Fond du Lac County's composite score of 63.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 27%, demonstrating solid livability above typical U.S. standards. This reflects competent performance across housing, health, and economic dimensions without standout peaks.
2 / 5
Slightly below Wisconsin average
Fond du Lac County scores 63.3 against Wisconsin's 65.6 average, placing it fractionally below typical state performance. This marginal gap suggests a county with balanced fundamentals but lacking the competitive edge of top Wisconsin performers.
3 / 5
Highest local income and low-risk profile
Fond du Lac County boasts the highest income score in this group at 31.1, paired with a median household income of $73,154 and the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort at 1.578% and health outcomes at 76.8. The combination of solid wages and low risk (23.7) creates economic stability.
4 / 5
Tax burden edges upward relative to peers
Despite a respectable tax score of 57.9, Fond du Lac's effective tax rate of 1.578% is the highest among these eight counties, reducing disposable income. This higher tax environment may pinch budgets for middle-income households more than neighboring counties.
5 / 5
Suits employed families seeking stability
Fond du Lac County works best for working families with moderate to solid incomes who value accessible housing and low crime over minimalist living costs. The strong income profile and stable risk environment make it an appealing choice for career-focused households in the manufacturing and professional sectors.
Fond du Lac County's composite score of 63.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 27%, demonstrating solid livability above typical U.S. standards. This reflects competent performance across housing, health, and economic dimensions without standout peaks.
Slightly below Wisconsin average
Fond du Lac County scores 63.3 against Wisconsin's 65.6 average, placing it fractionally below typical state performance. This marginal gap suggests a county with balanced fundamentals but lacking the competitive edge of top Wisconsin performers.
Highest local income and low-risk profile
Fond du Lac County boasts the highest income score in this group at 31.1, paired with a median household income of $73,154 and the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort at 1.578% and health outcomes at 76.8. The combination of solid wages and low risk (23.7) creates economic stability.
Tax burden edges upward relative to peers
Despite a respectable tax score of 57.9, Fond du Lac's effective tax rate of 1.578% is the highest among these eight counties, reducing disposable income. This higher tax environment may pinch budgets for middle-income households more than neighboring counties.
Suits employed families seeking stability
Fond du Lac County works best for working families with moderate to solid incomes who value accessible housing and low crime over minimalist living costs. The strong income profile and stable risk environment make it an appealing choice for career-focused households in the manufacturing and professional sectors.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛57.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Fond du Lac County's 1.58% effective tax rate is Wisconsin's highest, significantly exceeding both the national median of 1.08% and most county peers. Homeowners here pay roughly $891 more than the national median annually.
Highest effective rate in Wisconsin
Fond du Lac County ranks 1st among Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.58% effective tax rate, nearly 0.14 percentage points above the state average. The median property tax of $3,311 is $230 above the state median, driven by both high rates and moderate home values.
Significantly higher than nearby Green Lake
Fond du Lac County's 1.58% rate far exceeds Green Lake County's 1.31%, despite similar median home values around $206,000–$210,000. Fond du Lac residents carry Wisconsin's heaviest tax burden relative to property wealth.
A $209,800 home costs $3,311 yearly
The median Fond du Lac County homeowner with a $209,800 property pays $3,311 in annual taxes, or roughly $276 per month. This represents the highest median tax bill among all eight counties profiled.
Assessment appeals critical at this rate
With Wisconsin's highest tax rate, Fond du Lac County homeowners should prioritize assessment appeals to catch any overvaluations. Even modest success in reducing assessed value yields substantial annual savings given the county's elevated rate.
Renters in Fond du Lac County spend 15.2% of their income on housing, just below the national average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $73,154 and median rent of $926, the county delivers balanced, manageable housing costs.
Near-average affordability for Wisconsin
Fond du Lac's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, placing it squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's affordability spectrum. The county's $926 median rent is nearly identical to the state average of $891, reflecting mainstream Wisconsin housing prices.
Balanced option between extremes
Fond du Lac's $926 rent falls comfortably between Forest County's bargain $585 and Eau Claire's higher $977. Among this regional group, Fond du Lac represents true middle-ground pricing and affordability metrics.
Housing takes a fair share of earnings
Fond du Lac renters allocate $926 monthly while homeowners commit $1,083 to mortgages against a $73,154 median income. Combined, housing consumes roughly 27% of household earnings—a balanced allocation that leaves room for other necessities.
Reliable middle-path Wisconsin living
Fond du Lac County delivers what most Wisconsinites experience: reasonable rents, stable incomes, and home values around $209,800. If you want mainstream Wisconsin affordability without the extremes of pricier or more rural counties, Fond du Lac deserves serious consideration.
Fond du Lac County's median household income of $73,154 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by only a small margin, placing it just slightly below the national 50th percentile. The county still ranks in the upper half of U.S. counties by earnings.
Fond du Lac leads Wisconsin
At $73,154, Fond du Lac County tops Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 and ranks among the state's top earners. With per-capita income of $38,436, the county matches the state average precisely.
Regional income leader
Fond du Lac ($73,154) significantly outearns nearby Dunn ($71,785), Eau Claire ($71,834), Green Lake ($66,917), and Grant ($64,349). The county's strong position reflects a robust local economy and stable employment.
Best housing affordability in cohort
Fond du Lac's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% is the lowest among the region, signaling excellent housing affordability for renters. Median home values of $209,800 make homeownership realistic for many local households.
Maximize Fond du Lac advantage
With above-average median income and the region's best housing affordability, Fond du Lac households have genuine capacity to save and invest. Directing even 15% of household income toward retirement or brokerage accounts can compound significantly over decades.
Fond du Lac County's 77.8-year life expectancy is right at the U.S. average of 78.0 years, while its 16.0% poor/fair health rate is better than the national 17.5%. The county sits squarely in the middle of the American health experience.
Typical Wisconsin health profile
Fond du Lac's 77.8-year life expectancy exactly matches Wisconsin's state average, placing it in the middle tier of Wisconsin counties. The county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate is close to the state median, reflecting average population health challenges.
Moderate access in competitive region
Fond du Lac's 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents lag behind Dunn County's 75 and Eau Claire's 142, but exceed Grant County's 42. Mental health services at 176 providers per 100,000 are reasonable, though less robust than neighboring Eau Claire.
Good insurance coverage, tight provider market
Fond du Lac County's 5.6% uninsured rate is among Wisconsin's best, meaning most residents have coverage. However, the county's 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents suggest tighter scheduling and longer waits compared to larger regional competitors.
Ensure continuous healthcare access
Fond du Lac's low uninsured rate shows residents value coverage, and keeping that up is critical when provider availability is moderate. Those without insurance should explore Wisconsin's health marketplace at healthcare.gov to avoid gaps in care.
Fond du Lac County scores 76.30 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national average and indicating elevated disaster exposure. This county experiences natural hazards at rates significantly higher than most of the nation.
Among Wisconsin's riskier counties
At 76.30, Fond du Lac County substantially exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, ranking near the top of the state's highest-risk communities. Only the most vulnerable Wisconsin counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.
Region's most hazard-exposed area
Fond du Lac County's 76.30 score far exceeds neighboring Green Lake County (58.05) and Grant County (61.07), making it the region's most vulnerable community. This elevated profile reflects unique exposure across multiple hazard types.
Tornadoes dominate multiple threats
Tornado risk reaches 88.49—among Wisconsin's highest—making severe weather the county's primary threat, while flooding at 74.33 presents substantial secondary risk. Wildfire (50.70), earthquake (34.96), and even hurricane risk (20.65) all exceed state norms, creating compounded exposure.
Build comprehensive disaster resilience
With tornado risk at 88.49, installing a safe room or reinforced shelter is a critical investment alongside comprehensive homeowners and flood insurance. Regular emergency preparedness drills and a detailed family action plan are essential given the county's multi-hazard vulnerability profile.