CountyScore

Burnett County

Wisconsin · WI

#3 in Wisconsin
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Burnett County, Wisconsin

Burnett well above national median

Burnett County's composite score of 71.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it in America's top livability tier. This strong national ranking reflects exceptional tax advantage and housing affordability.

Top-tier Wisconsin county

At 71.1, Burnett County ranks above Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, positioning it among the state's most livable counties. This represents a meaningful quality-of-life advantage across Wisconsin's county landscape.

Tax advantage and affordable housing

Burnett County leads with an effective tax rate of just 0.952%—the lowest of all eight counties examined—combined with a Tax Score of 75.5. Housing affordability remains strong with a Cost Score of 82.5 and median rent of only $758 per month, making it Wisconsin's most tax-friendly, budget-conscious option.

Lower incomes limit household capacity

The median household income of $61,664 yields an Income Score of 23.6, among the lowest in this group and constraining purchasing power. School and safety data remain unavailable, preventing full livability assessment.

Ideal for retirees and budget seekers

Burnett County is a retiree paradise and first-time homebuyer refuge—combining Wisconsin's best tax rates and housing affordability for those on modest or fixed incomes. It suits anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and tax savings over high wages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.5Cost82.5SafetyComing SoonHealth74.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.6Risk50.7WaterComing Soon
🏛75.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡50.7
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 Burnett County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
North Slope Borough
Alaska
71.1
Median income: $86,313

Deep Dives

Burnett County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Burnett County

via TaxByCounty

Burnett has the region's lowest tax rate

Burnett County's exceptional 0.952% effective tax rate ranks in the 10th percentile nationally, among the lowest in America. The median tax of $2,052 falls $638 below the national median, an extraordinary bargain given Burnett's median home value of $215,500.

Burnett ranks as Wisconsin's most tax-efficient county

At 0.952%, Burnett claims the lowest effective tax rate among Wisconsin's 72 counties, running 0.484 percentage points below the state average of 1.436%. The median tax of $2,052 is a stunning $1,029 below Wisconsin's median of $3,081.

Unmatched savings compared to surrounding counties

Burnett's 0.952% rate dwarfs every regional neighbor—Bayfield (1.066%), Adams (1.299%), Barron (1.424%), Ashland (1.467%), and beyond. For homeowners seeking maximum tax efficiency in Wisconsin, Burnett is unrivaled.

A $215,500 home costs just $2,052 yearly

The median Burnett County home valued at $215,500 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $2,052. With mortgage, that rises slightly to $2,070; without, it drops to $2,033.

Protect your savings with regular assessments

While Burnett offers exceptional tax rates, overassessed properties can still occur. Review your assessed value annually and file a free appeal with your assessor if it diverges from comparable properties in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Burnett County

via CostByCounty

Burnett County achieves near-perfect affordability

Burnett County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, representing ideal rental affordability. Despite a median household income of $61,664—below the national median of $74,755—the county's low $758 monthly rent maximizes purchasing power.

Right on Wisconsin's affordability baseline

Burnett County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio is nearly identical to the state average of 14.9%, placing it firmly in the middle of Wisconsin's rental affordability spectrum. Its $758 monthly rent ranks among the lowest in this eight-county group.

Lowest rents, solid affordability ratio

Burnett County's $758 monthly rent is the second-lowest in the comparison (after Ashland's $665) and carries the second-best rent-to-income ratio at 14.8%. Median home values of $215,500 sit between northern rural counties and higher-priced neighbors like Brown and Calumet.

Rents consume 15% of household income

Burnett County renters earning $61,664 annually spend $758/month—14.8% of gross income—on rent, a sustainable burden that leaves room for other costs. Homeowners invest $814/month on $215,500 median-valued properties, the lowest ownership cost in this comparison.

Exceptional value for budget-conscious movers

Burnett County delivers some of Wisconsin's lowest rents and ownership costs combined with a favorable rent-to-income ratio, ideal for cost-conscious households. If you're relocating and prioritize housing affordability alongside community, Burnett's lake-country setting and economic efficiency make it a top contender.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Burnett County

via IncomeByCounty

Burnett falls short of national income standard

Burnett County's median household income of $61,664 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $13,091, representing an 18% gap. This moderate shortfall is typical for rural Wisconsin counties with limited high-wage employment centers.

Burnett below Wisconsin income average

At $61,664, Burnett County earns $10,051 less than Wisconsin's median of $71,715, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. Burnett's rural character and limited manufacturing base constrain local wage growth relative to urban-anchored regions.

Burnett middle-ranking among northern counties

Burnett's $61,664 median income outpaces Adams ($59,153) and Ashland ($57,645) but underperforms Barron ($64,619), Buffalo ($68,722), and Bayfield ($69,609). This positioning reflects Burnett's small-town economy—neither the most challenged nor the most prosperous.

Burnett's housing costs stay manageable

Burnett's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% sits safely below the 15% affordability threshold, meaning housing absorbs a reasonable share of household budgets. The median home value of $215,500 represents 3.5 years of median household income—slightly above regional average.

Burnett residents can build gradual wealth

With $61,664 median income and manageable housing costs at 14.8%, Burnett households have capacity for steady retirement and education savings. Even modest monthly investing of $200 compounds to over $120,000 over three decades at historical market growth rates.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Burnett County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy surpasses national average

Burnett County residents live to 79.2 years on average, exceeding the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 78 years. However, 18.1% report poor or fair health—above national averages—suggesting underlying health challenges despite longevity gains.

Above state average but with health concerns

At 79.2 years, Burnett County's life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by 1.4 years, yet the 18.1% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's highest. This gap suggests residents are living longer but managing chronic conditions.

Mixed performance in north woods region

Burnett's 79.2-year life expectancy falls between stronger-performing Bayfield (79.4) and weaker Ashland (74.0), but its 18.1% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the northern peer group. The county shows longevity gains offset by substantial illness burden.

Sparse provider network challenges access

Burnett County has just 18 primary care providers and 111 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—both well below state averages. A 7.5% uninsured rate compounds these access barriers, leaving many residents without consistent healthcare partnerships.

Secure healthcare protection

7.5% of Burnett County residents lack health insurance in an area with limited provider availability. Enroll in BadgerCare+ or marketplace coverage to ensure you have access to the care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Burnett County

via RiskByCounty

Burnett County moderately below state risk

Burnett County scores 49.33 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This northwestern Wisconsin county experiences less natural disaster exposure than most peers, though some hazards warrant attention.

Lower-middle risk among state counties

Burnett County's 49.33 score ranks it in the lower half of Wisconsin's risk distribution, comfortably below the state average of 59.08. The county benefits from a less hazardous profile than many Wisconsin counterparts.

Safer than Adams, riskier than Ashland

Burnett County's 49.33 score ranks it below neighboring Adams County (70.90) and Barron County (68.64), but above Ashland County (31.68). Its risk profile places it in the moderate tier of northwestern Wisconsin counties.

Wildfire emerges as unique threat

Burnett County's wildfire risk of 68.77 ranks exceptionally high—among Wisconsin's most fire-prone areas—paired with moderate flood risk of 55.47. Tornado risk (46.69) adds secondary exposure, while earthquake and hurricane threats remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire and flood coverage

Burnett County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage and consider additional coverage for areas near forests or grasslands prone to seasonal fire. Flood insurance through the NFIP should also be evaluated, particularly for properties in mapped floodplains or low-lying areas.

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.