countyscore
61.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 85.4Schools 81.7

County Report Card

About Door County, Wisconsin

A National Leader in Livability

Door County achieves an impressive composite score of 61.5, far outpacing the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the most desirable counties in the country based on the index's diverse criteria.

Tops in the State of Wisconsin

With a 61.5 score, Door County soars past the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It ranks as a premier destination for those seeking high-quality infrastructure and exceptionally safe communities.

Pristine Water and Total Safety

The county excels with a water score of 86.0 and a safety score of 85.4. Excellent schools (81.7) and a health score of 80.4 create a nearly unparalleled environment for families and retirees alike.

Higher Costs for Premium Quality

Quality comes at a price, as seen in the cost score of 27.5 and a median home value of $305,800. While the tax score of 31.4 is better than most in Wisconsin, the effective rate remains 1.095%.

The Gold Standard for Retirement

Door County is the ultimate choice for retirees and affluent families who value safety and natural beauty above all else. It offers the best overall lifestyle profile for those who can afford the local real estate.

Score breakdown

Tax31.4Cost27.5Safety85.4Health80.4Schools81.7Income70.9Risk53.1Water86Weather53.6
🏛31.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓81.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡53.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.2
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

Menominee County
Michigan
56
Kewaunee County
Wisconsin
58.6
Marinette County
Wisconsin
49.9
Oconto County
Wisconsin
56.1
Brown County
Wisconsin
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Delta County
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Benzie County
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Dickinson County
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Deep Dives

Door County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Door County

via TaxByCounty

Door County's rates rank lowest regionally

Door County's effective tax rate of 1.095% is remarkably low—ranking in the bottom tier nationally and sitting well below the national median of 1.436%. Despite higher median home values of $305,800, Door residents pay $3,350 annually, moderate compared to their property values.

Door County taxes rank well below state average

At 1.095%, Door County's effective rate stands significantly below Wisconsin's 1.436% state average, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. The median tax of $3,350 aligns closely with the state median of $3,081, despite Door's higher home values.

Door offers the best regional tax rate

Door's 1.095% rate beats every neighboring county profiled, including Chippewa's 1.159% and Douglas's 1.347%, making it the region's most favorable tax environment. For homeowners with $305,800 median properties, Door's effective rate provides exceptional value.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with Door County's median $305,800 home pays approximately $3,350 per year in property taxes. Interestingly, mortgaged properties pay $3,146 while owned-outright homes pay $3,602—a $456 difference suggesting varied assessment practices.

You might be overassessed

Even in Door County's favorable tax environment, property owners should verify their assessments against recent market sales. An appeal is simple and could yield hundreds in savings—especially valuable in a high-value housing market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Door County

via CostByCounty

Door's scenic charm carries housing premium

Door County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% ranks highest among these eight counties and exceeds national averages, driven by median rent of $995 and median home value of $305,800. This premium reflects the county's status as a tourist destination and sought-after residential community, despite household incomes of just $71,785.

Wisconsin's most housing-burdened county here

Door County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest statewide among this group, significantly exceeding Wisconsin's 14.9% average. The county's popularity as a retreat destination has driven property values and rents far above what local incomes typically support.

Pricier than most, cheaper than Dane alone

Door's $995 median rent exceeds Chippewa ($963), Dodge ($963), and all others except Dane ($1,345). Similarly, Door's $305,800 median home value ranks second-highest after Dane, reflecting its appeal to affluent buyers seeking waterfront and recreational properties.

Housing takes 34% of household budgets

Door residents allocate roughly $995 in rent or $1,074 in monthly ownership costs, totaling about 34% of the $71,785 median household income. This leaves Door households with less discretionary income than most Wisconsin counties, despite the county's natural beauty and recreational advantages.

Door requires strong attachment to location

Door County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio and $305,800 median home value make it Wisconsin's most expensive option here outside Dane County. Only relocate to Door if remote work, seasonal employment, or substantial savings offset the premium you'll pay for scenic living and recreational lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Door County

via IncomeByCounty

Door Slightly Below National Income

Door County's median household income of $71,785 trails the national median of $74,755 by $2,970, placing the county marginally below typical American earnings. This near-alignment masks Door's unique economic structure dominated by tourism and seasonal employment.

Door Below Wisconsin Average

At $71,785, Door County households earn just $70 less than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, placing the county precisely at the state median. The near-parity masks income volatility from seasonal tourism fluctuations that characterize Door's economy.

Door Competes with Regional Peers

Door's $71,785 median sits between Douglas County ($72,579) and Dodge County ($73,992) while trailing Columbia County ($82,792) and Chippewa County ($74,009). As a tourism-dependent economy, Door's income profile differs from manufacturing-focused neighbors.

High Housing Costs Pinch Renters

Door County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is elevated, reflecting the county's popular real estate market and tourist-driven inflation. The median home value of $305,800 consumes 51% of annual household income, posing affordability challenges for buyers and renters alike.

Door County Seasonal Savings Strategy

Door County households earning $71,785 face seasonal income volatility that demands strategic financial planning to build wealth. Create a robust emergency fund to cover seasonal gaps, invest offseason earnings aggressively, and explore diversified income streams beyond tourism.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Door County

via CrimeByCounty

Door County Among Nation's Safest

Door County is one of the safest regions in the country, boasting a safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 332.9 per 100k is a small fraction of the national average.

A Leader in Wisconsin Safety

Door County far exceeds the Wisconsin state average safety score of 98.3. Its total crime rate is roughly 70% lower than the state average of 1,103.1 per 100k.

Superior Safety in the Peninsula

Compared to other counties in the region, Door's crime figures are remarkably low. Two reporting agencies provide comprehensive data highlighting the county's status as a safe haven.

Minimal Crime Risks for Residents

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 33.3 per 100k, while property crime is also very low at 299.6. These figures represent some of the lowest crime risks in the state.

Safety Precautions for Seasonal Residents

Despite the low crime, residents should still secure their property to prevent crimes of opportunity. Basic security precautions ensure that Door County remains a tranquil destination.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Door County

via HealthByCounty

Door outlives the nation

Door residents live to 80.2 years—3.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4—placing the county among America's healthiest. The 15.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national 18%, reflecting strong baseline health status across the population.

Wisconsin's top tier

Door's 80.2-year life expectancy ranks among Wisconsin's highest, exceeding the state average of 77.8 by 2.4 years. At 7.3% uninsured, Door slightly edges above Wisconsin's 7.0% average, but coverage remains nearly universal.

Coastal health advantage

Door's 80.2-year life expectancy ranks second only to Dane (80.8) in the region, reflecting a healthier-than-average population and likely lifestyle benefits of the county's affluent, health-conscious communities. With 69 primary care and 128 mental health providers per 100K, Door offers solid rural access.

Access and longevity aligned

Door's 92.7% coverage rate and robust provider availability—69 primary care and 128 mental health per 100K—enable residents to sustain the county's exceptional longevity. The 15.7% poor/fair health rate, while above some peers, reflects an aging affluent population managing well-documented chronic conditions.

Door's health momentum continues

Door's strong health outcomes show the value of coverage and access; if you're uninsured, enrollment through the marketplace keeps you aligned with the county's health leadership. Explore plans at healthcare.gov to lock in your coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Door County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education on the Door County Peninsula

Door County manages a specialized network of 16 public schools across five districts, serving 3,257 students. The system includes 6 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for the peninsula's residents. It is a tightly managed system where every district is essential to the community fabric.

Top-Tier Scores and Premium Investment

Door County leads many peers with a composite school score of 61.8 and a 93.0% graduation rate. The county heavily invests in its students, spending $10,077 per pupil—well above the state average of $8,113. This high level of funding correlates with strong academic performance and student outcomes.

Sturgeon Bay and Southern Door Excellence

Sturgeon Bay School District is the county's largest, educating 1,065 students across four schools. Southern Door County School District also maintains a significant presence, featuring the county's largest individual school, Southern Door Elementary, with 448 students. There are currently no charter schools in Door County, focusing instead on strong traditional public districts.

A Quintessential Rural Learning Environment

The majority of Door County’s 16 schools are in rural locales, reflecting the area’s scenic and spread-out nature. With an average school size of just 204 students, the environment is intimate and highly personalized. This small-scale feel is balanced by 4 town-based schools that serve as local hubs in areas like Sturgeon Bay.

Experience Academic Excellence by the Water

Door County offers a rare combination of scenic beauty and high-performing schools with significant per-pupil investment. For those seeking top school scores and small class sizes, this peninsula is a premier destination. Look for your next home in a district that prioritizes both student well-being and academic achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Door County

via RiskByCounty

Door's risk slightly below state norm

Door County scores 46.88, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting slightly below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This places Door among the safer U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure overall.

Among Wisconsin's safest counties

Door County ranks as one of Wisconsin's lowest-risk counties for natural disasters, with a composite score of 46.88 that positions it in the bottom tier of statewide vulnerability. Only a handful of Wisconsin counties enjoy lower overall disaster risk.

Comparable to Crawford, safer than most

Door County (46.88) faces nearly identical risk to Crawford County (46.22), making both among Wisconsin's safest areas. Both dramatically exceed Columbia County (81.42) and significantly trail Dane County (93.86) in vulnerability.

Wildfire and flooding are modest concerns

Door's wildfire risk reaches 39.89 and flood risk stands at 52.07, making these the county's primary but still moderate natural hazards. Tornado risk (47.55) ranks as secondary, while earthquake (12.75) and hurricane (0.00) threats remain minimal.

Standard insurance typically sufficient

Door County residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance for baseline protection against the county's modest hazard exposure. Adding a flood policy rider remains prudent given flood risk at 52, as standard policies exclude water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Door County

via WeatherByCounty

Maritime influence on temperature

Door County averages 43.9°F annually, which is 10 degrees below the national median. The surrounding waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay moderate the climate, preventing temperature extremes.

Cooler than the state median

The county's average of 43.9°F is slightly below the Wisconsin average of 44.4°F. Its unique peninsula geography creates a cooler summer environment than the inland counties.

Drier and snowier than neighbors

With only 31.0 inches of annual precipitation, Door is drier than the state average of 34.5 inches. However, it receives significantly more snow (57.6 inches) than its southern neighbors like Dodge.

Cool summers and heavy snow

Door County is famous for its mild summers, seeing only 1 day per year over 90°F. Winter is long and white, with 57.6 inches of snow and a January average of 18.4°F.

Plan for long snow seasons

Residents don't need much air conditioning but must be prepared for 57.6 inches of snow. High-quality winter tires and robust snowblowers are essential for navigating the peninsula's winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Door County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of the Door Peninsula

Door County is dominated by Entisols, which are young soils with limited development, featuring an average pH of 5.97. This pH level is slightly above the state average of 5.63 but below the national median of 6.5. These soils reflect the county's unique geography, balancing between rocky outcrops and sandy shores.

A Dominant Sandy Texture

The county's soil is 48.8% sand, 24.1% silt, and 11.4% clay, leading to a primary classification of sand. This high sand content means the soil is loose, easy to dig, and does not compact easily. However, this same texture can make it difficult for the soil to hold onto nutrients and water.

High Organic Matter in Sandy Earth

Surprisingly, Door County maintains a high 9.04% organic matter content, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.0%. However, its available water capacity of 0.176 in/in is lower than the state's 0.204 average. This means that while the soil is rich in nutrients, it requires frequent watering due to its sandy nature.

Excessively Drained Landscapes

Classified as excessively drained and belonging to hydrologic group A, water moves through this soil very quickly. This is ideal for preventing root rot but can lead to rapid drying in the summer months. Builders find this drainage beneficial for stable foundations, though gardeners must plan for irrigation.

Famous Cherry and Berry Soil

In Zone 5b, the combination of sandy, well-drained soil and lake-moderated climate is world-famous for cherries and strawberries. The high organic matter supports these perennial fruits perfectly. If you are starting a garden, focus on fruit trees and drought-tolerant perennials that love good drainage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Door County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Cooling in Door County

Door County scores 62.2 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just below the state average but still above the national median. As a 5b Hardiness Zone, it benefits from the lake's insulating effect, leading to milder winter extremes. However, the unique geography presents specific challenges for keeping a traditional lawn green.

Cool Breezes and Low Heat

With only 1 extreme heat day per year, heat stress is virtually non-existent for Door County lawns. Annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state average at 31.0 inches, and 1,962 growing degree days mean a shorter, slower growing season. Your mowing schedule will likely be more relaxed here than in the southern parts of the state.

Managing Sandy, Fast-Draining Soil

The soil is classified as excessively drained sand, containing 48.8% sand and 11.4% clay. With a pH of 5.97, the soil is just on the edge of the ideal range but may require occasional lime to maintain neutrality. Because it drains so quickly, your lawn will require more frequent, light watering to keep moisture in the root zone.

Watching for Coastal Dry Spells

Door County has faced 19 weeks of drought over the past year, and 70.3% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Because of the sandy soil, even short dry periods can lead to rapid browning and dormancy. Focus on building organic matter through composting to help your sandy soil retain precious moisture.

A Shorter, Coastal Growing Window

The last frost arrives late on May 14, but the first fall frost is pushed back to October 17 by the lake. This creates a stable window for Zone 5b grasses like Fine Fescues, which are well-adapted to sandy soils and cooler temperatures. Wait for the soil to truly warm in late May before beginning your seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Door County's county score?
Door County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 61.5 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 Door County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Door County ranks #3 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 Door County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Door County is $3,350, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Door County a tax score of 31.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Door County?
The median household income in Door County, Wisconsin is $71,785 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Door County earns an income score of 70.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Door County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Door County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Door 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 Door 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.