countyscore
40.8
County Score
Health 81Income & Jobs 73.5Soil Quality 66.5

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Wisconsin

Trailing the National Median

Douglas County’s composite score of 40.1 sits ten points below the national median of 50.0. While it offers strong health and income potential, other localized factors lower its national ranking.

A Tough Comparison in Wisconsin

The county's score of 40.1 falls below the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It faces steeper challenges in education and safety compared to the more affluent southern counties in the state.

Excellent Health and Solid Income

A health score of 81.0 and an income score of 72.8 are the county's primary drivers. Residents enjoy a median household income of $72,579 and median gross rents of just $903, keeping costs manageable.

Safety and School Performance Hurdles

The county struggles with a safety score of 22.0 and a school score of 42.5. Additionally, the 1.347% effective tax rate contributes to a tax score of 19.1, which is low by national standards.

The Healthy Professional's Retreat

Douglas County is best for individuals who prioritize healthcare access and northern lifestyle over school rankings. It is an affordable option for those with stable jobs who enjoy the unique character of the Lake Superior region.

2040608010020.935.9228142.573.537.633.247.3Tax20.9Cost35.9Safety22Health81Schools42.5Income73.5Risk37.6Water33.2Weather47.340.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

How Douglas County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Douglas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (81/100) but notably weak in Safety (22/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20.9-31.1
Cost
35.9-12.100000000000001
Safety
22-33
Health
81+31
Schools
42.5-11.5
Income
73.5+22.5
Risk
37.6-9.399999999999999
Water
33.2-24.799999999999997
Weather
47.3-8.700000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Douglas County?

Many homeowners in Douglas 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

$205,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$909/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,099/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.1

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

Carlton County
Minnesota
49.4
Washburn County
Wisconsin
59.6
Bayfield County
Wisconsin
59
Pine County
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47
Burnett County
Wisconsin
47.8
Sawyer County
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48.9
Ashland County
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Aitkin County
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55

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas County slightly above national median

Douglas County's 1.347% effective tax rate sits just slightly above the national median of 1.436%, while the median tax bill of $2,564 falls modestly below the national median of $2,690. Lower median home values of $190,400 help keep absolute taxes manageable despite moderate tax rates.

Douglas ranks close to state average

At 1.347%, Douglas County's effective rate runs just below Wisconsin's 1.436% state average, placing it near the middle of statewide rankings. The median tax of $2,564 falls below the state median of $3,081, reflecting Douglas's affordable housing market.

Douglas maintains moderate regional standing

Douglas's 1.347% rate falls between Chippewa's 1.159% and Clark's 1.506%, positioning it squarely in the regional middle. With a $2,564 median tax, Douglas residents pay less than most neighboring counties while enjoying reasonable effective tax rates.

What your annual tax bill looks like

A homeowner with Douglas County's median $190,400 home pays approximately $2,564 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $2,605; without one, it drops to $2,479—a manageable $126 spread.

You might be overassessed

Douglas County homeowners should periodically verify their property assessments, especially if home values in their neighborhoods have shifted. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax bill by hundreds—money better spent on home improvements or savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas Near National Income Average

Douglas County's median household income of $72,579 sits $2,176 below the national median of $74,755, placing the county just barely below typical American earnings. This near-alignment reflects Douglas's position as a stable, middle-income Great Lakes community.

Slightly Above Wisconsin Standard

At $72,579, Douglas County households earn $864 more than Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, placing the county fractionally above the state median. The modest surplus reflects Superior's port economy and regional employment diversity.

Douglas Ranks Mid-Pack Regionally

Douglas's $72,579 median outpaces Door County ($71,785) while trailing Dodge County ($73,992) and Chippewa County ($74,009). Among northern Wisconsin counties, Douglas represents a stable, middle-income profile characteristic of the region.

Rents Stay Manageable

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% is favorable, allowing households to retain 85% of earnings after rent payments. The median home value of $190,400 aligns well with median household income, supporting homeownership affordability.

Douglas County Wealth-Building Essentials

Douglas County households earning $72,579 enjoy favorable housing affordability to accelerate wealth building and investment. Prioritize establishing homeownership, maximize retirement contributions through employer plans, and explore Superior's economic diversification for career advancement opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Douglas County Safety Score and Context

Douglas County maintains a safety score of 96.8, with a total crime rate of 2,000.3 per 100k. This puts the county in a better position than the national average of 2,385.5.

How Douglas Compares to Wisconsin

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

Crime Rates Near the North Shore

Douglas faces higher crime rates than rural neighbors like Clark County, which sits at 507.2 per 100k. Three reporting agencies work to manage and report these figures for the community.

Detailed Crime Breakdown in Douglas

Property crime is the most frequent issue at 1,839.3 per 100k, while violent crime remains low at 161.0. While overall safety is high, property theft remains a local concern.

Protecting Your Douglas County Home

Strengthening home security is a practical step for residents to take. High-quality locks and motion sensors are effective tools for protecting homes from property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Wisconsin's northern cold pole

Douglas County is one of the coldest spots in the nation, with an average annual temperature of only 40.9°F. This is more than 13 degrees below the national median.

Among the coldest in Wisconsin

The county's 40.9°F average is 3.5 degrees colder than the Wisconsin state average. It consistently ranks in the bottom five coldest counties in the state.

Colder than central Wisconsin

Douglas is nearly two degrees colder than Door County and significantly drier than southern counties with 32.9 inches of precipitation. Its climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to Lake Superior.

Intense winters and brief summers

Winter is the dominant season, featuring 57.9 inches of snow and a biting January average of 11.3°F. Summers are very short, with only 5 days of extreme heat and a July average of 67.3°F.

Maximum winter preparation required

Homeowners must prioritize heavy-duty heating and extreme weather insulation for the 15.0°F winter average. Expect a long snow-clearing season given the nearly 58 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Young, Acidic Soils of the North

Douglas County features Entisols with an average pH of 4.73, making it one of the most acidic regions in the state. This level is significantly lower than the state average of 5.63 and the national median of 6.5. These young soils are still developing and reflect the rugged, northern environment near Lake Superior.

Sand-Driven and Low in Clay

The soil contains 42.3% sand and 21.5% silt, with a very low clay content of only 6.4%. This composition allows for easy water movement through the upper layers of the earth. The low clay levels mean the soil lacks the 'stickiness' found in southern Wisconsin, remaining loose and light.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

Douglas County boasts an incredible 25.37% organic matter, more than double the state average and 12 times the national average. This extreme organic richness leads to a very high available water capacity of 0.250 in/in. It is a sponge-like soil that holds onto every drop of moisture and nutrient available.

Well Drained Despite High Retention

The soil is classified as well-drained, meaning it avoids the swampy conditions one might expect from such high organic matter. This balance of high water storage and good drainage is rare and highly beneficial for northern plant species. It provides a stable but moist environment for both forests and gardens.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 4a

With a short growing season in Zone 4a, gardeners should focus on blueberries and cranberries that love the county's natural acidity. The high organic matter is perfect for growing massive yields of potatoes and root crops. Harness this rich, northern earth by planting early-season varieties that can handle the cool nights.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

The Hardest Lawn Care in Wisconsin

Douglas County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 43.7, the only county in this list below the national median. In Hardiness Zone 4a, your lawn must survive some of the harshest winters in the United States. Maintaining a standard turf lawn here requires more patience and planning than anywhere else in the region.

Short Seasons and Cold Mornings

A short growing season and only 1,836 growing degree days limit how quickly your lawn can recover from damage. While precipitation is healthy at 32.9 inches, the window for growth is compressed by late spring and early fall frosts. Expect a slow start in the spring as the ground takes longer to thaw than in southern Wisconsin.

Battling Highly Acidic Ground

A soil pH of 4.73 is the biggest obstacle in Douglas County, as it is far too acidic for standard turfgrass health. The soil is well-drained but very low in clay at 6.4%, meaning it doesn't hold nutrients well. Heavy applications of lime and organic matter are essential to bring this soil into a productive range for a lawn.

A Year of Severe Drought

Douglas County is struggling with 30 weeks of drought in the past year, with 40.5% of the area in severe drought. Currently, 100% of the county is at least abnormally dry, making water conservation a top priority. In these conditions, it is often best to let your lawn go dormant rather than trying to fight the severe moisture deficit.

Timing is Everything in Zone 4a

With the last frost on May 22 and the first frost on October 2, you have a very narrow window to establish new grass. Choose the hardiest varieties possible, such as Creeping Red Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass blends designed for the North. Success depends on intensive soil preparation in early June to maximize the brief growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 40.8 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Douglas County ranks #65 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 Douglas County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $2,599, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 20.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Wisconsin is $75,099 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 73.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 40.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.