countyscore
44.1
County Score
Health 81.4Income & Jobs 80.8Soil Quality 80.5

County Report Card

About Brown County, Wisconsin

Brown County Trails National Median

Brown County’s composite score of 44.1 falls below the national median of 50.0. Despite its status as an economic hub, environmental and cost factors suppress its overall national ranking. It sits in the lower half of counties nationwide for total livability.

Below the Wisconsin Average

The county’s score of 44.1 is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. While it offers high incomes, other dimensions like safety and risk bring down the regional average. This ranking may surprise those who view the Green Bay area as a top-tier state destination.

High Earnings and Elite Health

Brown County excels with a health score of 81.4 and an income score of 80.8. The median household income is a strong $77,490, providing significant purchasing power. These strengths make it a primary destination for health-conscious professionals.

High Risk and Low Affordability

A very low risk score of 10.0 indicates significant vulnerability to environmental or economic volatility. Housing is also less affordable than in neighboring areas, with a cost score of 24.0 and median rent at $973. Tax scores remain low at 14.8 due to a 1.461% effective rate.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Brown County is best suited for career-oriented individuals who can leverage the high $77,490 median income. It appeals to those who prioritize medical access and income growth over low housing costs. It is a solid choice for people who want urban economic opportunities with strong healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax14.8Cost24Safety36.8Health81.4Schools64.3Income80.8Risk10Water62.3Weather52.4
🏛14.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡36.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Kewaunee County
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58.6
Outagamie County
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Manitowoc County
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52.7
Oconto County
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Calumet County
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Shawano County
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Deep Dives

Brown County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Brown County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety for a Hub County

Brown County presents a solid safety profile with a score of 97.7. Its crime rate of 1464.2 per 100K is roughly 40% lower than the national average.

Close to State Safety Averages

Brown County has a higher crime rate than the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. Eight reporting agencies work to keep the safety score near the state average of 98.3.

Safety in the Local Region

Brown County reports more activity than rural Buffalo County but remains much safer than Calumet County. It serves as a relatively safe hub compared to more volatile Wisconsin regions.

Property Crime is the Primary Focus

Property crime accounts for 1232.1 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 232.1 per 100K. This reflects a typical urban-suburban mix where theft is the main law enforcement concern.

Smart Security for Peace of Mind

Home security remains a priority for residents in this active county. Modern surveillance and secure entry points are effective tools for deterring local property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Brown County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Education for a Growing Population

Brown County manages 86 public schools across 10 districts, serving a massive population of 42,312 students. This extensive system includes 48 elementary, 14 middle, and 16 high schools.

Reliable Results in a Major Metro

The county reports a strong 92.6% graduation rate, beating both state and national averages. Despite its large size, the county maintains a 56.3 school score with $7,662 in per-pupil spending.

Green Bay Area Public Schools Dominate

The Green Bay Area Public School District is the largest by far, serving 18,922 students across 44 schools. Five charter schools offer specialized options, representing about 6% of the county's total schools.

Dynamic Urban and Suburban Campus Mix

Schools are primarily located in city and suburban settings, with an average size of 498 students. Preble High is the largest school in the county, enrolling 2,125 students in an urban environment.

Find Your Family Home in Green Bay

Brown County offers diverse educational environments from large urban high schools to quiet suburban elementary campuses. Use district performance data to find the perfect neighborhood for your home-buying journey.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Brown County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures for the Midwest

Brown County averages 45.0°F annually, which is roughly 9 degrees cooler than the national median. This climate is typical for the Great Lakes region, featuring cold winters and warm summers.

Slightly Above the State Average

At 45.0°F, Brown County is slightly warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. The county benefits from some proximity to Green Bay, which can slightly moderate local temperatures.

Comparable to Neighboring Calumet

Brown County's climate closely mirrors Calumet County, though it is about half a degree cooler on average. It is significantly drier than Buffalo County, receiving about 5 inches less annual precipitation.

Consistent Cold and Gentle Summers

The county sees 56.5 inches of snowfall and maintains a January average of 17.5°F. Summer heat is rarely oppressive, with only 5 days per year reaching 90°F or more.

A Balanced Approach to Home Comfort

With 56.5 inches of snow, residents should maintain reliable snow removal tools. The 5 days of extreme heat mean standard air conditioning is usually sufficient for the summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brown County

via SoilByCounty

Brown County’s Rich Histosol Identity

Brown County features a pH of 6.46, which is nearly identical to the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. These are primarily Histosols, known for their dark, carbon-rich profiles.

A Heavy 'Muck' Composition

The dominant texture is classified as Muck, consisting of 42.3% sand and a substantial 15.0% clay. This higher clay percentage provides much better nutrient-holding capacity than the sandier northern counties.

Consistent Water for Crops

Organic matter is 5.53%, which is below the state average of 11.02% but more than double the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.192 in/in closely follows the state average, offering stable growing conditions.

Very Poorly Drained Lowlands

The soil is very poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group B/D, meaning a high water table is common. This makes drainage management a priority for builders and large-scale farmers alike.

Prime Growth in Zone 5b

The warmer Zone 5b climate and near-neutral pH allow for a huge variety of plants, from tomatoes to fruit trees. If you can manage the wetness, this is some of the most productive soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brown County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Potential in Brown County

With a lawn difficulty score of 68.3, Brown County offers one of the more hospitable environments for lawn care in Wisconsin. This score exceeds both the state average of 64.4 and the national benchmark of 50.0. As a Zone 5b county, the milder winters provide a slight advantage for turf survival over more northern peers.

Manageable Heat with Moderate Rain

The county sees 31.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is on the lower end of the ideal range but sufficient for most lawns. Only 5 days a year hit 90°F, meaning heat stress is less of a concern than in many other parts of the country. A robust 2,330 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for active turf growth during the season.

Fertile Muck Soil and Ideal pH

Brown County boasts a near-perfect soil pH of 6.46, sitting squarely in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass health. The soil is characterized as muck and is very poorly drained, which can lead to standing water during heavy rains. While nutrient levels are likely high, homeowners may need to address drainage issues or choose water-tolerant grass varieties.

Combatting Current Dry Conditions

The county has faced 22 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. This lack of moisture can be particularly tough on the local clay-rich and muck soils which can crack when dehydrated. Regular, deep watering is necessary right now to maintain lawn density and prevent weed encroachment.

Longer Seasons for Zone 5b

Being in Zone 5b allows for a wider variety of turf choices, including more resilient Kentucky Bluegrass blends. The spring frost typically clears by May 6, and the growing season stretches until October 11, offering plenty of time for establishment. This extended window makes Brown County an excellent place for both spring and late-summer seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown County's county score?
Brown County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 44.1 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 Brown County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Brown County ranks #59 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 Brown County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Brown County is $3,593, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Brown County a tax score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brown County?
The median household income in Brown County, Wisconsin is $77,490 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brown County earns an income score of 80.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brown County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Brown County scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Brown 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 Brown County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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