CountyScore

Brown County

Wisconsin · WI

#61 in Wisconsin
62.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Brown County, Wisconsin

Brown exceeds national average

Brown County's composite score of 62.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 25%, placing it solidly above average among U.S. counties. This reflects strong income fundamentals and exceptional health outcomes despite affordability constraints.

Below Wisconsin's typical county

At 62.3, Brown County falls below Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. This indicates a county with livability challenges relative to most Wisconsin peers.

Income and health lead the way

Brown County's median household income of $77,490 produces the highest Income Score (34.0) among these eight counties, reflecting robust earning potential. Health scores reach 77.2, and an exceptional Risk Score of 10.0 signals minimal environmental hazards or disaster vulnerability.

Affordability gaps are stark

Housing becomes a pinch point: median rent hits $973 per month (Cost Score 72.1) and median home values reach $245,900, significantly straining affordability. The effective tax rate of 1.461% adds burden, reducing after-tax household wealth despite strong nominal incomes.

Best for established professional families

Brown County suits higher-earning professionals and established families who can absorb premium housing costs in exchange for strong incomes, health care, and environmental safety. It's Green Bay's surrounding county for those with solid financial foundations.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.2Cost72.1SafetyComing SoonHealth77.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome34Risk10WaterComing Soon
🏛61.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10
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 Brown County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boulder County
Colorado
62.3
Median income: $102,772
Hardee County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $54,231
Martin County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $80,701
Okaloosa County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $79,097
Cumberland County
Maine
62.3
Median income: $92,983

Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brown County

via TaxByCounty

Brown County taxes exceed national median significantly

Brown County's effective tax rate of 1.461% sits near the 55th percentile nationally, slightly above the median U.S. rate. The median tax of $3,593 towers $903 above the national median, driven by Brown's higher median home value of $245,900.

Brown ranks among Wisconsin's higher-tax counties

At 1.461%, Brown's effective rate nudges above Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. The median tax of $3,593 is $512 above Wisconsin's median of $3,081.

Higher-tax option in the northeast region

Brown County's 1.461% rate exceeds nearby Calumet (1.519%) slightly and runs well above Bayfield (1.066%), Burnett (0.952%), and Adams (1.299%). Brown's larger home values drive tax bills higher than most surrounding counties.

A $245,900 home costs about $3,593 yearly

The median Brown County home valued at $245,900 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $3,593. With mortgage, that climbs to $3,625; without, it drops to $3,532.

Appeal overassessments to reclaim tax dollars

Brown County homeowners with higher-value properties often face inflated assessments that fail to reflect market conditions. Filing a free tax appeal with your assessor can correct overvaluation and lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brown County

via CostByCounty

Brown County earns above-average income

Brown County's median household income of $77,490 exceeds both the national median of $74,755 and Wisconsin's state average, giving residents more purchasing power. However, the county's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the state average of 14.9%, reflecting its higher rents of $973/month.

Highest wages, elevated housing costs

Brown County ranks among Wisconsin's higher-income counties with $77,490 median household income, yet its 15.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average. The county's $973 monthly rent is the highest in this eight-county comparison, driven by stronger regional economic activity.

Most expensive county in the comparison

Brown County's $973 monthly rent and $245,900 median home value both exceed neighboring counties Ashland, Bayfield, and Burnett by substantial margins. Only Calumet County ($1,002 rent, $252,100 home value) rivals Brown's price levels, reflecting both counties' stronger urban economies.

Housing consumes 15% of household income

Brown County renters earning $77,490 annually spend $973/month—15.1% of gross income—on rent, while homeowners with $245,900 properties pay $1,231/month. Higher incomes offset the elevated housing costs, creating affordability despite price levels.

Urban amenities with manageable affordability

Brown County's strong median income of $77,490 supports its higher housing costs, making it accessible to relocated professionals and established households. If you're leaving a costlier region or seeking better wages alongside housing, Brown County's relative affordability and economic vitality warrant consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brown County

via IncomeByCounty

Brown County income exceeds U.S. standard

Brown County's median household income of $77,490 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $2,735, making it one of Wisconsin's stronger-earning counties. This above-average standing reflects Green Bay's diversified manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services economy.

Brown ranks among Wisconsin's income leaders

At $77,490, Brown County outearns Wisconsin's median of $71,715 by $5,775, placing it decisively in the state's upper income tier. Among Wisconsin's 72 counties, Brown's performance ranks it in the top quartile—driven primarily by Green Bay's strong employment base.

Brown significantly outearns regional peers

Brown County's $77,490 income far exceeds every county in this comparison set, surpassing Calumet ($87,700) only remains unsurpassed. Even strong performers like Bayfield ($69,609) and Buffalo ($68,722) fall $8,000–$9,000 behind Brown's median household income.

Brown balances strong income with affordability

Brown's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits at the affordability comfort zone, meaning housing costs remain manageable despite higher incomes. The median home value of $245,900 represents just 3.2 years of median household income, offering solid equity-building potential.

Brown County households can maximize wealth

With above-average income of $77,490 and favorable housing ratios, Brown County residents can aggressively pursue wealth building through maxed 401(k) contributions, taxable investment accounts, and home equity acceleration. Capturing just 15% of household income for investments could generate substantial multi-generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Brown County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy exceeds U.S. average

Brown County residents live to 78.7 years on average, nearly a full year longer than the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 78 years. With 15.3% reporting poor or fair health—below national averages—the county demonstrates above-average population health.

Above Wisconsin's health average

At 78.7 years, Brown County's life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by nearly a year, ranking it among the state's stronger performers. The 15.3% poor/fair health rate reinforces this advantage, placing the county solidly in the upper tier statewide.

Outpaces adjacent counties

Brown County's 78.7-year life expectancy and 15.3% poor/fair health rate both outperform neighboring Door, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties. As Wisconsin's fourth-largest county, this urban advantage helps deliver better health outcomes.

Solid access drives positive outcomes

Brown County offers 69 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 262 mental health providers—both above state averages. With a 6.6% uninsured rate below the state average of 7%, most residents have healthcare access, supporting the county's strong life expectancy.

Keep your coverage strong

6.6% of Brown County residents remain uninsured, slightly below the state average. Ensure your family is covered by exploring BadgerCare+, marketplace plans, and employer options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brown County

via RiskByCounty

Brown County faces highest state risk

Brown County scores 90.04 on the composite risk scale, ranking it in the Relatively Moderate category and far above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This Green Bay–area county faces the most comprehensive natural disaster exposure of any Wisconsin county measured.

Wisconsin's riskiest county by far

Brown County ranks as the highest-risk county in Wisconsin with a composite score of 90.04, dramatically exceeding the state average of 59.08. No other Wisconsin county faces comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Brown County's 90.04 score far exceeds neighboring Calumet County (30.18) and most other regional peers, reflecting its unique geographic and demographic vulnerabilities. This stark difference highlights Brown County's exceptional risk profile within eastern Wisconsin.

Tornadoes and floods dominate threats

Brown County faces exceptional tornado risk at 93.42 and extreme flood risk at 91.86—among the highest in the nation for both hazards. Earthquake risk (35.34) and hurricane risk (26.12) add secondary but notable threats across the county.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Brown County residents must carry robust homeowners insurance with explicit tornado and flood coverage, plus consider a separate flood insurance policy through the NFIP. Given the county's multifaceted risk exposure, consulting with an insurance professional about earthquake and hurricane coverage is also prudent.

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.