countyscore
38
County Score
Health 95.4Income & Jobs 91Soil Quality 75.6

County Report Card

About Dane County, Wisconsin

Urban Costs Limit National Standing

Despite its prestige, Dane County scores 38.0, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. High costs and taxes create a barrier to entry that lowers its ranking in this specific composite index.

A Unique Profile in Wisconsin

Dane County's score of 38.0 sits well below the state average of 50.3. While it is an economic powerhouse, the index penalizes the county for high property taxes and significant environmental risk scores.

Unrivaled Health and Prosperity

The county is a leader in health with a score of 95.4 and income at 91.0. The median household income of $88,108 and high water quality (65.0) highlight the premium lifestyle available to those who can afford it.

High Entry Costs and Taxes

Affordability is the biggest hurdle, with a cost score of 7.6 and a median home value of $366,100. A tax score of 6.7 and an effective rate of 1.714% make this one of the most expensive counties to live in.

The Elite Professional's Choice

Dane County is best for high-earning professionals and academics who demand the state's best healthcare and economic opportunities. It is the premier choice for those who view high taxes as a fair trade for urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax6.7Cost7.6Safety22.6Health95.4Schools55.5Income91Risk6.1Water65Weather51.1
🏛6.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.8
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

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Sauk County
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Deep Dives

Dane County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dane County

via TaxByCounty

Dane County leads Wisconsin's tax burden

Dane County's effective tax rate of 1.714% significantly surpasses the national median of 1.436%, while the median tax bill of $6,276 towers above the national median of $2,690. This dramatic difference reflects Dane's high median home value of $366,100—the highest among Wisconsin counties profiled.

Highest effective rate in Wisconsin

At 1.714%, Dane County's effective tax rate ranks among Wisconsin's highest, nearly 0.3 percentage points above the state average of 1.436%. The median tax of $6,276 more than doubles Wisconsin's median of $3,081, reflecting Dane's strong housing market and substantial county needs.

Dane outpaces all regional comparisons

Dane County's $6,276 median tax dwarfs every neighboring county—Columbia's $3,826, Dodge's $3,395, and Door's $3,350—by thousands of dollars annually. While Dane's 1.714% effective rate does exceed regional averages, the primary driver is the county's significantly higher property values centered in Madison.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with Dane County's median $366,100 home pays approximately $6,276 per year in property taxes—more than double the national median. Mortgaged properties pay $6,286, while owned-outright homes pay $6,252, representing one of Wisconsin's steepest annual costs.

You might be overassessed

Dane County homeowners facing six-figure tax bills should prioritize assessment reviews—small valuation errors translate to substantial annual losses. Madison's competitive real estate market can create assessment lags; appealing an outdated valuation could save thousands over your ownership.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dane County

via CostByCounty

Dane's housing costs strain even high earners

Dane County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% is the highest among these eight counties and well above national norms, despite having the strongest median household income at $88,108. Median rent of $1,345 per month and median home values of $366,100 reflect Madison's status as Wisconsin's hottest housing market.

Wisconsin's priciest housing market

Dane County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest statewide, more than 3 percentage points above Wisconsin's 14.9% average. This elevated burden reflects the Madison metro area's strong job market, population growth, and competitive real estate demand.

Significantly costlier than all regional peers

Dane's $1,345 median rent crushes every neighbor—Clark ($786), Crawford ($809), and Chippewa ($963) all cost far less. Similarly, Dane's $366,100 median home value dwarfs Columbia ($258,700), Door ($305,800), and all other neighbors, underscoring Madison's premium.

Housing claims 37% of gross household income

Dane residents allocate roughly $1,345 in rent or $1,742 in monthly ownership costs, totaling about 37% of the $88,108 median household income. Even with Wisconsin's highest incomes, Dane households dedicate more than one-third of earnings to housing—a level considered severely unaffordable.

Dane demands strong income before relocating

Dane County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio signals that only well-compensated professionals should consider moving here without significant savings. If Madison's job market justifies the move, budget for housing to consume substantially more of your paycheck than in rural Wisconsin counties like Clark or Crawford.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dane County

via IncomeByCounty

Dane Leads the Nation in Earnings

Dane County's median household income of $88,108 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $13,353, ranking it among America's top-earning counties. This exceptional performance reflects Madison's status as a major education, government, and technology hub.

Wisconsin's Highest-Income County

At $88,108, Dane County households earn $16,393 more than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, commanding the state's income rankings by a substantial margin. No other Wisconsin county comes close to Dane's median household income.

Dane Dominates Regional Earnings

Dane's $88,108 median far exceeds all peer counties, outpacing Columbia County ($82,792) by $5,316 and nearly doubling Crawford County ($63,496). The county's economic dominance creates stark income disparities across south-central Wisconsin.

High Income, High Housing Costs

Despite top-tier incomes, Dane County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% is the highest in this comparison, reflecting Madison's competitive housing market. The median home value of $366,100 requires substantial income, consuming 42% of annual earnings for a typical household.

Dane County Wealth Multiplier Strategy

Dane County households earning $88,108 have superior capacity to build generational wealth despite elevated housing costs. Leverage high incomes for aggressive retirement savings, explore real estate investment opportunities, and consider tax-advantaged wealth strategies with professional guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dane County

via CrimeByCounty

Dane County Safety and National Context

Dane County reports a total crime rate of 1,981.2 per 100k, staying below the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a safety score of 96.9, indicating a generally secure environment.

Dane County vs Wisconsin Averages

Dane's safety score sits slightly below the Wisconsin state average of 98.3. The county's total crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Safety Trends in Southern Wisconsin

As a major population center, Dane sees more crime than neighbors like Columbia County, which reports 792.8 per 100k. A network of 25 reporting agencies monitors safety across the Madison metro area.

Madison Metro Crime Data Breakdown

Property crime makes up the majority of reported incidents at 1,747.8 per 100k, while violent crime remains low at 233.4. Residents primarily face risks related to theft rather than personal harm.

Modern Security for Urban Homes

Urban and suburban residents alike benefit from modern security measures like video doorbells. Staying informed about local crime trends through agency alerts is another key way to stay protected.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dane County

via HealthByCounty

Dane County leads the nation

At 80.8 years, Dane residents live 4.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4—among the best in America—and enjoy a 13.2% poor/fair health rate well below the national 18%. The county's 4.6% uninsured rate is extraordinarily low, reflecting near-universal coverage.

Wisconsin's health champion

Dane County dominates Wisconsin health rankings with a life expectancy of 80.8 years—3 years above the state average—and an uninsured rate of 4.6%, nearly 40% lower than Wisconsin's 7.0%. The county represents the state's health potential.

Far ahead of regional peers

Dane's 80.8-year life expectancy exceeds every regional neighbor by at least 2 years, and its 128 primary care providers per 100K dwarfs Clark's 20 and rivals the richest health systems nationwide. With 508 mental health providers per 100K—five times most rural counties—Dane offers unmatched behavioral health access.

Exceptional access, exceptional care

Just 4.6% of Dane residents lack coverage, and with 128 primary care and 508 mental health providers per 100K, the county sustains one of America's strongest healthcare ecosystems. This density of resources enables rapid diagnosis, specialist referrals, and integrated mental health support.

Complete Dane's health story

With 95%+ coverage, Dane has nearly achieved universal access; if you're in the small 4.6% uninsured, enrollment solidifies your participation in the county's health leadership. Visit healthcare.gov to find a plan that fits your needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dane County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Powerhouse of Education in Dane

As a major educational hub, Dane County manages 169 public schools and 18 districts for 77,798 students. The vast infrastructure includes 84 elementary schools, 36 middle schools, and 34 high schools. This scale allows for specialized programming, including 13 alternative schools and 15 'other' category institutions.

State-Leading Spending and Solid Outcomes

Dane County spends $8,161 per pupil, exceeding the state average to support its large student body. The county maintains an 89.0% graduation rate, which remains higher than the national average of 87.0%. While the school score of 55.5 is slightly under the state average, it reflects a massive, complex system serving diverse populations.

The Madison Metropolitan Giant

The Madison Metropolitan School District is the county's cornerstone, overseeing 54 schools and 25,237 students. Dane County also features a high concentration of charter schools, with 16 institutions making up 9.5% of the total landscape. Sun Prairie and Middleton-Cross Plains districts also play major roles, together serving over 15,000 students.

From Urban Centers to Growing Suburbs

Dane County offers the most diverse locale mix in the state, with 69 suburban and 57 city schools. Middleton High is the county’s largest school with 2,309 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 469. This variety means families can choose between bustling urban campuses and modern suburban facilities.

Discover Your Place in a Top School Hub

Dane County provides unparalleled variety in school size, location, and specialized charter options. Whether you are looking for a high-energy city school or a top-rated suburban district, this county has a home for every preference. Start your journey in one of Wisconsin’s most academically vibrant regions today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dane County

via RiskByCounty

Dane faces exceptional national risk

Dane County scores 93.86, earning a Relatively Moderate rating that places it among the nation's highest-risk counties for natural disasters. This score far exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, reflecting convergence of multiple severe hazards.

Wisconsin's most vulnerable county

Dane County ranks as the highest-risk county in Wisconsin with a composite score of 93.86 that dwarfs statewide and national baselines. No Wisconsin county faces greater overall natural disaster exposure than Dane.

Dramatically riskier than all neighbors

Dane County (93.86) faces nearly twice the disaster risk of Columbia County (81.42), the state's second-most vulnerable area, and vastly exceeds Dodge County (69.91) and other surrounding counties. This makes Dane a unique outlier in Wisconsin's disaster risk landscape.

Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes converge

Dane's tornado risk reaches 97.58, flood risk stands at 94.31, and earthquake risk climbs to 70.67—an extraordinary triple threat. Wildfire exposure (60.24) and even hurricane risk (29.16) significantly exceed state and regional norms.

Multi-layer insurance is essential here

Dane County residents face genuine, exceptional disaster risk and must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with windstorm, flood, and earthquake coverage. Given the county's extreme exposure across multiple hazard types, work with an insurance professional to ensure your policy matches the genuine threats you face.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dane County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate for the Upper Midwest

Dane County averages 46.6°F annually, placing it about 7 degrees below the national median. It enjoys a humid continental climate with four very distinct seasons.

In the state's warmer bracket

With an annual average of 46.6°F, Dane County is significantly warmer than the state average of 44.4°F. It ranks as one of the warmest and most precipitous counties in Wisconsin.

Wetter than its northern neighbors

Dane County's 38.3 inches of annual precipitation is much higher than the state average of 34.5 inches. It is slightly warmer and wetter than neighboring Dodge County to the northeast.

Warm summers and snowy winters

The county sees 9 days per year exceeding 90°F and a July average of 71.5°F. Winters bring 39.0 inches of snow, which is less than the northern counties but still substantial.

Invest in moisture management

High annual precipitation of 38.3 inches makes basement waterproofing and sump pumps important for homeowners. Winter lows of 18.6°F in January also demand reliable, well-maintained furnaces.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dane County

via SoilByCounty

High-Performance Soil in South-Central Wisconsin

Dane County's impressive 75.6 soil score reflects a high-quality agricultural landscape that easily beats the state average of 68.2. The average pH of 6.24 is very close to the optimal national median of 6.5, making it highly versatile. This creates a fertile environment that requires fewer chemical adjustments than northern counties.

Silty Soils with Substantial Clay

The soil is comprised of 50.2% silt and 16.7% clay, balanced by 30.7% sand. This high silt and clay combination provides excellent structural stability and nutrient retention. While it can be heavier to work than sandy soils, it offers the consistency needed for high-yield farming.

State-Leading Water Storage Capacity

The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, ensuring crops stay hydrated during dry spells. Organic matter stands at 3.59%, which is healthy by national standards though lower than the state's 11.02% average. This profile is perfect for retaining fertilizers and supporting intense plant growth.

Stable Hydrology for Diverse Use

The county's soil score and composition suggest moderate to high moisture retention with predictable drainage patterns. While specific drainage classes aren't in this data set, the silty texture is known for its ability to hold water without becoming instantly waterlogged. This makes the land equally suitable for residential lawns and commercial agriculture.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 5a

As a Zone 5a region, Dane County is an ideal spot for peppers, tomatoes, and even some varieties of melons. The rich silty soil provides the deep nutrient base that heavy-fruiting plants crave. Whether you are in Madison or the countryside, this soil is ready for a high-production vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dane County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth in the Capital Region

Dane County offers a lawn difficulty score of 71.8, making it much easier to maintain than the national average. Situated in Zone 5a, it shares the milder winters and reliable summers typical of southern Wisconsin. You can expect a productive growing season with fewer environmental hurdles than most of the country.

Wet Summers and Warm Days

Dane County leads with 38.3 inches of annual precipitation, providing more water than the state average for your grass. With 9 days above 90°F and 2,635 growing degree days, your lawn will grow vigorously through the summer months. Be prepared for a high-intensity mowing schedule to keep up with the fast-growing turf during the rainy periods.

Loamy Soils Support Turf Health

A soil pH of 6.24 is ideal for most cool-season grasses, facilitating excellent nutrient absorption. The soil composition features 16.7% clay and 30.7% sand, which helps retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. This balanced foundation requires fewer amendments, allowing you to focus on routine maintenance rather than corrective measures.

Navigating Significant Dry Periods

Despite the high rainfall, Dane County has endured 24 weeks of drought in the past year, more than any neighboring county. Currently, 54.3% of the county is abnormally dry, making smart irrigation essential for lawn survival. Utilizing rain barrels or smart controllers can help manage your water usage while keeping your grass hydrated.

Establishing Your Dane County Lawn

With a last frost on May 1 and a first fall frost on October 10, you have a solid five-month window for lawn care. Cool-season blends that include Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass are perfect for Zone 5a's climate. Aim to finish any major seeding by early September to allow roots to establish before the ground freezes in the fall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dane County's county score?
Dane County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 38 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 Dane County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Dane County ranks #70 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 Dane County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Dane County is $6,276, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Dane County a tax score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dane County?
The median household income in Dane County, Wisconsin is $88,108 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dane County earns an income score of 91/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dane County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Dane County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Dane 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 Dane 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.