countyscore
42.5
County Score
Health 83.5Income & Jobs 75.5Schools 70

County Report Card

About Chippewa County, Wisconsin

Falling Behind the National Average

Chippewa County earns a composite score of 42.5, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of high earning potential against significant localized safety and cost challenges.

Trailing Wisconsin’s Average Performance

The county's overall score sits nearly eight points below the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. Despite this, it maintains a strong competitive edge in household wealth compared to several rural neighbors.

Elite Health and Income Metrics

The county shines in health and wealth, boasting a health score of 83.5 and an income score of 75.5. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $74,009, significantly supporting local quality of life.

Addressing Safety and Tax Burdens

Safety remains a critical area for improvement with a low score of 5.8, while the tax score of 27.5 reflects an effective property tax rate of 1.159%. These factors, combined with moderate environmental risks, pull down the total index.

A Hub for Health-Conscious Earners

This county is best suited for working professionals who prioritize access to high-quality healthcare and strong salary prospects. It offers a solid economic foundation for those less sensitive to the local tax environment.

2040608010027.529.95.883.57075.532.75649.8Tax27.5Cost29.9Safety5.8Health83.5Schools70Income75.5Risk32.7Water56Weather49.842.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Chippewa County DNA

Foverall

How Chippewa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chippewa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (83.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (5.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.5-24.5
Cost
29.9-18.1
Safety
5.8-49.2
Health
83.5+33.5
Schools
70+16
Income
75.5+24.5
Risk
32.7-14.299999999999997
Water
56
Weather
49.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Chippewa County?

Many homeowners in Chippewa 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

$237,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$963/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$237,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,009/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.0

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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Nearby counties

Eau Claire County
Wisconsin
50.8
Dunn County
Wisconsin
49.2
Rusk County
Wisconsin
53.8
Barron County
Wisconsin
51.1
Clark County
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Taylor County
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Pepin County
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Jackson County
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49.6

Deep Dives

Chippewa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chippewa County

via TaxByCounty

Chippewa's taxes run below national average

At 1.159%, Chippewa County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.436%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Property owners here pay roughly $2,754 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—only about $64 more despite having lower home values.

One of Wisconsin's most affordable counties

Chippewa ranks among Wisconsin's lower-taxed counties with an effective rate of 1.159%, notably below the state average of 1.436%. The median tax bill of $2,754 is also below Wisconsin's median of $3,081, reflecting the county's competitive property tax environment.

Chippewa undercuts regional tax burden

Neighboring Clark County charges 1.506% while Crawford County tops out at 1.638%, making Chippewa's 1.159% rate the most favorable in the region. With a median home value of $237,700, Chippewa homeowners get a better deal than in higher-taxed surrounding counties.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with a $237,700 home in Chippewa County pays approximately $2,754 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill edges up to $2,784; without one, it drops to $2,719—a manageable spread for most residents.

You might be overassessed

Many Wisconsin homeowners pay more than they should because their properties are assessed above fair market value. If your tax bill has jumped unexpectedly, consider requesting a reassessment review—thousands of Chippewa residents could recover hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chippewa County

via CostByCounty

Chippewa rents slightly above national norm

Chippewa County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% sits above the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend a larger share of their paychecks on housing than the typical American household. The median rent of $963 per month is 8% higher than Wisconsin's state average of $891, despite household incomes nearly matching the national median of $74,755.

Mid-tier affordability in Wisconsin rankings

Among Wisconsin's 72 counties, Chippewa ranks in the middle for affordability—its 15.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.9%, but trails the most expensive counties. This positions Chippewa as a reasonably accessible option within the state, though rents have outpaced income growth.

More affordable than Door or Dane Counties

Chippewa's median rent of $963 undercuts nearby Door County ($995) and significantly trails the Madison-area Dane County ($1,345). Yet it costs more than rural neighbors Clark and Crawford Counties, reflecting Chippewa's position as a mid-size county with moderate but rising housing costs.

Housing claims 31% of gross income

Renters spend roughly $963 monthly while homeowners pay $1,055, together totaling about 31% of the median household income of $74,009. This allocation leaves Chippewa households with less discretionary income than national averages, particularly for families juggling multiple housing and living costs.

Consider Chippewa for balanced trade-offs

If you're relocating, Chippewa offers slightly more affordable rents than Door County while maintaining similar incomes to the state average. Comparing its $237,700 median home value against pricier Dane County ($366,100) shows genuine savings for homebuyers willing to embrace a mid-size Wisconsin community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chippewa County

via IncomeByCounty

Chippewa Tracks National Income Average

Chippewa County's median household income of $74,009 sits just below the national median of $74,755, placing it nearly dead center in America's income distribution. This near-national alignment reflects Chippewa's position as a solidly middle-income county where typical households earn competitive wages.

Outearning Wisconsin on Average

At $74,009, Chippewa County households earn $2,294 more than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, ranking the county above the middle among Wisconsin's 72 counties. This above-average performance reflects strong local employment and wage stability.

Chippewa Leads the North Woods

Chippewa's $74,009 median outpaces neighboring Clark County ($66,250) and Douglas County ($72,579), making it one of the stronger earners in Wisconsin's northwestern region. The county sits between rural peers and more affluent southern Wisconsin neighbors like Columbia County ($82,792).

Income Leaves Room to Breathe

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, Chippewa County households devote under one-sixth of earnings to rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $237,700 remains accessible for households earning $74,009, supporting both renters and homebuyers.

Build Your Chippewa Wealth Plan

Chippewa County households with median income of $74,009 have solid ground to invest and save after covering housing costs. Start by automating retirement contributions and exploring first-time homebuyer programs to convert your income advantage into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chippewa County

via CrimeByCounty

Chippewa County Crime Trends and Safety Score

Chippewa County maintains a safety score of 94.8 out of 100, indicating a secure environment. Its total crime rate of 3,314.5 per 100k is higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Local Safety Compared to Wisconsin Standards

The county's safety score falls below the Wisconsin state average of 98.3. This gap is driven by a total crime rate that exceeds the state average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Chippewa County vs Regional Neighbors

Chippewa faces higher crime figures than neighboring Clark County, which reports a significantly lower rate of 507.2 per 100k. Local law enforcement across seven agencies monitors these regional trends closely.

Understanding Property and Violent Crime Levels

Property crimes dominate the landscape at 3,008.1 per 100k, while violent crime remains low at 306.4. Residents are much more likely to encounter theft than physical altercations.

Strategic Steps for Home Protection

High property crime rates make home security a top priority for local homeowners. Installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting can effectively deter opportunistic theft in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chippewa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in Chippewa

Chippewa County maintains a robust education system featuring 28 public schools across seven distinct districts. The infrastructure supports 8,608 students through a mix of 11 elementary, 6 middle, and 8 high schools. Three alternative schools further expand the county's specialized learning options.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Wisconsin state average of 91.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $7,898 sits slightly below the state average of $8,113, the county's composite school score of 57.3 remains competitive. This high performance suggests efficient resource management in delivering quality educational outcomes.

The Dominance of Chippewa Falls Unified

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District serves as the county's primary educator, managing nine schools and 4,783 students. Other significant providers include the Stanley-Boyd Area School District with 1,089 enrolled students. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county’s borders.

A Rural and Suburban Mix

Schools here offer a mix of settings, with 15 rural campuses and 8 suburban locations reflecting the county's varied geography. Students attend schools with an average size of 319, ranging from the large Chippewa Falls High with 1,458 students to small specialized programs. The five town-based schools bridge the gap between quiet rural campuses and bustling high schools.

Invest in a High-Performing School District

Families looking for strong academic results find Chippewa County attractive due to its superior graduation rates and diverse school settings. Whether you prefer the suburban feel of Chippewa Falls or a quiet rural district, the area offers high-quality options for your next home. Explore local listings to secure a spot in these top-performing Wisconsin districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chippewa County

via RiskByCounty

Chippewa's risk sits above average

Chippewa County scores 67.33 on the national composite risk scale, rating it as Relatively Low but above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This means Chippewa faces somewhat elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical Wisconsin counties, though it remains below the highest-risk counties nationally.

Middle of the pack in Wisconsin

Among Wisconsin's 72 counties, Chippewa ranks in the middle range for overall natural disaster risk. The county's 67.33 score places it well above the lowest-risk Wisconsin counties but comfortably below the state's most vulnerable areas.

Riskier than Clark, safer than Dodge

Compared to nearby counties, Chippewa (67.33) sits between Clark County (68.45) and Dodge County (69.91) in risk exposure. All three are relatively similar in vulnerability, though each faces distinct hazard patterns across flooding, tornadoes, and other threats.

Tornadoes and flooding are primary concerns

Chippewa's tornado risk scores 70.90 and flood risk reaches 71.02, making these the county's dominant natural hazards. Wildfire risk remains low at 20.04, while earthquake (10.27) and hurricane (0.00) threats are minimal for this north-central Wisconsin location.

Flood and storm coverage matter most

With tornado and flood risks both exceeding 70, Chippewa residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with windstorm and flood endorsements. Review your coverage now—standard homeowners policies often exclude flood damage, leaving gaps that separate insurance during a disaster.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Chippewa County

via WaterByCounty

Safe Drinking Water Compliance and Grades

Chippewa County earns a C grade with 3 health-based violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 9.6 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Wisconsin state average of 76.3. This represents a relatively stable signal for local public water systems compared to national peers.

Watershed Conditions and Clean Water Standards

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 5.4% of assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired. This performs better than the statewide average impairment rate of 7.6%. Total phosphorus and mercury remain the primary causes preventing these waters from meeting federal standards.

Active Water Quality Monitoring Density

Chippewa County maintains a robust monitoring footprint with 99 sites recording 9,829 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organics and pesticides to track chemical runoff. Physical and microbiological characteristics also form a core part of the local record.

Chippewa River Real-Time Flow Trends

The primary USGS gauge at Chippewa Falls currently reports a discharge of 3,670 cfs. This flow is roughly 72% of the long-term seasonal mean for this reach of the river. Lower than typical flows can increase the concentration of existing pollutants in the drainage area.

Practical Steps for Water Protection

While drinking water violations are low, residents should remain aware of mercury and phosphorus levels in local watersheds. Current low streamflow suggests that source water might be more susceptible to concentrated runoff. Consider routine testing if you rely on private wells near impaired water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chippewa County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Chippewa County maintains an average annual temperature of 43.7°F, significantly lower than the national median of approximately 54°F. This humid continental climate experiences long, cold winters typical of the upper Midwest.

Below the Wisconsin average

The county's 43.7°F average annual temperature sits just below the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It ranks in the cooler half of the state's 72 counties, lacking the slight warming influence found in southern Wisconsin.

Warmer than its eastern neighbor

Chippewa County is exactly one degree warmer on average than neighboring Clark County to the southeast. While it is warmer than Clark, its 33.0 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 34.5 inches.

Deep snow and mild summers

Winter is intense with 49.7 inches of annual snowfall and January temperatures averaging 13.5°F. Summers remain comfortable with only 6 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 70.1°F.

Prepare for significant winter heating

Residents need high-capacity heating systems to handle winter averages of 17.0°F. Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is essential for managing the nearly 50 inches of snow that falls each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chippewa County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Chippewa County

Chippewa County features an average soil pH of 5.63, which perfectly matches the state average but sits nearly a full point below the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is limited for this area, the 68.7 soil score indicates a solid agricultural baseline. This acidic profile typically requires lime amendments for standard garden crops.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is nearly an even split with 41.0% sand and 42.3% silt, though it remains low in clay at just 10.7%. This mix creates a workable texture that balances drainage with enough structure to hold its shape. Farmers find this combination provides decent aeration without drying out as quickly as pure sand.

Strong Organic Matter Support

Organic matter levels reach 7.35%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average though lower than Wisconsin's high state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity sits at 0.197 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.204. These numbers suggest a soil that stores nutrients well but may need consistent watering during dry spells.

Steady Hydrology for Chippewa Growers

While specific drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high silt and sand ratio typically indicates moderate permeability. The overall soil score of 68.7 suggests that local hydrology supports most regional farming and building projects. Homeowners should still test individual sites to ensure proper drainage before major landscaping.

Cool Climate Gardening in Zone 4b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, growers find success with cold-hardy staples like potatoes, berries, and brassicas. The soil's balanced silt content provides an excellent medium for root vegetables to expand. Start your garden with cool-weather crops to make the most of the northern Wisconsin growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chippewa County

via LawnByCounty

A Strong Start for Chippewa Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 64.4, maintaining turf here is significantly easier than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, meaning grasses must endure cold winters while enjoying a relatively friendly growing environment. Your local score aligns perfectly with the Wisconsin state average.

Moderate Heat and Healthy Rainfall

Chippewa County receives 33.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the ideal threshold for lush turf. Only 6 days per year reach temperatures above 90°F, reducing the risk of heat-induced dormancy for cool-season grasses. While specific growing season length data is limited, 2,329 growing degree days provide ample energy for steady mowing schedules.

Managing Acidic Soil Foundations

The local soil pH of 5.63 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, likely requiring lime applications to unlock nutrients. The ground is comprised of 41.0% sand and 10.7% clay, creating a texture that generally balances aeration and stability. Without specific drainage class data, regular aeration remains a best practice to ensure deep root penetration.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Over the past year, Chippewa County experienced 13 weeks of drought conditions with 69.3% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. Since there is zero current severe drought, a deep watering schedule of one inch per week is usually sufficient. Focus on morning irrigation to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth during these dry periods.

Prepare for a May Launch

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in Zone 4b and can handle the local frost-free window. Plan to start your seeding or sodding efforts after the last spring frost on May 5 to ensure young roots take hold before the summer heat. With a first fall frost typically arriving by October 3, your lawn has a clear five-month window to flourish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chippewa County's county score?
Chippewa County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Chippewa County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Chippewa County ranks #61 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 Chippewa County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Chippewa County is $2,754, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Chippewa County a tax score of 27.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chippewa County?
The median household income in Chippewa County, Wisconsin is $74,009 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chippewa County earns an income score of 75.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chippewa County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Chippewa County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Chippewa 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 Chippewa 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.