countyscore
47.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.6Health 85.1Lawn Care 72.3

County Report Card

About Columbia County, Wisconsin

Close to the National Middle Ground

Columbia County earns a composite score of 47.6, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While it trails slightly in the national rankings, it offers elite-level scores in specific economic and wellness categories.

Following the Wisconsin Trend

The county's score is nearly aligned with the state average of 50.3, trailing by less than three points. It remains a competitive location within south-central Wisconsin for those focused on high-income opportunities.

Superior Wealth and Medical Access

The county boasts an impressive income score of 86.6 and a health score of 85.1. With a median household income of $82,792, residents enjoy a standard of living well above regional peers.

High Taxes and Environmental Risk

The tax score of 13.7 and risk score of 18.6 represent the county's primary struggles. Residents face an effective tax rate of 1.479% and lower-than-average scores for water quality and school performance.

Perfect for High-Earning Health Enthusiasts

Columbia County is tailor-made for high-income households that value excellent medical facilities and personal wellness. It is a strong fit for professionals who commute or work remotely and want premium lifestyle metrics.

2040608010013.726.366.285.147.286.618.622.349.5Tax13.7Cost26.3Safety66.2Health85.1Schools47.2Income86.6Risk18.6Water22.3Weather49.547.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Columbia County DNA

Foverall

How Columbia County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Columbia County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (13.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.7-38.3
Cost
26.3-21.7
Safety
66.2+11.200000000000003
Health
85.1+35.099999999999994
Schools
47.2
Income
86.6+35.599999999999994
Risk
18.6-28.4
Water
22.3-35.7
Weather
49.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Columbia County?

Many homeowners in Columbia County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$258,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$926/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$258,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,792/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.6

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

Marquette County
Wisconsin
51.7
Sauk County
Wisconsin
42.5
Green Lake County
Wisconsin
51.8
Dane County
Wisconsin
38
Dodge County
Wisconsin
44.5
Adams County
Wisconsin
42.8
Juneau County
Wisconsin
46.2
Waushara County
Wisconsin
54.5

Deep Dives

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Columbia County

via TaxByCounty

Columbia residents pay well above national norm

Columbia County's effective tax rate of 1.479% exceeds the national median of 1.436%, while the median tax of $3,826 surpasses the national median of $2,690 by over $1,100. This higher burden reflects Columbia's stronger home values and county service demands.

Columbia's taxes rank above state average

At 1.479%, Columbia's effective rate slightly tops Wisconsin's 1.436% average, and its $3,826 median tax significantly exceeds the state median of $3,081. Columbia residents contribute among Wisconsin's higher property tax bills, reflecting the county's relative prosperity.

Columbia's burden differs from nearby counties

Columbia's $3,826 median tax far outpaces Crawford County's $2,868, despite similar effective rates, reflecting Columbia's substantially higher median home value of $258,700. Compared to Chippewa's $237,700 median home, Columbia homeowners shoulder a notably heavier tax load.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with Columbia County's median $258,700 home pays approximately $3,826 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $3,891; without one, it drops to $3,673—representing a significant annual expense.

You might be overassessed

Columbia County homeowners carrying elevated property tax bills should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. Overvalued properties are common, and an appeal could free up thousands of dollars over your ownership tenure.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Columbia County

via CostByCounty

Columbia combines high income and affordability

Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the national pattern, thanks to median household income of $82,792. Though median rent runs $926 monthly—slightly above state average—Columbia's higher earnings cushion this housing cost comfortably.

Wisconsin's most affordable county here

At 13.4%, Columbia's rent-to-income ratio beats Wisconsin's statewide 14.9% average by a meaningful margin. This strong performance reflects both reasonable rents and above-average incomes that insulate households from severe housing-cost burden.

Best affordability ratio in the region

Columbia's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio outperforms all regional neighbors—Dane (18.3%), Door (16.6%), Chippewa (15.6%), and Dodge (15.6%). This advantage stems not from lowest rents, but from Columbia's higher household incomes paired with moderate housing costs.

Housing takes just 26% of household budgets

Combined rent and ownership costs of $926 and $1,275 monthly consume roughly 26% of Columbia's $82,792 median income—the lowest burden ratio in this cohort. This leaves households substantially more discretionary income for savings, education, and quality-of-life investments.

Columbia balances income and housing costs

If you're seeking a county where earnings outpace housing demands, Columbia delivers with the strongest income-to-housing ratio here. Its $258,700 median home value and 13.4% rent-to-income ratio offer genuine affordability within a stable, moderate-income community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbia County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbia Outearns Most American Counties

Columbia County's median household income of $82,792 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $8,037, placing the county in the top third of earners nationwide. This strong performance reflects Columbia's proximity to Madison's economic engines and educated workforce.

Wisconsin's Upper Income Tier

At $82,792, Columbia County households earn $11,077 more than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, ranking it among the state's highest-income counties. Only Dane County and a handful of other southern Wisconsin counties exceed Columbia's median.

Columbia Leads Central Wisconsin

Columbia's $82,792 median handily outpaces Dane County's $88,108 neighbor status and significantly exceeds nearby Dodge County ($73,992) and Door County ($71,785). Columbia's position between rural counties and Madison's affluence creates a uniquely prosperous local economy.

Strong Incomes Support Housing

Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% is the lowest among these eight counties, meaning housing costs consume minimal earnings. At $82,792 income supporting a $258,700 median home value, Columbia households enjoy strong purchasing power and affordability.

Columbia's Wealth Acceleration Opportunity

Columbia County households earning $82,792 have exceptional capacity to build wealth through aggressive saving and investing after covering modest housing costs. Maximize retirement contributions, explore investment property opportunities, and consider diversified portfolios to compound this income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Columbia County

via CrimeByCounty

Columbia County Safety Performance Overview

Columbia County boasts a safety score of 98.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 792.8 per 100k. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing Wisconsin Safety Benchmarks

The county remains safer than the typical Wisconsin community, beating the state average safety score of 98.3. Total crime stays well below the statewide average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Comparing Columbia to Southern Neighbors

Columbia reports lower crime rates than neighboring Dane County, where the total crime rate reaches 1,981.2. Seven reporting agencies contribute data to ensure local residents stay informed.

Property and Violent Crime Analysis

Violent crime is minimal at 109.8 per 100k, while property crime accounts for the bulk of activity at 683.0. Residents are far less likely to encounter crime than the average American.

Vigilance and Home Security Awareness

Staying vigilant helps maintain this high level of safety across the county. Residents can protect their property by joining local watch programs and securing valuables out of sight.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Columbia County

via SchoolsByCounty

Columbia County’s Diverse School Infrastructure

Columbia County supports 8,696 students across 31 public schools and eight districts. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, with 15 elementary schools providing a strong foundation for the county's youth. The remaining 16 schools are split between middle and high school levels, ensuring a clear path to graduation.

Focusing on Foundations and Fiscal Efficiency

The county reports an 88.4% graduation rate, slightly exceeding the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,541, reflecting a lean budget compared to the state average of $8,113. While the composite school score of 53.9 is slightly below the state average, it remains well above the national median of 50.0.

Portage Community District Leads Enrollment

The Portage Community School District is the county's largest, operating 8 schools and serving 2,088 students. Charter schools make a small but important appearance here, with two campuses representing 6.5% of the total school landscape. Other major districts include Lodi and Columbus, which together serve over 2,600 students.

A Balance of Towns and Rural Scenery

With 19 schools in town settings and 12 in rural areas, Columbia County offers families a choice between central town hubs and quieter countryside campuses. Portage High is the county's largest school with 706 students, while the average school size remains manageable at 290 students. This mix provides a classic Wisconsin educational feel that caters to different lifestyle preferences.

Settle Near Wisconsin’s Heart in Columbia

Columbia County offers a variety of educational environments, from the charter options in Portage to the respected town schools of Lodi and Columbus. For families prioritizing a mix of community and academic reliability, this county is a prime choice for a new home. Discover how these local schools can serve as the cornerstone of your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbia County

via RiskByCounty

Columbia faces moderate national risk

Columbia County scores 81.42, earning a Relatively Moderate risk rating that stands well above Wisconsin's average of 59.08. This score reflects elevated exposure to multiple natural hazard types compared to most U.S. counties.

Columbia among Wisconsin's riskiest

Columbia County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Wisconsin for natural disasters, with a composite score of 81.42 that places it in the state's upper tier of vulnerability. Few Wisconsin counties face greater overall disaster exposure than Columbia.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Columbia County (81.42) faces substantially higher risk than neighboring Dodge County (69.91) and Door County (46.88), making it one of the region's most vulnerable spots. This elevated risk spans multiple hazard categories, from tornadoes to wildfires.

Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires converge

Columbia's tornado risk peaks at 75.73, flood risk reaches 75.60, and wildfire risk stands at 42.30—a triple threat that sets this county apart from lower-risk neighbors. Earthquake risk (28.72) and even hurricane exposure (10.60) are elevated for Wisconsin.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Columbia residents face exceptional disaster risk and must carry robust homeowners insurance with windstorm, flood, and extended coverage options. Given the county's elevated wildfire and earthquake risks, review your policy for gaps and consider additional riders that match the genuine threats you face.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Columbia County

via WaterByCounty

Systemic Drinking Water Violations Noted

Columbia County carries an F grade with 41 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 107.5 per 100,000 people exceeds the state average of 76.3. This high frequency of violations signals a need for increased vigilance regarding municipal water safety.

Tracking Impairments in Columbia Watersheds

Data from 2022 shows that 6.5% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. While this is lower than the state average, 23 water bodies still fail federal standards. Phosphorus, PCBs, and mercury are the primary contaminants driving these impairment listings.

Extensive Environmental Monitoring Record

The county features an impressive monitoring record with 164,009 measurements taken across 68 sites in five years. Physical properties, organics, and pesticides are the most frequently measured characteristic groups. This high data volume provides a detailed look at chemical presence in the environment.

Streamflow Monitoring and Compliance Context

There is currently no primary USGS streamgage providing representative live data for this specific county area. In the absence of live flow data, drinking water compliance remains the most immediate indicator of water security. Residents should rely on the extensive monitoring records for environmental trends.

Testing and Awareness for Homeowners

The frequent health violations suggest that homeowners should consider installing certified water filters for drinking and cooking. Be mindful of PCB and mercury advisories when fishing in the 23 impaired water bodies. Regular tap water testing is recommended given the county's current compliance grade.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Columbia County

via WeatherByCounty

Milder winters than northern neighbors

Columbia County's 46.3°F annual average is roughly 8 degrees below the national median but represents a warmer pocket of the state. It features a humid continental climate with more distinct seasonal transitions than the far north.

Warmer than the state average

The county is noticeably warmer than the Wisconsin average, beating the 44.4°F state mark by nearly two degrees. This places it in the warmer southern tier of the state's 72 counties.

Similar climate to southern neighbors

Columbia County's average of 46.3°F is nearly identical to Dane County to the south. It is significantly wetter than northern counties, recording 37.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Summer heat meets heavy rain

Residents experience 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is higher than many nearby regions. Annual snowfall is moderate for the state at 40.9 inches, while July averages reach a warm 71.5°F.

Balance cooling and heating needs

With double-digit extreme heat days, central air conditioning is more important here than in northern Wisconsin. Residents should also prepare for 37.6 inches of annual precipitation with proper drainage and gutter maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Columbia County

via SoilByCounty

Columbia's Premier Alfisol Landscape

Dominant Alfisol soils define Columbia County, featuring an average pH of 6.17 which is much closer to the 6.5 national median than most Wisconsin counties. The fine sandy loam texture provides a high-quality foundation for diverse agriculture. These soils are naturally productive and maintain a more neutral balance than neighboring northern counties.

Sandy Loam for Perfect Workability

A composition of 46.9% sand, 35.0% silt, and 12.5% clay creates a textbook fine sandy loam. This mixture allows for excellent drainage and prevents the soil from becoming sticky or unworkable when wet. It is a favorite among gardeners for its easy-to-dig nature and reliable structure.

Consistent Yields with Moderate Matter

Organic matter sits at 4.14%, doubling the national average but falling short of the 11.02% state average. The available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly lower than the state's 0.204 benchmark. Growers here benefit from the soil's structure but should consider adding compost to boost water retention.

Well Drained and Ready for Building

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils move water at a moderate rate. This makes the county excellent for both residential construction and intensive farming without the risk of frequent standing water. The natural drainage reduces the need for complex tiling systems in many areas.

Diversified Growing in Zone 5a

The warmer 5a hardiness zone allows Columbia County residents to grow sweet corn, tomatoes, and apples with ease. The well-drained sandy loam is particularly suited for root crops like carrots that require loose soil to grow straight. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to establish a permanent backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Columbia County

via LawnByCounty

High Performance in Columbia County

Columbia County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 72.3, significantly higher than the Wisconsin average of 64.4. The transition to USDA Hardiness Zone 5a offers a slightly longer and warmer growing season than northern counties. You have a distinct advantage here, as the conditions are nearly 45% easier for lawn care than the national average.

Balancing Rainfall and Heat

Generous annual precipitation of 37.6 inches keeps your lawn hydrated, though 11 extreme heat days—nearly double the state average—can cause summer stress. High energy for growth is available with 2,617 growing degree days, requiring a proactive mowing schedule during peak season. Watch for heat-related browning in July when temperatures often climb.

A Fine Sandy Loam Foundation

The soil here is well-drained with a fine sandy loam texture, providing an excellent environment for root development. A pH of 6.17 is within the ideal range for most turfgrasses, meaning you likely won't need major chemical adjustments. With 46.9% sand and 12.5% clay, this soil offers the perfect balance of drainage and nutrient retention.

Managing Persistent Dry Spells

Columbia County has faced 19 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly 80% of the county currently classified as abnormally dry. To maintain your lawn's health, use mulch-mowing to return moisture and nitrogen to the soil. Consistent supplemental watering is necessary during these periods to prevent the turf from entering premature dormancy.

Maximize the Zone 5a Season

The frost-free window opens on May 4 and extends until October 10, giving you a generous period for cultivation. Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass blends are highly recommended for their ability to withstand the county's occasional heat spikes. Get your seeds in the ground early in May to establish a robust root system before the summer sun arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Columbia County's county score?
Columbia County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 47.6 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 Columbia County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Columbia County ranks #53 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 Columbia County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Columbia County is $3,826, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Columbia County a tax score of 13.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Columbia County?
The median household income in Columbia County, Wisconsin is $82,792 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Columbia County earns an income score of 86.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Columbia County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Columbia County scores 47.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Columbia 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 Columbia 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.