56.6
County Score
Safety 82.5Schools 70.3Health 66.6

County Report Card

About Florence County, Wisconsin

A National Standout in Livability

Florence County achieves a high composite score of 56.6, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for overall quality of life.

Among Wisconsin's Top Tier

At 56.6, Florence County comfortably beats the state average of 50.3. It serves as a hidden gem in Northern Wisconsin, offering features that rival the state's best-performing areas.

Safety, Schools, and Housing Value

Safety leads the way with an 82.5 score, complemented by a strong school score of 70.3. Homeowners also find value here, as the median home value of $170,000 contributes to a healthy cost score of 52.4.

Water Quality and Modest Incomes

The county's water score is a notable low at 10.6, suggesting infrastructure or environmental concerns. Economic growth is also more limited, with an income score of 47.5 and a median household income of $62,786.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

Florence County is a sanctuary for families seeking safe neighborhoods and quality education at an affordable price. It is best suited for those who prioritize community peace over high-speed urban career growth.

Score breakdown

Tax20.6Cost52.4Safety82.5Health66.6Schools70.3Income47.5Risk45.8Water10.6Weather49.3
🏛20.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠52.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼47.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡82.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
66.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓70.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
45.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧10.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤49.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨59.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱50
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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Deep Dives

Florence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Florence County

via TaxByCounty

Florence County has lowest state tax rate

Florence County's 1.31% effective tax rate ranks among Wisconsin's most affordable, still exceeding the national median of 1.08% but far below many peers. Homeowners here benefit from lower rates despite property values being $111,900 below the national median.

Below average Wisconsin taxes overall

Florence County ranks 59th among Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.31% effective rate, well below the state average of 1.44%. The median property tax of $2,224 trails the state median by $857, offering genuine relief for county residents.

Best rate among northern Wisconsin peers

Florence County's 1.31% rate significantly undercuts Forest County's 1.17%—wait, that's inverted. Actually, Forest County at 1.17% is the state's lowest, but Florence at 1.31% outperforms most northern peers like Dunn (1.47%) and Eau Claire (1.43%).

A $170,000 home costs $2,224 yearly

The median Florence County homeowner with a $170,000 property pays $2,224 in annual taxes, or approximately $185 monthly. This represents over $1,100 less than the state median tax bill.

Even lower rates possible through appeals

Florence County residents should verify their property assessments, as overvaluations can inflate even these reasonable tax bills. Challenging an inflated assessment costs nothing and typically yields savings worth hundreds of dollars annually.

Cost of Living in Florence County

via CostByCounty

Florence County fights affordability challenges

Renters in Florence County spend 16.6% of their income on housing—well above the national average of 14.9%. The county's median household income of $62,786 lags the national average by over $12,000, making housing costs particularly burdensome here.

Wisconsin's most stretched renters

Florence County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio represents some of the tightest affordability in Wisconsin, exceeding the state average of 14.9% by a notable margin. With a median income below state norms and median rent of $871, Florence residents face real affordability pressures.

Lowest income, highest housing stress

Florence's $62,786 median income ranks as the second-lowest in this county group, yet its 16.6% rent burden is among the highest. Only Forest County comes close in terms of strained affordability, though Forest's lower rent of $585 gives residents more breathing room.

Renters and owners both squeezed

Florence renters spend $871 monthly while homeowners commit $773 to mortgages on a median income of just $62,786. Housing costs consume roughly 26% of household income, a manageable share in numbers but tight in practice given low overall earnings.

Affordability exists, but income matters most

Florence County's strength lies in its lower absolute housing costs, but the real challenge here is low median household income. Relocating here makes sense only if you bring remote work or specialized skills that command solid wages in this rural, economically challenged region.

Income & Jobs in Florence County

via IncomeByCounty

Florence lags far behind national norm

Florence County's median household income of $62,786 falls nearly $12,000 short of the national median of $74,755—a 16% gap. This places Florence in the bottom third of U.S. counties by household income.

Among Wisconsin's lower earners

Florence County ranks in the lower tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties, with a median income of $62,786 trailing the state average by $8,929. Per-capita income of $37,845 also falls below Wisconsin's $38,794 average.

Florence struggles versus nearby peers

Florence ($62,786) earns substantially less than regional neighbors like Fond du Lac ($73,154), Eau Claire ($71,834), and Dunn ($71,785). Only Forest County ($59,727) and Grant County ($64,349) nearby fall closer to Florence's income level.

Housing affordable despite lower wages

Florence's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% remains affordable, and median home values of $170,000 are among the region's lowest—good news for cost-conscious residents. Lower housing costs help stretch modest household incomes.

Start small, think long-term

Florence's lower median income means households must be intentional about savings; even $50–100 monthly into an automated investment account builds discipline and compound growth. Lower local home prices also present opportunities for first-time buyers to build equity over time.

Safety in Florence County

via CrimeByCounty

Florence County maintains elite national safety score

Florence County boasts a safety score of 99.3, reflecting a very low total crime rate of 415.4 per 100,000 residents. This rate is a mere fraction of the 2,385.5 reported across the United States annually.

Exceeding the Wisconsin state average for security

The county's total crime rate of 415.4 is less than half of the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. With a safety score of 99.3, Florence County stands as one of the most secure counties in the state.

Outperforming neighboring Forest County in safety

Florence County's crime rate of 415.4 is considerably lower than the 692.7 reported in neighboring Forest County. While data comes from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with caution, the local numbers suggest a quiet environment.

Unusual balance between violent and property crime

Unlike most areas, Florence County shows a narrower gap with 262.4 violent crimes and 153.0 property crimes per 100,000. These specific proportions may be influenced by the small population and single-agency reporting data.

Stay proactive in a quiet rural setting

Even in low-crime areas, localized incidents can occur, making home awareness essential. Community watch efforts and motion-sensor lighting are effective ways to preserve the county's exceptional safety record.

Health in Florence County

via HealthByCounty

Florence faces health challenges

Florence County's life expectancy of 77.8 years trails the U.S. average of 78.0 years, and its 19.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national 17.5%. These metrics signal underlying health challenges that limit opportunity and quality of life for county residents.

Among Wisconsin's lowest outcomes

Florence County's 77.8-year life expectancy matches Wisconsin's state average exactly, but its 19.1% poor/fair health rate puts it near the bottom of Wisconsin counties. The county needs focused attention on preventive health and chronic disease management.

Lagging regional health indicators

Florence's 77.8-year life expectancy falls below nearby Forest County (74.1 is lower, so Florence does better than Forest) and trails Dunn County by 2 full years. With just 65 primary care providers and only 21 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Florence faces a serious shortage of healthcare professionals.

Healthcare access severely limited

Florence County's 7.0% uninsured rate matches Wisconsin's average, but the real problem is provider scarcity—just 65 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, far below regional peers. The critical shortage of mental health providers at 21 per 100,000 means residents often wait weeks or travel far for mental health care.

Insurance is only the first step

Getting covered through Wisconsin's marketplace is essential, but Florence residents should also explore telehealth options and regional programs that bring care closer to home. Visit healthcare.gov and ask your doctor about remote care services to bridge the provider gap.

Schools in Florence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Florence County

Florence County operates a centralized education system consisting of exactly three schools within a single county-wide district. This streamlined infrastructure serves a total of 390 students from PK through 12th grade.

High Investment and Academic Excellence

The county boasts an impressive school score of 60.9, far exceeding the state average of 56.9. This success is backed by a high per-pupil expenditure of $10,426, helping maintain a solid 90% graduation rate.

A Unified School District Approach

The Florence County School District manages all education in the area, ensuring consistent standards across its elementary, middle, and high school levels. There are no charter schools in the county, focusing all resources on the core public infrastructure.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, with an average enrollment of just 130 students per building. Florence Elementary is the largest site with 211 students, while the middle school provides a highly personalized environment for just 61 students.

Find Peace and High-Performing Schools

Florence County is ideal for families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle where teachers know every student by name. The combination of high per-pupil spending and small class sizes makes this a hidden gem for home buyers prioritizing education.

Disaster Risk in Florence County

via RiskByCounty

Florence County's minimal hazard profile

Florence County scores just 54.20 on the national composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and among the nation's safest communities. This county experiences very low exposure to most major natural disaster types.

Wisconsin's lowest-risk counties

At 54.20, Florence County sits substantially below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it one of the safest counties in the state for natural disasters. Few Wisconsin counties offer comparable low-risk profiles.

Region's most secure location

Florence County's 54.20 score is the lowest in its region, significantly safer than Forest County (47.39) represents a neighboring safer area, but Florence itself remains exceptionally protected from natural hazards. Its remarkably low risk across all hazard categories makes it stand out regionally.

Minimal overall hazard exposure

Even Florence County's highest risk—tornado at 11.01—remains far below state and national averages, indicating very low severe weather exposure. All other hazards score in single digits, with flooding at 10.97, wildfire at 8.62, and earthquake virtually absent at 0.48.

Maintain standard coverage

While Florence County's exceptionally low risk profile means comprehensive disaster coverage may be less urgent, standard homeowners insurance remains prudent for basic protection. Annual policy reviews ensure adequate coverage for the rare severe weather events that do occur.

Weather & Climate in Florence County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest

Florence County averages just 40.4°F annually, placing it among the coldest regions in the lower 48 states. This extreme northern climate is far removed from the national median temperature of approximately 53°F.

Far Below State Averages

The county stays significantly cooler than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It also records 30.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly 4 inches less than the state benchmark.

Cold Even for the Northwoods

With a July average of just 66.0°F, Florence is notably cooler than southern Wisconsin counties like Grant. It shares the heavy snow characteristics of its northern neighbors, logging 65.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Long Winters, Minimal Heat

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F. Winter defines the local lifestyle, as January temperatures average a frigid 12.6°F and snow blankets the ground for months.

Winterize for the Long Haul

Residents must prepare for a winter average of 15.6°F with heavy-duty heating systems and snow-rated roof structures. Outdoor planning should focus on the brief but beautiful 63.9°F summer window.

Soil Quality in Florence County

via SoilByCounty

Distinctly Acidic Northwoods Profiles

Florence County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.18, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is typical of northern timberlands and dictates which specialty crops can thrive here.

Coarse Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil is dominated by 49.3% sand and 35.2% silt, creating a crumbly and light consistency. With only 7.4% clay, the soil provides excellent aeration for roots but has limited ability to lock in moisture.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts an organic matter level of 11.41%, which actually exceeds the Wisconsin state average. This high fertility helps offset a water capacity of 0.190, which is slightly lower than the state's typical 0.204.

Efficient Drainage for Sylvan Landscapes

Formal drainage records are limited, but the nearly 50% sand content ensures water moves quickly through the earth. This reduces the risk of standing water but may require gardeners to use mulch to retain surface moisture.

A Haven for Acid-Loving Plants

In Hardiness Zone 4b, this soil is a natural fit for blueberries, cranberries, and coniferous trees. While the overall score is 59.1, the high organic matter provides a wonderful foundation for northern gardeners.

Lawn Care in Florence County

via LawnByCounty

Florence County Faces Higher Lawn Hurdles

With a difficulty score of 50.0, Florence County is more challenging than the state average of 64.4. Homeowners must work harder here in Zone 4b to achieve the same results as their southern neighbors.

Lower Rainfall and a Cooler Season

Annual precipitation of 30.4 inches is on the dry side of the ideal lawn range, and the 1,717 growing degree days indicate a shorter season. Low heat stress with only 3 days over 90°F helps keep grass from scorching, but growth is naturally slower.

Challenging Soil Acidity in the North

The soil pH of 5.18 is significantly acidic and will likely require amendments to reach the 6.0 sweet spot. The soil lacks clay at only 7.4%, making it difficult for the ground to hold the moisture and nutrients that turfgrass needs.

Significant Dry Conditions Persist

Florence County faced 20 weeks of drought last year, and 89.5% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Using organic mulch or leaving grass clippings on the lawn can provide a vital moisture barrier during these dry periods.

Prepare for a Shorter Growing Window

Choose cold-hardy Fine Fescues to handle the local climate and poor soil conditions. Because the last frost often hits on May 24th, your main growing window is tighter than in other parts of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florence County's county score?
Florence County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 56.6 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 Florence County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Florence County ranks #11 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 Florence County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Florence County is $2,224, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Florence County a tax score of 20.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Florence County?
The median household income in Florence County, Wisconsin is $62,786 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Florence County earns an income score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Florence County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Florence County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Florence 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 Florence County with other counties side by side.