countyscore
44.5
County Score
Soil Quality 86.9Lawn Care 82.9Income & Jobs 75.5

County Report Card

About Dodge County, Wisconsin

Moderate National Performance

Dodge County earns a 44.5 composite score, placing it below the 50.0 national median. Its profile suggests a stable, middle-of-the-road American lifestyle with moderate challenges in taxation.

Steady Presence in Wisconsin

The county's score of 44.5 is roughly six points below the state average of 50.3. It maintains a consistent performance across dimensions, avoiding the extreme lows seen in some more urbanized peers.

Strong Incomes and Healthy Living

The county features a solid income score of 75.5 and a health score of 70.4. A median household income of $73,992 provides residents with a comfortable financial cushion for the region.

Property Taxes and Water Concerns

Dodge faces a low tax score of 10.6 due to its 1.554% effective tax rate. Water quality and housing costs also present challenges, with a cost score of 26.3 reflecting rising local prices.

A Reliable Mid-Market Option

Dodge County is a great fit for established workers seeking a balance of good income and decent health outcomes. It suits those looking for a predictable, community-focused life near Wisconsin's major metro areas.

Score breakdown

Tax10.6Cost26.3Safety50.8Health70.4Schools63.1Income75.5Risk30.1Water31.9Weather52.4
🏛10.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨86.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱82.9
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

Washington County
Wisconsin
52.5
Fond du Lac County
Wisconsin
47.8
Green Lake County
Wisconsin
51.8
Jefferson County
Wisconsin
48.6
Waukesha County
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51.9
Columbia County
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47.6
Ozaukee County
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56.1
Dane County
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38

Deep Dives

Dodge County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dodge County

via TaxByCounty

Dodge County taxes run above average

Dodge County's 1.554% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.436%, while the median tax bill of $3,395 surpasses the national median of $2,690 by about $705. This premium reflects Dodge's median home value of $218,400 and above-average local service costs.

Dodge ranks above Wisconsin average

At 1.554%, Dodge County's effective rate exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, placing it in the higher tier statewide. The median tax of $3,395 also surpasses the state median of $3,081, indicating substantial property tax demands.

Dodge carries a heavier tax load

Dodge's $3,395 median tax ranks second-highest regionally, behind only Dane County's $6,276, and exceeds Columbia's $3,826 depending on the metric. At 1.554%, Dodge's effective rate falls between Clark's 1.506% and Crawford's 1.638%, occupying a middle-to-upper position.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with Dodge County's median $218,400 home pays approximately $3,395 per year in property taxes. Notably, mortgaged and owned-outright properties pay similar amounts ($3,388 vs. $3,408), suggesting consistent assessment across residential categories.

You might be overassessed

Dodge County property owners should verify their assessments match current market conditions, especially given the county's above-state-average rates. An assessment appeal costs little and could recover hundreds—or thousands—in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dodge County

via CostByCounty

Dodge's rents outpace income growth

Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% exceeds national averages, with median rent of $963 running 8% above Wisconsin's state average of $891. Despite household incomes of $73,992 nearly matching national levels, Dodge residents carry above-average housing-cost burden.

Above-average burden statewide

Dodge County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Wisconsin's 14.9% average, placing it among less affordable counties statewide. Housing costs have grown faster than income, creating mounting affordability pressure in this south-central county.

Pricier than Clark, cheaper than Dane

Dodge's $963 median rent matches Chippewa and costs significantly more than Clark ($786) and Crawford ($809), but remains a bargain compared to Dane's $1,345. This middle positioning makes Dodge a moderate option for those seeking balance between affordability and market access.

Housing consumes 31% of household income

Dodge residents spend roughly $963 on rent or $1,168 on monthly ownership costs, totaling about 31% of the $73,992 median household income. This allocation mirrors Chippewa and leaves households vulnerable to income disruption or unexpected housing-cost increases.

Dodge appeals to commuters balancing options

Dodge County's moderate housing costs and near-average incomes make it practical for relocators weighing commutes to both Milwaukee and Madison job markets. With a $218,400 median home value and 15.6% rent-to-income ratio, Dodge offers middle-ground affordability without the premium pricing of Dane County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dodge County

via IncomeByCounty

Dodge Matches National Income Trends

Dodge County's median household income of $73,992 sits just $763 below the national median of $74,755, aligning the county with typical American earners. This near-perfect alignment reflects Dodge's position as a balanced, middle-income Wisconsin community.

Slightly Above Wisconsin Average

At $73,992, Dodge County households earn $2,277 more than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, placing the county in the upper-middle income tier statewide. The modest surplus reflects solid manufacturing and agricultural employment opportunities.

Dodge Anchors Central Wisconsin Economy

Dodge's $73,992 median outpaces Door County ($71,785) and Douglas County ($72,579) while trailing Columbia County ($82,792) and Dane County ($88,108). Among rural and semi-rural peers, Dodge represents a stable, middle-of-the-road income profile.

Housing Remains Affordable

Dodge County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% keeps housing costs manageable, with residents keeping 84% of earnings after rent. The median home value of $218,400 sits comfortably within reach for the typical household earning $73,992.

Dodge County Balanced Wealth Plan

Dodge County households earning $73,992 benefit from solid income and affordable housing to build steady wealth. Establish a diversified investment portfolio, prioritize homeownership as a wealth-building tool, and take advantage of lower living costs to accelerate savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dodge County

via CrimeByCounty

National Safety Comparison for Dodge County

Dodge County earns a safety score of 98.3, reflecting strong local security. Its total crime rate of 1,107.4 per 100k is less than half of the national average.

Matching the Wisconsin Safety Standard

The county’s safety score matches the Wisconsin state average of 98.3 exactly. Its total crime rate of 1,107.4 is nearly identical to the statewide average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Dodge County Regional Safety Rankings

Dodge maintains a lower crime rate than neighboring Dane County's 1,981.2 per 100k. Safe communities here are supported by the diligent efforts of 15 different reporting agencies.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime stands at 243.7 per 100k, while property crime is reported at 863.7. This breakdown suggests a balanced safety profile with low risks across both major categories.

Maintaining Your Home’s Security Profile

Consistent safety makes Dodge County a great place to live, but caution remains valuable. Simple habits like lighting up entryways can further reduce the risk of property-related crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dodge County

via HealthByCounty

Dodge's health challenges run deep

At 76.7 years, Dodge's life expectancy slightly edges the U.S. average of 76.4, but the 17.9% poor/fair health rate matches the national average, suggesting chronic disease burden is catching up with residents. The 5.9% uninsured rate is better than national norms, indicating coverage isn't the primary barrier here.

Below Wisconsin average

Dodge's 76.7-year life expectancy falls nearly 1.1 years short of Wisconsin's 77.8-year average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 5.9% uninsured rate is slightly better than the state's 7.0%, but coverage alone hasn't bridged the life expectancy gap.

Lowest life expectancy in region

At 76.7 years, Dodge has the shortest life expectancy among regional peers, trailing Dane by 4.1 years and even Clark by just 0.1 years. With 57 primary care providers per 100K, Dodge has moderate access, but 135 mental health providers per 100K suggest untreated behavioral health needs.

Coverage adequate, outcomes lagging

While 94.1% of Dodge residents have insurance, the 17.9% poor/fair health rate suggests chronic disease, lifestyle factors, or healthcare quality issues are limiting longevity. The county's 57 primary care providers per 100K may be insufficient to manage diabetes, hypertension, and obesity prevalence.

Dodge needs health action

With coverage mostly in place, Dodge's challenge now is preventive care and disease management; those 5.9% uninsured should enroll immediately to strengthen their health. Visit healthcare.gov or check BadgerCare+ eligibility to ensure you're not missing prevention opportunities.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dodge County

via SchoolsByCounty

Navigating the Dodge County School Map

Dodge County provides education to 10,682 students through 39 public schools and ten districts. The system is well-distributed, featuring 17 elementary schools and 13 high schools to serve its various communities. This structure supports a balanced educational journey from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Exceeding Benchmarks in Graduation

Dodge County achieves a strong 92.7% graduation rate, outperforming both state and national averages. The county maintains a school score of 56.1 while operating with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,538. These metrics indicate a focused approach to student success despite spending less than the state average.

Watertown and Beaver Dam Lead Growth

Watertown Unified is the largest district with 10 schools and 3,202 students, followed closely by Beaver Dam Unified with 3,161 students. Charter schools represent 5.1% of the county's offerings, with two schools providing alternative instructional models. These larger districts serve as regional centers for academic and extracurricular activities.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Roots

With 22 schools located in towns and 17 in rural areas, Dodge County offers a community-centric educational feel. Schools have an average enrollment of 297, though Beaver Dam High reaches 1,112 students at the larger end of the spectrum. This mix allows for both large-school opportunities and smaller, local elementary experiences.

A Stable Choice for Growing Families

Dodge County’s high graduation rates and community-focused districts make it a reliable choice for families. With ten different districts to choose from, you can find a home that fits your specific educational priorities and lifestyle. Explore the area today to find a residence near these successful Wisconsin schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dodge County

via RiskByCounty

Dodge's risk exceeds state baseline

Dodge County scores 69.91, rating it as Relatively Low but exceeding Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This positions Dodge in the moderately exposed category relative to national disaster risk patterns.

Above-average risk among Wisconsin peers

Dodge County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Wisconsin counties for natural disaster vulnerability, with a composite score of 69.91 that exceeds most statewide counterparts. Few Wisconsin counties face meaningfully higher overall risk than Dodge.

Riskier than Clark and Chippewa

Dodge County (69.91) surpasses nearby Chippewa County (67.33) and Clark County (68.45) in overall disaster risk, though all three face similar tornado and flood vulnerabilities. Dodge distinguishes itself through elevated wildfire (47.58) and earthquake (36.90) exposure.

Tornadoes emerge as primary threat

Dodge's tornado risk peaks at 85.34, making it the county's dominant natural hazard and notably higher than neighbors. Flood risk reaches 68.00, while wildfire (47.58) and earthquake (36.90) risks significantly exceed state averages, creating a multi-faceted threat profile.

Windstorm coverage especially critical

With tornado risk exceeding 85, Dodge residents must ensure comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage is included in their homeowners insurance. Add flood coverage as well, and consider earthquake insurance given the county's 36.90 earthquake risk score—well above state norms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dodge County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic continental climate

Dodge County's annual average temperature of 45.4°F is about 9 degrees cooler than the national median. This reflects a climate of moderate summers and cold, snowy winters.

Slightly warmer than state average

The county is exactly one degree warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It sits in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's 72 counties for annual warmth.

Consistent with central Wisconsin

Dodge County is about one degree cooler than Dane County to its southwest. Its 36.1 inches of annual precipitation is slightly higher than the state average of 34.5 inches.

Steady snow and mild heat

The county receives 42.0 inches of snow annually and experiences only 6 days of extreme heat above 90°F. January temperatures average a cold 17.3°F, keeping the snow on the ground for months.

Prioritize reliable winter heating

A winter average of 20.4°F requires efficient HVAC systems and good home insulation. Given the 42.0 inches of annual snow, residents should also have dependable snow-clearing tools ready by November.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dodge County

via SoilByCounty

Wisconsin's Gold Standard for Soil

Dodge County boasts a phenomenal soil score of 86.9, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 68.2. The average pH is 6.46, nearly hitting the perfect national median of 6.5. This exceptional balance makes it some of the most sought-after agricultural land in the Midwest.

The Ultimate Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is dominated by 50.6% silt and 16.3% clay, with sand making up only 25.3%. This heavy-bodied composition is excellent for holding nutrients and supporting heavy crop loads. Its high silt content gives it a silky texture that provides a stable foundation for root systems.

Peak Water Capacity and Rich Matter

Available water capacity reaches 0.212 in/in, significantly higher than the Wisconsin state average of 0.204. With organic matter at 4.88%, the soil is more than twice as rich as the national average of 2.0%. These factors combine to create a resilient landscape that maintains productivity even in fluctuating weather.

Excellent Moisture Management

High water capacity and a heavy silt profile mean the soil absorbs and holds moisture effectively. While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 86.9 soil score suggests superior natural drainage and water management. This land is highly reliable for everything from large-scale corn production to home gardening.

Maximum Productivity in Zone 5a

Gardeners in Zone 5a will find that almost anything thrives in this nutrient-dense, near-neutral soil. It is particularly well-suited for high-energy crops like sweet corn and leafy greens that need consistent moisture. There is no better place in the state to start a professional-grade backyard farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dodge County

via LawnByCounty

Wisconsin’s Lawn Care Champion

Dodge County is a gardener's dream with a lawn difficulty score of 82.9, the highest in this group. Located in Zone 5a, it offers a near-perfect environment for residential turf compared to both state and national benchmarks. You will find that lawns here require significantly less effort to keep lush and healthy.

Steady Growth with Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 36.1 inches is well within the ideal range for grass, and only 6 heat days per year threaten your lawn's health. With 2,464 growing degree days, the rate of growth is steady but manageable for the average homeowner. This climate minimizes the risk of the 'summer slump' often seen in hotter regions.

Superior Soil for Easy Maintenance

Dodge County soil is nearly perfect with a pH of 6.46, sitting right in the middle of the ideal range. The mix of 16.3% clay and 25.3% sand provides enough structure to hold nutrients while preventing compaction. This means your grass can access water and minerals efficiently, reducing the need for heavy fertilization.

The Most Drought-Resistant Region

Drought is rarely an issue here, with only 2 weeks of dry conditions recorded in the past year. Currently, a negligible 2.4% of the area is abnormally dry, making this one of the most naturally hydrated counties in the state. You can largely rely on the 36.1 inches of annual rain to do the watering for you.

Start Your Lawn with Confidence

The growing window begins May 1 and provides a safe environment until the first frost on October 10. For Zone 5a, a high-quality blend of Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue will yield a professional-looking result. Start seeding in early May to take advantage of the county's naturally superior growing conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dodge County's county score?
Dodge County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Dodge County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Dodge County ranks #58 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 Dodge County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Dodge County is $3,395, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Dodge County a tax score of 10.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dodge County?
The median household income in Dodge County, Wisconsin is $73,992 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dodge County earns an income score of 75.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dodge County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Dodge County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Dodge 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 Dodge 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.