county's average temperature of 41.1°F sits more than 3 degrees below the Wisconsin state average. It is consistently one of the coldest counties in the entire state of Wisconsin.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

Bayfield receives over 90 inches of snow annually, outpacing neighboring Ashland County’s 88 inches. It is also wetter than Burnett County, receiving nearly 2 inches more precipitation per year.

Wisconsin's Epic Snow Destination

Winter is the dominant season, bringing over 90 inches of snow and a 13.0°F January average. Summer offers a brief reprieve with only 3 days per year exceeding 90°F.

Mastering the Art of Snow

Living here requires serious snow removal equipment and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Residents should plan for long winters where the average temperature remains just 16.4°F from December through February.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bayfield County

via SoilByCounty

The Deeply Acidic Bayfield Profile

The soil in Bayfield County is quite acidic with a pH of 4.85, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This aligns with many northern Wisconsin counties that sit well below the state average pH of 5.63.

A Sandy and Silty Blend

Bayfield's soil consists of 39.4% sand and 19.9% silt, but a low 6.7% clay. This composition suggests a soil that is easy to work and dig but may lack some structural strength.

High Organic Matter and Water

This county boasts a massive 28.14% organic matter content, more than double the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.273 in/in is also well above the state average, providing an excellent buffer against dry spells.

Excellent Moisture Management

While official drainage classes are not provided, the high organic matter acts like a sponge for the county's water. This makes the land very resilient for gardening, even during erratic weather patterns.

Resilient Gardens in Zone 4b

The rich organic soil in Zone 4b is a dream for growing berries, greens, and hardy northern shrubs. Start a garden here to take full advantage of this high-capacity northern soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bayfield County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Hardships for Local Lawns

Bayfield County's lawn difficulty score of 46.5 reflects the challenges of gardening in the far north. Falling below the national average of 50.0, this Zone 4b county requires a dedicated approach to overcome its short growing season. Homeowners must work harder than the average Wisconsinite to achieve a lush, green carpet.

Cool Summers and Ample Moisture

The county receives 33.7 inches of rain annually, which is nearly ideal for lawn maintenance without excessive irrigation. However, the low 1,766 growing degree days mean that grass grows more slowly here than in southern counties. Extreme heat is rare, with only 3 days hitting 90°F, allowing cool-season grasses to stay green longer in the summer.

Addressing High Soil Acidity

Bayfield's soil pH sits at a low 4.85, significantly below the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by common turfgrasses. This acidic environment, paired with a 39.4% sand content, can make nutrient uptake difficult for the grass. Testing your soil and adding lime is essential to unlocking the effectiveness of any fertilizers you apply.

Persistent Dryness in the North

Every acre of Bayfield County is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 28 weeks of drought over the last year. These conditions can cause grass to go dormant early if it is not supplemented with water. To save water, allow the grass to grow taller, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation.

Navigating the Late Frost Dates

In Zone 4b, seeding is best done after the late spring frost on May 20 to ensure young shoots aren't killed by a sudden freeze. Fine fescues are particularly well-suited to the cooler, shaded environments common in this northern region. Your growing window closes relatively quickly when the first fall frost arrives on October 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bayfield County's county score?
Bayfield County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 58.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bayfield County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Bayfield County ranks #7 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bayfield County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Bayfield County is $2,432, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Bayfield County a tax score of 33.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bayfield County?
The median household income in Bayfield County, Wisconsin is $69,609 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bayfield County earns an income score of 65.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bayfield County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Bayfield County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Bayfield County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bayfield County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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