countyscore
50.8
County Score
Health 85.3Safety 80.3Income & Jobs 71

County Report Card

About Eau Claire County, Wisconsin

Above the National Baseline

With a composite score of 50.8, Eau Claire County outperforms the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests a higher standard of living than most counties across the United States.

Beating the State Average

Eau Claire's 50.8 score edges out the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands as a regional leader in West-Central Wisconsin, offering a more attractive profile than many neighboring counties.

Exceptional Health and Public Safety

The county boasts an impressive health score of 85.3 and a safety score of 80.3. These high marks reflect a secure environment and access to top-tier wellness resources.

Environmental Risks and High Entry Costs

A risk score of 21.7 indicates the county faces higher natural or environmental hazards compared to others. Housing costs also present a challenge, as seen in the low 24.8 cost score and $977 median rent.

Ideal for Safety-Oriented Professionals

Eau Claire is a premier choice for those prioritizing low crime and excellent medical care. It suits established professionals who can navigate the local housing market to enjoy the high quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax16.3Cost24.8Safety80.3Health85.3Schools47Income71Risk21.7Water53.6Weather49.8
🏛16.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.2
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

Chippewa County
Wisconsin
42.5
Clark County
Wisconsin
51.4
Dunn County
Wisconsin
49.2
Jackson County
Wisconsin
49.6
Buffalo County
Wisconsin
60.4
Trempealeau County
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56
Pepin County
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56.5
Taylor County
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51.7

Deep Dives

Eau Claire County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Eau Claire County

via TaxByCounty

Eau Claire's rate slightly above national average

Eau Claire County's 1.43% effective tax rate ranks in the upper third nationally, exceeding the national median of 1.08% by a notable margin. Residents pay about $771 more annually than the national median home, a premium reflecting Wisconsin's property-tax-heavy funding model.

Below Wisconsin's statewide average rate

Eau Claire County ranks 33rd among Wisconsin's 72 counties with an effective rate of 1.43%, just below the state average of 1.44%. The median tax bill of $3,461 exceeds the state median by $380, primarily driven by home values near the state average.

Slightly lower rate than neighboring Dunn

Eau Claire County's 1.43% effective rate edges below Dunn County's 1.47%, though median tax bills are nearly identical at $3,461 versus $3,325. Both counties cluster together in mid-range Wisconsin tax burden.

A $242,400 home costs $3,461 yearly

The typical Eau Claire County homeowner with a $242,400 property pays $3,461 in annual taxes, or about $288 monthly. With mortgage-related assessments included, annual costs climb to roughly $3,549.

Overassessments are common here too

Eau Claire County homeowners have successfully challenged overassessed properties through the county appeals process at no cost. A professional appraisal revealing inflated assessments can justify a tax reduction worth hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Eau Claire County

via CostByCounty

Eau Claire rents stretch paychecks farther

Renters in Eau Claire County spend 16.3% of their income on housing—notably above the national average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $71,834 and median rent of $977, housing costs here claim a larger chunk than most American counties.

One of Wisconsin's tightest rental markets

Eau Claire's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in Wisconsin, exceeding the state average of 14.9% by a significant margin. The county's $977 monthly median rent is the highest among this regional group, suggesting strong demand in this regional hub.

Pricier than most surrounding counties

Eau Claire's $977 rent tops every comparable county in this group except for regional outliers. Renters here pay $392 more per month than Forest County's $585 and $166 more than nearby Dunn County's $942.

Housing consumes a third of income

Eau Claire renters allocate $977 monthly while homeowners commit $1,185 to mortgages against a $71,834 median income. This split reflects a county where housing—whether renting or owning—demands roughly 33% of household earnings.

A growing hub with trade-offs

Eau Claire's higher rents reflect its status as a regional employment and cultural center with strong job markets. If you value urban amenities and career opportunities, Eau Claire's costs may be justified—but compare it against more affordable neighbors like Green or Forest counties if budget is tight.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Eau Claire County

via IncomeByCounty

Eau Claire slightly below national average

Eau Claire County's median household income of $71,834 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by roughly $2,900. However, this positions Eau Claire above the bottom half of U.S. counties in household earnings.

Eau Claire leads upper-state peers

Eau Claire's $71,834 median income ranks above Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, placing it in the upper half of the state's 72 counties. The county's strong per-capita income of $40,845—well above the state's $38,794—signals robust individual earning power.

Competitive with regional rivals

Eau Claire ($71,834) slightly edges Dunn County ($71,785) and matches regional strength with Fond du Lac ($73,154). Green Lake ($66,917) and Grant ($64,349) counties nearby lag significantly behind.

Housing affordable, though tight

Eau Claire's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% keeps housing costs well within the sustainable 30% threshold, though it's slightly higher than the state trend. Median home values of $242,400 remain manageable for dual-income households or those with above-median earnings.

Leverage Eau Claire's earning potential

With per-capita income of $40,845, Eau Claire residents have strong individual earning capacity to maximize retirement savings and investment accounts. Even modest monthly contributions to a diversified portfolio can build substantial wealth over 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Eau Claire County

via CrimeByCounty

Eau Claire County ranks among nation's safest areas

With a total crime rate of just 466.4 per 100,000 residents, Eau Claire County is roughly five times safer than the national average. The county achieves a remarkable safety score of 99.3 out of 100.

Surpassing Wisconsin state safety benchmarks

Eau Claire County's safety score of 99.3 easily exceeds the state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the Wisconsin average of 1103.1 per 100,000 people.

A regional leader in public safety

The county's crime rate of 466.4 is much lower than nearby Dunn County, which reports 1088.0 incidents per 100,000 people. This makes Eau Claire one of the most secure hubs in the Chippewa Valley region.

Violent crime remains exceptionally rare

Violent crime in Eau Claire County is minimal at 28.4 per 100,000, far below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime constitutes nearly all local reporting at 438.0 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Keep Eau Claire safe with simple precautions

Because crime rates are so low, residents often feel a high sense of security, but basic property protection remains important. Simple measures like smart doorbells and secure windows help maintain these record-low crime numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Eau Claire County

via HealthByCounty

Eau Claire meets national health standards

Eau Claire County's 78.8-year life expectancy is nearly 1 year above the U.S. average of 78.0 years, and its 15.2% poor/fair health rate is notably lower than the national 17.5%. The county demonstrates solid health outcomes despite serving a diverse, mixed urban-rural population.

Above-average health for Wisconsin

At 78.8 years, Eau Claire County's life expectancy edges above Wisconsin's 77.8-year state average. The county ranks among Wisconsin's better-performing communities for population health outcomes.

Regional healthcare leader

Eau Claire leads neighboring Dunn County in primary care access with 142 providers per 100,000 residents versus Dunn's 75, and far exceeds mental health coverage at 412 providers per 100,000. This wealth of providers reflects Eau Claire's role as a regional healthcare hub.

Low uninsured rate, strong access

Eau Claire County's 5.6% uninsured rate matches the best in the region, meaning 94.4% of residents have healthcare coverage. With 142 primary care providers and 412 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers exceptional access to both physical and mental health services.

Protect your family's health now

Eau Claire's robust healthcare infrastructure only works if everyone has insurance. If you're uninsured, Wisconsin's marketplace and federally subsidized plans make coverage affordable—visit healthcare.gov to compare options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Eau Claire County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Education in Eau Claire

Eau Claire County operates a large network of 36 public schools, including 17 elementary schools and nine high schools. Four districts manage this extensive infrastructure, serving a total enrollment of 14,288 students.

Investing in Diverse Learning Opportunities

The county spends $8,163 per pupil, slightly above the state average, though the graduation rate currently sits at 85.9%. Educational choice is a priority here, with five charter schools accounting for nearly 14% of the total school landscape.

Eau Claire Area District Powers the Region

The Eau Claire Area School District is the dominant force, managing 24 schools and over 10,800 students. The Altoona School District also plays a significant role, serving 1,891 students within its four-school system.

Urban Education with Modern Facilities

Most students attend school in city locales, where large campuses like North High and Memorial High each serve over 1,500 students. Despite these large hubs, the county maintains a balanced average school size of 408 students across its urban, suburban, and rural sites.

Discover Urban and Suburban Living

From the bustling city schools in Eau Claire to the growing districts in Altoona, this county provides diverse residential options for families. Evaluating homes near these academic centers can help you find the perfect balance of community and classroom excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Eau Claire County

via RiskByCounty

Eau Claire faces elevated national risk

Eau Claire County scores 78.31 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national average and indicating relatively elevated disaster exposure. This county experiences a notably higher frequency of natural hazard events than much of the nation.

Wisconsin's riskier counties

At 78.31, Eau Claire County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, ranking among the state's higher-risk communities. Only a handful of Wisconsin counties face comparable natural disaster exposure.

Most vulnerable in the region

Eau Claire County's 78.31 score significantly exceeds nearby Dunn County (48.79) and Forest County (47.39), making it the region's most hazard-prone area. This elevated risk profile demands heightened preparedness compared to surrounding counties.

Tornadoes and floods drive exposure

Tornado risk stands at 80.60, the county's primary threat, while flooding presents substantial secondary risk at 79.93—both well above state and national norms. Wildfire and earthquake risks are more moderate at 30.12 and 9.83 respectively, though still noteworthy.

Prioritize comprehensive disaster coverage

With tornado risk at 80.60 and flood risk at 79.93, homeowners should secure robust insurance covering both storm damage and water damage from heavy rainfall. Consider above-ground safe rooms or shelters and maintain a detailed emergency action plan updated annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Eau Claire County

via WeatherByCounty

Defined by Northern Continental Air

Eau Claire County records an annual average temperature of 44.7°F, placing it well below the national median. This climate type ensures a landscape dominated by four distinct seasons with significant winter snow accumulation.

Standard Wisconsin Temperature Brackets

At 44.7°F, the county is just a fraction warmer than the 44.4°F Wisconsin state average. It ranks as a middle-of-the-pack county for temperature, avoiding the extreme cold of the far north and the relative warmth of the south.

The Snowier Neighbor

Eau Claire experiences a heavy 54.0 inches of annual snowfall, significantly outpacing Dunn County’s 40.9 inches. Despite the extra snow, its average annual precipitation of 33.6 inches is actually slightly lower than its western neighbor.

Strong Summers and Heavy Snow

The summer months average a pleasant 69.2°F, though temperatures hit the 90°F mark about 7 times each year. Winter is the dominant season, characterized by a chilly 17.9°F average from December through February.

Invest in Snow Removal

With 54 inches of snow per year, residents should prioritize high-quality snow removal equipment and vehicle winterization. Energy-efficient home insulation is critical to manage the January average lows of 14.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Eau Claire County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Wisconsin Acidity in Eau Claire

The soil in Eau Claire County carries a pH of 5.64, almost identical to the state average. This is more acidic than the national 6.5 median, reflecting the region's natural forest and prairie history.

Balanced Sands for Easy Workability

The mix is nearly half sand at 49.1%, paired with 29.8% silt for a texture that resists heavy clumping. With clay at only 9.4%, gardeners will find the soil easy to dig even after heavy rains.

Rich Biological Matter Outpaces the Nation

At 10.01%, the organic matter content is five times the national average and very close to the state's 11.02% benchmark. This richness helps sustain plants despite an available water capacity that sits at 0.185, below the state mean.

Fast-Draining Soils Require Moisture Management

Specific drainage class data is unavailable, but the high sand and low clay percentages indicate a fast-draining profile. This makes the county well-suited for building and construction, though farmers may need to monitor soil moisture closely.

Hardy Crops Thrive in Zone 4b

The Zone 4b climate supports a variety of berries and hardy perennials that enjoy well-aerated soil. A soil score of 65.8 indicates your backyard has the fundamental nutrients needed to start a successful growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Eau Claire County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Eau Claire Lawns

Eau Claire County earns a 67.2 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 64.4 and the national median. This Zone 4b classification means cool-season grasses are well-adapted to the local climate.

Consistent Growth in Central Wisconsin

Annual precipitation of 33.6 inches provides a strong baseline for lawn health, falling just under the state average of 34.5. With 2,529 growing degree days, grass grows steadily through a season punctuated by only 7 days of extreme heat.

Addressing High Sand and Low pH

A soil pH of 5.64 is lower than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range, meaning homeowners should test for acidity before the season starts. The high sand content of 49.1% ensures great drainage but can lead to faster nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

Recent Drought Trends in Eau Claire

The county saw 11 weeks of drought in the past year, though current abnormal dryness affects less than 1% of the land. Setting mower blades higher helps shade the soil surface and preserves moisture when rain becomes scarce.

Timing Your Eau Claire Lawn Repairs

Standard cool-season blends like perennial ryegrass thrive in this 4b zone. Wait for the final spring frost on May 7th to begin your primary seeding or sodding efforts for the year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eau Claire County's county score?
Eau Claire County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Eau Claire County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Eau Claire County ranks #39 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 Eau Claire County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Eau Claire County is $3,461, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Eau Claire County a tax score of 16.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eau Claire County?
The median household income in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin is $71,834 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eau Claire County earns an income score of 71/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eau Claire County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Eau Claire County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire 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.