countyscore
49.2
County Score
Health 85.7Income & Jobs 70.9Lawn Care 68.7

County Report Card

About Dunn County, Wisconsin

Dunn County Mirrors the National Median

Dunn County earns a composite score of 49.2, placing it just a fraction below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that aligns closely with the average American living experience.

A Typical Wisconsin Performer

The county's 49.2 score sits slightly behind the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. While it is competitive, it remains a mid-tier option within the state's diverse landscape of 72 counties.

High Health and Solid Incomes

Dunn County shines in health with a score of 85.7, indicating excellent outcomes for its residents. A robust income score of 70.9 is supported by a median household income of $71,785, which exceeds many rural peers.

Taxes and Housing Costs Pressure Budgets

A low tax score of 14.2 stems from an effective tax rate of 1.470%, which is high relative to national figures. Additionally, the cost score of 27.6 highlights that housing affordability remains a significant hurdle for locals.

Best for Health-Conscious Career Starters

This county is an ideal fit for professionals who value high-quality healthcare and solid earning potential. Families benefit from strong school scores of 65.8, provided they can manage the higher-than-average tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax14.2Cost27.6Safety51.6Health85.7Schools65.8Income70.9Risk51.2Water48.2Weather48.4
🏛14.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.7
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

Chippewa County
Wisconsin
42.5
Barron County
Wisconsin
51.1
Pepin County
Wisconsin
56.5
Eau Claire County
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St. Croix County
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Pierce County
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Washington County
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Rusk County
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Deep Dives

Dunn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dunn County

via TaxByCounty

Dunn County taxes above national norm

Dunn County's effective tax rate of 1.47% sits comfortably above the national median of 1.08%, placing the county in the upper third nationally. Homeowners here pay about $635 more in annual taxes than the national median, reflecting Wisconsin's heavier reliance on property tax revenue.

Middle of the pack in Wisconsin

Dunn County ranks 26th among Wisconsin's 72 counties for effective tax rate, slightly above the state average of 1.44%. The median property tax of $3,325 exceeds the state median by $244, a modest premium that reflects modest home values relative to tax collections.

Higher taxes than nearby Eau Claire

Dunn County's 1.47% rate edges above neighboring Eau Claire County's 1.43%, though both counties charge similar dollar amounts on comparable homes. Compared to Forest County's 1.17% rate to the north, Dunn taxpayers pay noticeably more on the same property values.

A $226,200 home costs $3,325 yearly

The median Dunn County homeowner with a $226,200 property pays $3,325 in annual property taxes. That breaks down to about $277 per month, or roughly $3,368 annually including mortgage-related assessments.

Your assessment may be too high

Many Wisconsin homeowners, including those in Dunn County, discover they've been overassessed through independent appraisals. Appealing your assessment to the county assessor's office costs nothing and could reduce your tax bill substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dunn County

via CostByCounty

Dunn County rents bite slightly harder

Renters in Dunn County spend 15.8% of their income on housing, compared to the nation's typical 14.9%. While Dunn's median household income of $71,785 trails the national average of $74,755, its rent-to-income ratio sits just below the stress threshold where housing costs become unmanageable.

Middle ground in Wisconsin affordability

Dunn County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, meaning renters here face slightly tighter budgets than their neighbors across the state. The county's median rent of $942 runs about $51 higher than the state average of $891, though still more affordable than coastal counterparts.

More expensive than Forest, cheaper than Eau Claire

Dunn County's $942 monthly rent sits between Forest County's bargain $585 and Eau Claire County's pricier $977. Among nearby counties, Dunn offers moderate costs: renters here pay about $57 more than in Green County but $35 less than Eau Claire residents.

Rents and mortgages split the burden

A typical Dunn County renter allocates $942 monthly while homeowners commit $1,164 to mortgage payments—both reasonable shares of the $71,785 median household income. Combined housing costs consume roughly 29% of household income when both rent and ownership options are considered.

Affordable Upper Midwest living awaits

If you're priced out of coastal markets, Dunn County offers a genuine middle path: reliable incomes, moderate rents, and home values averaging $226,200. Compare Dunn's balanced costs against counties like Eau Claire or Green Lake to find your best fit in Wisconsin's affordability landscape.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dunn County

via IncomeByCounty

Dunn keeps pace with nation

Dunn County's median household income of $71,785 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $3,000, placing it slightly below average nationally. Still, this puts Dunn in the middle of the pack—households here earn more than 45% of U.S. counties.

Right at Wisconsin's middle

At $71,785, Dunn County's median income essentially mirrors Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, making it perfectly representative of the state's economic middle. Among Wisconsin's 72 counties, Dunn ranks around the median.

Outearned by Eau Claire, Fond du Lac

Neighboring Eau Claire County ($71,834) edges out Dunn by roughly $50, while Fond du Lac County ($73,154) leads the regional cohort. Green Lake County ($66,917) and Grant County ($64,349) nearby earn considerably less.

Rent costs are manageable here

Dunn County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing is genuinely affordable for renters. With a median home value of $226,200, homeownership also remains within reach for middle-income earners.

Build on Dunn's solid foundation

Dunn's per-capita income of $36,207 and manageable housing costs create room for savings and investment. Consider directing 10–15% of household income toward retirement accounts or diversified portfolios to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dunn County

via CrimeByCounty

Dunn County remains significantly safer than national average

Dunn County reports a total crime rate of 1088.0 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.3 out of 100.

Matching the Wisconsin state safety average

With a safety score of 98.3, Dunn County perfectly matches the Wisconsin state average for safety. The total crime rate of 1088.0 is also slightly lower than the state-wide average of 1103.1 per 100,000 residents.

Safety comparison with neighboring Eau Claire County

While Dunn County is safe by national standards, its crime rate of 1088.0 is notably higher than neighboring Eau Claire County's rate of 466.4. Residents experience more reported activity than their neighbors to the east, though both counties remain very secure.

Property crime drives local safety statistics

Property crime accounts for 915.5 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime sits at 172.5. This means a resident is far more likely to experience a theft than a physical confrontation.

Prioritizing property security in Dunn County

Since property crime represents the vast majority of local offenses, home security systems and outdoor lighting provide effective deterrents. Staying vigilant about locking vehicles and outbuildings helps maintain the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dunn County

via HealthByCounty

Dunn County lives longer than most

At 79.8 years, Dunn County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.0 years. The county's 15.9% poor/fair health rate also beats the national average of 17.5%, suggesting residents here enjoy better overall wellness despite the broader health challenges facing rural America.

Dunn outpaces Wisconsin average

Dunn County's life expectancy of 79.8 years ranks it in the top tier statewide, exceeding Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 years by exactly 2 years. This positions Dunn County among Wisconsin's healthiest communities.

Stronger than regional peers

Dunn's 79.8-year life expectancy outperforms nearby Eau Claire County (78.8) and significantly exceeds Chippewa County residents' average. With 227 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Dunn also leads neighboring counties in mental health access.

Healthcare access meets need

Just 5.6% of Dunn County residents lack health insurance, well below Wisconsin's 7.0% average, meaning most residents have coverage for primary care. The county supports 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a solid ratio that ensures manageable wait times and local access to doctors.

Keep coverage strong in Dunn

With 94.4% of Dunn County already insured, maintaining that coverage is key to sustaining the county's health advantage. If you're among the 5.6% without insurance, visit healthcare.gov or Wisconsin's health marketplace to explore affordable options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dunn County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Solid Foundation for Dunn County Students

Dunn County manages an education infrastructure consisting of 17 public schools spread across four distinct districts. The system supports 5,994 students through nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Averages

Dunn County achieves an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure of $7,536 sits below the state average of $8,113, the county maintains a competitive school score of 56.5.

Menomonie Area Leads Local Education

The Menomonie Area School District serves as the county's primary provider with 3,290 students across eight schools. Other major players include the Elk Mound Area School District, which manages three schools and enrolls 1,210 students.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

With 14 of its 17 schools located in rural areas, the county offers an intimate learning environment with an average school size of 353 students. Menomonie High stands out as the largest facility with 1,011 students, while other schools like River Heights Elementary remain mid-sized at 437 students.

Build a Future Near Top-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and a tight-knit rural atmosphere should consider homes in the Menomonie or Elk Mound areas. Exploring the local housing market offers a path to securing both a quality home and a strong educational future for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dunn County

via RiskByCounty

Dunn County's moderate risk landscape

Dunn County scores 48.79 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and indicating relatively low overall disaster risk. This rating reflects a county that experiences natural hazards, but with manageable frequency and severity compared to the nation's most vulnerable areas.

Below Wisconsin's average risk

At 48.79, Dunn County sits significantly below Wisconsin's state average composite risk score of 59.08, making it one of the safer counties in the state for natural disasters. This puts Dunn County in a favorable position relative to peers across Wisconsin.

Safest county in this region

Dunn County's 48.79 score is notably lower than neighboring Eau Claire County (78.31), making Dunn one of the region's safer communities. Compared to other nearby counties like Green Lake (58.05) and Grant (61.07), Dunn residents face below-average natural disaster exposure.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Tornado risk ranks highest at 68.29, meaning severe weather events pose the primary threat to Dunn County residents and infrastructure. Flooding represents the second major concern at 50.16, while wildfire risk remains minimal at just 11.90.

Prepare for severe weather

With tornado risk at 68.29, comprehensive homeowners insurance with storm coverage and a reliable emergency plan are essential safeguards. Flood insurance is also recommended given the 50.16 flood risk score, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas or near waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dunn County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the National Average

Dunn County maintains an annual average temperature of 44.2°F, which sits nearly 10 degrees below the national median. This continental climate is defined by sharp seasonal shifts and a significant departure from warmer southern US regions.

A Typical Wisconsin Profile

The county's 44.2°F average temperature mirrors the state average of 44.4°F very closely. Its annual precipitation of 34.4 inches almost perfectly matches the statewide baseline, making it a representative example of central Wisconsin weather.

Slightly Drier Than Its Neighbors

Dunn County sees 34.4 inches of precipitation, which is slightly higher than neighboring Eau Claire’s 33.6 inches. However, it receives 13 fewer inches of snow annually than Eau Claire, suggesting a less intense winter moisture pattern.

Cold Winters and Brief Heat

Winters are harsh with a January average of 14.3°F and 40.9 inches of total snowfall. Summers offer relief with a July average of 70.6°F, though residents typically face 8 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Deep Freezes

Heating systems must handle winter averages of 17.7°F to ensure home safety during the long cold season. While extreme heat is limited to about a week, air conditioning remains a valuable asset for the humid July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dunn County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Soils in Dunn County

The soil features a pH of 5.84, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but higher than the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile supports a wide variety of temperate crops.

A Sand-Heavy Foundation for Better Airflow

With 46.1% sand and 36.8% silt, the soil offers a light texture that is easy to till and work. The relatively low clay content of 10.9% means the ground won't easily compact, though it may require more frequent watering.

Solid Organic Matter for Healthy Growth

Organic matter stands at 6.11%, more than tripling the national average of 2.0%. Although the available water capacity of 0.185 is slightly below the state average of 0.204, the high biological content provides a strong base for plant health.

Naturally Porous Underground Movement

While official drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage suggests naturally rapid drainage across the county. This environment is ideal for preventing root rot but might lead to nutrient leaching without proper management.

Start Your Zone 4b Garden Today

Dunn County is in Hardiness Zone 4b, perfect for cold-hardy staples like potatoes, apples, and kale. With an overall soil score of 66.0, your land is well-equipped for a productive and diverse home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dunn County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Lawn Care Than the State Average

Dunn County scores a 68.7 on our lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain than the Wisconsin average of 64.4. This Zone 4b region provides a climate that is significantly more hospitable to turf than the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 34.4 inches of precipitation annually, which sits perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for grass. With 2,395 growing degree days and only 8 extreme heat days, the mowing schedule remains active but manageable throughout the summer.

Managing Sandy and Slightly Acidic Soils

The soil pH of 5.84 is just below the ideal 6.0 threshold, suggesting a light lime application may improve nutrient uptake. Because the soil is 46.1% sand, it drains quickly but may require more frequent fertilization to maintain lush growth.

Moderate Drought Pressure This Year

Dunn County experienced 11 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show only 0.4% of the area is abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during dry spells to encourage roots to grow deeper into the sandy soil.

Start Growing After the May Frosts

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best choices for this 4b hardiness zone. Plan your seeding projects for mid-May after the last frost on May 9th to ensure the best survival rate for new shoots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dunn County's county score?
Dunn County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 49.2 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 Dunn County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Dunn County ranks #46 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 Dunn County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Dunn County is $3,325, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Dunn County a tax score of 14.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dunn County?
The median household income in Dunn County, Wisconsin is $71,785 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dunn County earns an income score of 70.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dunn County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Dunn County scores 49.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Dunn 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 Dunn 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.