countyscore
39.2
County Score
Health 96.5Income & Jobs 90.7Soil Quality 72.8

County Report Card

About Calumet County, Wisconsin

Calumet Below the National Median

Calumet County’s composite score of 39.2 sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. While it has pockets of extreme strength, social and tax factors drag down its overall ranking. This score places it in the bottom third of counties nationwide.

Trailing Wisconsin Average Performance

With a 39.2 score, Calumet County lags behind the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. The county presents a polarized data profile, with elite economic metrics but very low safety and tax scores. It remains a statistical outlier within the state.

Elite Incomes and Health Outcomes

Calumet County boasts a world-class health score of 96.5 and a dominant income score of 90.7. The median household income is a high $87,700, making it one of the wealthiest counties in the region. Residents here enjoy exceptional financial and medical resources.

Severe Safety and Tax Issues

The county struggles with a critically low safety score of 5.7 and a tax score of 12.0. A high effective tax rate of 1.519% and high housing costs (cost score 22.1) create a high barrier to entry. These factors represent the primary challenges for local growth.

Best for Wealthy Professionals

This county is tailored for high earners who prioritize elite healthcare and high wages over local safety statistics. With a median income of $87,700, it caters to those who can afford high taxes and home values. It is a premier location for individuals focused on personal wealth and health.

Score breakdown

Tax12Cost22.1Safety5.7Health96.5Schools47.4Income90.7Risk69.8Water45.5Weather51.9
🏛12
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤96.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.9
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

Fond du Lac County
Wisconsin
47.8
Winnebago County
Wisconsin
45.9
Manitowoc County
Wisconsin
52.7
Sheboygan County
Wisconsin
49.4
Outagamie County
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Brown County
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Waupaca County
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Washington County
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Deep Dives

Calumet County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Calumet County

via TaxByCounty

Calumet has the region's highest tax rate

Calumet County's effective tax rate of 1.519% ranks near the 60th percentile nationally, above the median U.S. rate. The median tax of $3,830 towers $1,140 above the national median, driven by Calumet's higher median home value of $252,100.

Calumet ranks among Wisconsin's highest-tax counties

At 1.519%, Calumet's effective rate exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, placing it in the upper quarter of the state's 72 counties. The median tax of $3,830 is $749 above Wisconsin's median of $3,081.

Highest burden in this survey of eight counties

Calumet's 1.519% rate edges above Brown (1.461%) and significantly exceeds all other surveyed counties, making it the costliest tax jurisdiction in this regional sample. It runs more than 0.5 percentage points above Burnett (0.952%).

A $252,100 home costs about $3,830 yearly

The median Calumet County home valued at $252,100 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $3,830. With mortgage, that climbs to $3,938; without, it drops to $3,677.

Appeal inflated assessments to reduce your burden

Calumet homeowners paying the region's highest taxes should scrutinize whether their properties are fairly assessed. Filing a free tax appeal with your local assessor is essential if your valuation exceeds recent comparable home sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calumet County

via CostByCounty

Calumet County offers premium incomes

Calumet County's median household income of $87,700 significantly exceeds both the national median of $74,755 and Wisconsin's state average, providing substantial purchasing power. Despite the county's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio and $1,002 monthly rent—the highest in this comparison—affordability remains strong.

Highest incomes, best rent-to-income ratio

Calumet County ranks at the top of Wisconsin's income distribution in this comparison with $87,700 median household income, and its 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is the best statewide among these counties. The county's strong wage base supports elevated housing costs.

Premium pricing, exceptional incomes

Calumet County's $1,002 monthly rent and $252,100 median home value rival or exceed all neighbors, matching only Brown County's price tier. However, Calumet's $87,700 median income outpaces all other counties in the group, making these prices highly affordable.

Housing takes just 14% of household income

Calumet County renters earning $87,700 annually spend $1,002/month—just 13.7% of gross income—on rent, the most favorable ratio in this comparison. Homeowners with $1,250/month payments on $252,100 median-valued properties enjoy strong equity accumulation supported by above-average wages.

Best affordability for higher earners

Calumet County combines Wisconsin's strongest median income with the best rent-to-income ratio, making it ideal for relocated professionals and established households. If you're earning above-average income or seeking maximum housing equity, Calumet's robust wage economy makes premium housing costs highly manageable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calumet County

via IncomeByCounty

Calumet exceeds U.S. income benchmarks clearly

Calumet County's median household income of $87,700 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $12,945—a commanding 17% advantage. This substantial premium places Calumet among America's more affluent rural counties.

Calumet leads Wisconsin income rankings

At $87,700, Calumet County dramatically exceeds Wisconsin's median of $71,715 by $15,985, ranking it among the state's top counties by household income. This high standing reflects Calumet's strong manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and tight labor markets.

Calumet outearns all comparison counties decisively

Calumet's $87,700 median household income stands highest among all eight counties in this analysis, surpassing Brown County ($77,490) by $10,210. This income leadership reflects Calumet's robust industrial economy and premium manufacturing employment.

Calumet combines high income with affordability

At 13.7%, Calumet's rent-to-income ratio matches the state's best affordability metrics, leaving substantial household budget flexibility. The median home value of $252,100 represents just 2.9 years of median income—excellent equity-building potential for residents.

Calumet households maximize wealth potential

Calumet's $87,700 median income and 13.7% housing ratio create exceptional capacity for aggressive wealth building—maxing retirement accounts, investing in taxable portfolios, and accelerating home equity. Households dedicating 20% of income to investments could accumulate $600,000+ by retirement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calumet County

via CrimeByCounty

High Activity and Safety Needs

Calumet County reports a total crime rate of 3349.8 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a local safety score of 94.7.

Above the State Crime Average

The county’s safety score is lower than the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 3349.8 is more than triple the state average of 1103.1 per 100K.

Comparing Regional Safety Trends

Calumet County reports significantly more crime than neighboring Brown County (1464.2) and Buffalo County (412.7). Seven agencies are active in managing this higher volume of reports.

Understanding Property Crime Volume

Property crime is the primary driver here at 2857.1 per 100K, while the violent crime rate is 492.7. These figures indicate that property incidents are much more common than violent encounters.

Invest in Proactive Protection

Given the higher local crime rates, professional home security monitoring is a wise investment. Proactive measures can significantly reduce a household's vulnerability to property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Calumet County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy leads national peers

Calumet County residents live to 81.2 years on average—more than 3 years longer than the U.S. life expectancy of roughly 78 years. With just 13.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among America's healthiest communities.

Among Wisconsin's top health performers

At 81.2 years, Calumet County's life expectancy ranks second-highest in Wisconsin, exceeding the state average of 77.8 years by 3.4 years. The 13.0% poor/fair health rate—lowest among the eight counties profiled—reinforces this exceptional achievement.

Outperforms surrounding region decisively

Calumet's 81.2-year life expectancy and 13.0% poor/fair health rate both dramatically exceed neighboring Outagamie, Sheboygan, and Fond du Lac counties. This health advantage persists despite the county's modest size, suggesting strong community health practices.

Strong outcomes despite minimal provider density

Calumet County has just 15 primary care providers and 34 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Wisconsin's lowest densities. Yet the 4.2% uninsured rate—lowest among all counties—suggests excellent coverage, with residents traveling to nearby Green Bay for specialty care.

Sustain Calumet's coverage success

Just 4.2% of Calumet County residents lack health insurance—the lowest rate profiled and well below the state average of 7%. Keep up this momentum by maintaining coverage through BadgerCare+ or marketplace plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Calumet County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Levels Across Six Districts

Calumet County features 22 public schools across six districts, educating 6,865 students. The system is well-distributed with 10 elementary, seven middle, and five high schools.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Efficiency

The county reports a 91.7% graduation rate, matching the state average. Although per-pupil spending is lower at $6,775, the county maintains a solid school score of 53.9.

Kimberly Area Schools Lead the County

Kimberly Area School District is the largest, serving 5,132 students across nine schools. No charter schools currently operate in the county, with all students attending traditional district campuses.

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Settings

Schools are spread across rural, city, and suburban locales with an average size of 312 students. Madison Middle is the largest with 612 students, while many elementary schools serve around 450.

Your New Home in Calumet County

A mix of suburban convenience and rural charm makes this county's schools highly desirable. Look for homes in the Kimberly or New Holstein districts to join this high-performing educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calumet County

via RiskByCounty

Calumet County ranks among safest areas

Calumet County scores 30.18 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This eastern Wisconsin county enjoys substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties.

Among Wisconsin's safest counties

Calumet County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Wisconsin with a composite score of 30.18, sitting comfortably below the state average of 59.08. Only a handful of Wisconsin counties demonstrate comparably favorable natural disaster profiles.

Far safer than nearby Brown County

Calumet County's 30.18 score ranks it dramatically safer than neighboring Brown County (90.04), one of Wisconsin's riskiest areas, and comparable to other low-risk counties like Ashland (31.68). This variation highlights how localized natural disaster risk can be within a single region.

Tornado risk leads other hazards

Calumet County's tornado risk of 58.24 represents its primary natural disaster exposure, though even this remains moderate compared to statewide highs. Flood risk (33.14) and hurricane risk (10.18) present secondary concerns, while wildfire and earthquake threats are minimal.

Standard homeowners insurance sufficient

Calumet County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance with tornado protection for most property needs, given the county's overall low risk profile. Those in mapped floodplains or areas with historical water damage should verify flood coverage, though few Calumet County properties face significant catastrophic risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calumet County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Great Lakes Annual Averages

Calumet County averages 45.5°F annually, which is about 8.5 degrees below the national median. The climate is characterized by significant seasonal variations and moderate precipitation.

Slightly Above the Wisconsin Average

With an annual temperature of 45.5°F, Calumet is roughly 1.1 degrees warmer than the Wisconsin state average. It ranks as one of the more temperate counties in the eastern part of the state.

Warmer and Wrier Than Buffalo

Calumet is drier than Buffalo County, receiving 3.5 inches less precipitation annually. It is slightly warmer than neighboring Brown County, averaging 45.5°F compared to Brown's 45.0°F.

Milder Winters and Warm July

The county averages 43.4 inches of snow annually, which is on the lower end for Wisconsin. January stays relatively mild for the state at 17.8°F, while July averages a warm 70.7°F.

Moderate Year-Round Weather Preparation

Residents should plan for 7 days of extreme heat with functional cooling systems. Winter maintenance is standard for the region, as snowfall totals are manageable at 43.4 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calumet County

via SoilByCounty

Fertile Alfisols of Calumet

Calumet County boasts a pH of 6.12, putting it much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.63. These are primarily Alfisols, which are known globally for being some of the best soils for agriculture.

Ideal Silt Loam Texture

With 40.7% sand, 35.1% silt, and 13.9% clay, this silt loam is a 'Goldilocks' soil. It provides enough clay for nutrition, enough silt for water, and enough sand for easy digging.

Reliable Water and Matter

Organic matter is 5.68%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.192 in/in ensures that your plants stay hydrated even during a typical Wisconsin dry spell.

Well-Drained Agricultural Land

The soil is well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group C, suggesting it handles rainfall without excessive runoff. This makes Calumet County a top-tier location for both residential development and diverse farming.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 5b

In the mild Zone 5b, the growing possibilities are nearly endless for vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees. This fertile silt loam is just waiting for you to start your first garden bed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calumet County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Ground in Calumet

Calumet County offers a hospitable lawn difficulty score of 65.9, slightly beating the Wisconsin state average. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, it benefits from a more moderate climate than the northern half of the state. These conditions provide a reliable baseline for homeowners seeking a standard, manageable yard.

Ideal Rainfall and Growing Energy

The county receives 33.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well-balanced for the 2,437 growing degree days available. With only 7 days of extreme heat, the grass stays active without entering the deep summer dormancy seen in warmer states. The July average of 70.7°F ensures that mowing will be a regular weekly task for most of the season.

Excellent Silt Loam Foundations

Calumet County features high-quality silt loam soil, which is generally considered the gold standard for gardening. The soil pH of 6.12 is nearly perfect, falling right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 window for turfgrass health. This well-drained foundation allows for deep rooting and efficient nutrient absorption with minimal amendment.

Water Management During Dry Spells

Despite the good soil, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry after 22 weeks of drought over the past year. Because silt loam holds moisture well, Calumet lawns may resist browning longer than those in sandy counties. Nevertheless, supplemental watering is currently recommended to prevent long-term root damage.

A Long and Productive Season

Residents in Zone 5b can enjoy a long growing season that typically begins after May 6 and lasts until October 14. Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass thrive here, especially when seeded in the late summer window of August. This timing takes advantage of the county's excellent soil and the cooling autumn temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calumet County's county score?
Calumet County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 39.2 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 Calumet County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Calumet County ranks #67 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 Calumet County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Calumet County is $3,830, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Calumet County a tax score of 12/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calumet County?
The median household income in Calumet County, Wisconsin is $87,700 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calumet County earns an income score of 90.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calumet County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Calumet County scores 39.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Calumet 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 Calumet 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.