Dunn County's composite score of 66.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This 32% advantage reflects stronger-than-average affordability, health outcomes, and tax efficiency across the board.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Wisconsin average
Dunn County ranks just above the state average composite score of 65.6, placing it in Wisconsin's solid middle tier. This modest edge suggests livability comparable to typical Wisconsin counties, with room to grow in specific areas.
3 / 5
Health and affordability lead the way
Dunn County excels in health outcomes with a score of 78.5 and housing affordability with a cost score of 73.7—both well above state averages. Rent averaging $942/month and homes at a median value of $226,200 make this county accessible to working families while residents enjoy strong health metrics.
4 / 5
Income growth lags behind peers
The income score of 30.2 is the county's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $71,785 trailing peers in higher-scoring counties. Economic development and wage growth opportunities represent the clearest area for improvement in Dunn County's overall livability profile.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-conscious budget planners
Dunn County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable living and strong health systems over high-wage employment. The combination of low housing costs, excellent health infrastructure, and reasonable taxes makes it a practical choice for those seeking Midwest stability without premium price tags.
Dunn County's composite score of 66.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This 32% advantage reflects stronger-than-average affordability, health outcomes, and tax efficiency across the board.
Slightly ahead of Wisconsin average
Dunn County ranks just above the state average composite score of 65.6, placing it in Wisconsin's solid middle tier. This modest edge suggests livability comparable to typical Wisconsin counties, with room to grow in specific areas.
Health and affordability lead the way
Dunn County excels in health outcomes with a score of 78.5 and housing affordability with a cost score of 73.7—both well above state averages. Rent averaging $942/month and homes at a median value of $226,200 make this county accessible to working families while residents enjoy strong health metrics.
Income growth lags behind peers
The income score of 30.2 is the county's weakest dimension, with a median household income of $71,785 trailing peers in higher-scoring counties. Economic development and wage growth opportunities represent the clearest area for improvement in Dunn County's overall livability profile.
Ideal for health-conscious budget planners
Dunn County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable living and strong health systems over high-wage employment. The combination of low housing costs, excellent health infrastructure, and reasonable taxes makes it a practical choice for those seeking Midwest stability without premium price tags.
Score breakdown
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🏛60.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.