countyscore
40
County Score
Health 81Income & Jobs 72.8Soil 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.

2040608010019.133.5228142.572.837.633.247.3Tax19.1Cost33.5Safety22Health81Schools42.5Income72.8Risk37.6Water33.2Weather47.340/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

How Douglas County compares to the national average across 9 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
19.1-32.9
Cost
33.5-14.5
Safety
22-33
Health
81+31
Schools
42.5-11.5
Income
72.8+21.799999999999997
Risk
37.6-9.399999999999999
Water
33.2-24.799999999999997
Weather
47.3-8.700000000000003
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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

$190,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$903/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$190,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,579/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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Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas lands right at state average

Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% exactly matches Wisconsin's statewide average, making it a reliable benchmark for state-level affordability. Median rent of $903 runs just 1% above state average, while household income of $72,579 sits modestly below national levels.

Perfectly typical Wisconsin housing profile

Douglas County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Wisconsin's statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle of county affordability rankings. This predictable pattern makes Douglas a representative option for understanding typical Wisconsin housing markets.

Moderate pricing between extremes

Douglas's $903 median rent clusters with Chippewa and Dodge ($963 each) while undercutting Door ($995) and Dane ($1,345). Its $190,400 median home value ranks among the lowest, reflecting the Superior area's modest real estate market compared to Madison or tourist-destination Door County.

Housing claims 30% of household income

Douglas residents spend roughly $903 on rent or $1,076 on monthly ownership costs, totaling about 30% of the $72,579 median household income. This moderate allocation positions Douglas households comfortably within conventional affordability guidelines, leaving reasonable room for other expenses.

Douglas offers stability without extremes

If you're relocating to Wisconsin and want to avoid housing-market surprises, Douglas County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio and $190,400 median home value deliver predictable, middle-of-the-road affordability. The Superior area's stable economy and reasonable housing costs make Douglas practical for families seeking balanced community conditions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Douglas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Douglas County’s Northern Education Network

Douglas County serves 5,655 students through 17 public schools organized into two primary districts. The landscape consists of 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 4 high schools, plus three schools in specialized categories. This streamlined district structure simplifies the educational journey for local families.

Maintaining Performance with Lean Budgets

The county maintains an 87.7% graduation rate, which sits just above the national average of 87.0%. Douglas County operates with the most efficient budget in this group, spending $7,330 per pupil. While the school score of 53.0 is below the state average, it remains above the national median, indicating steady performance.

The Superior School District Hub

The Superior School District is the dominant force in the county, managing 9 schools and 4,155 students. Charter schools play a significant role here, with three campuses representing 17.6% of the county's total schools. This is one of the highest charter school concentrations in the region, offering parents more choice.

Suburban and Rural Variety

With 11 rural and 6 suburban schools, Douglas County provides a range of environments from quiet country campuses to larger town schools. Superior High is the county’s largest institution with 1,306 students, while the average across all schools is 353. This mix ensures that both centralized suburban services and rural community schools are available.

Find Your Home Near Superior Schools

Douglas County is a great fit for those looking for a mix of traditional public education and innovative charter options. The centralized Superior School District offers a wide range of programs and facilities for students of all ages. Explore the real estate market in this northern Wisconsin gateway to find a home near these dedicated schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas's risk slightly above state average

Douglas County scores 62.37, earning a Relatively Low rating while sitting modestly above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. This places Douglas in the lower-middle range of national disaster risk exposure.

Below-average risk within Wisconsin

Douglas County ranks in the lower half of Wisconsin counties for natural disaster vulnerability, with a composite score of 62.37 that sits comfortably below the state's most vulnerable areas. Many Wisconsin counties face substantially higher overall disaster risk than Douglas.

Safer than inland counties, similar to peers

Douglas County (62.37) faces lower risk than Dodge County (69.91) and Chippewa County (67.33), though higher than Door County (46.88) and Crawford County (46.22). As a Lake Superior coastal county, Douglas's hazard profile differs from inland Wisconsin regions.

Flood and wildfire are primary concerns

Douglas's flood risk reaches 61.45 and wildfire risk stands at 39.22, making these the county's dominant natural hazards. Tornado risk (27.35) is substantially lower than most Wisconsin counties, while earthquake (2.54) and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Flood coverage should be priority

With flood risk at 61.45 and wildfire exposure at 39.22, Douglas residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure comprehensive coverage in their homeowners policy. Standard policies exclude flood damage, so a separate flood rider is essential for this Lake Superior region location.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Douglas County

via WaterByCounty

Failing Grade for Drinking Water Compliance

Douglas County receives an F grade with 14 health violations over the last five years. While its rate of 52.8 per 100,000 residents is lower than the state average, the frequency of violations remains a concern for public health. Consistent compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act has been a challenge.

Relatively Healthy Watershed Assessment

Only 3.3% of the 1,012 assessed water bodies in Douglas County are classified as impaired. This is much better than the Wisconsin average of 7.6% and suggests overall high watershed quality. E. coli and mercury are the top causes for the few water bodies that do not meet standards.

Strong Evidence Base for Water Quality

Monitoring sites number 139 across the county, providing 64,846 measurements in the five-year period. Nutrient levels and physical characteristics are the most frequently recorded data points. This information is vital for managing the transition between inland forests and the Lake Superior coast.

Nemadji River Flow Below Average

The Nemadji River near South Superior is currently flowing at 254 cfs, which is 65% of its long-term mean. These lower flows can impact sediment transport and the overall health of the river's estuary. Monitoring this flow is critical for understanding the river's contribution to Lake Superior.

Maintaining Safety in Douglas County

Homeowners should be proactive about drinking water safety given the county's failing compliance grade. Although most water bodies are healthy, mercury in the watershed warrants caution when consuming local fish. Low streamflows may concentrate pollutants, making routine water testing more important.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 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 $2,564, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 19.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Wisconsin is $72,579 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 72.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 40/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.