countyscore
53.5
County Score
Cost of Living 79.3Safety 70.9Soil Quality 62.8

County Report Card

About Forest County, Wisconsin

Outperforming the National Median

Forest County earns a composite score of 53.5, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of livability relative to the rest of the country.

Leading the State Average

With a score of 53.5, Forest County surpasses the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands out as a high-performing rural county within the state's northern reaches.

Exceptional Affordability and Safety

A standout cost score of 79.3 is driven by a very low median rent of $585. Public safety is another primary strength, marked by a robust score of 70.9.

Economic and Educational Limits

Income levels are lower here, with an income score of 38.1 and a median of $59,727. School scores of 43.5 and water scores of 20.5 represent areas where the county has room for development.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Individuals

Forest County is a top choice for retirees or remote workers looking to minimize living expenses and maximize safety. It offers an incredibly low cost of entry for those who do not rely on the local school system.

Score breakdown

Tax26.9Cost79.3Safety70.9Health45Schools43.5Income38.1Risk52.6Water20.5Weather50.3
🏛26.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.9
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

Florence County
Wisconsin
56.6
Iron County
Michigan
60.4
Oneida County
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60.2
Vilas County
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Langlade County
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Dickinson County
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Marinette County
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Menominee County
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Deep Dives

Forest County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Forest County

via TaxByCounty

Forest County has Wisconsin's best rate

Forest County's 1.17% effective tax rate is Wisconsin's lowest and remarkably close to the national median of 1.08%, making it a genuine tax value. Homeowners here pay only $702 more than the national median despite property values being comparable.

Most affordable property taxes in state

Forest County ranks 72nd (lowest) among Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.17% effective rate, nearly a quarter-point below the state average of 1.44%. The median property tax of $1,988 is $1,093 below the state median, offering extraordinary relief.

Far lower than any nearby county

Forest County's 1.17% rate dramatically undercuts all surveyed neighbors: Florence (1.31%), Dunn (1.47%), and Eau Claire (1.43%). Residents enjoy Wisconsin's most affordable property tax environment by a substantial margin.

A $170,000 home costs $1,988 yearly

The median Forest County homeowner with a $170,000 property pays just $1,988 in annual taxes, or about $166 monthly. This is over $1,300 less than the state median tax bill.

Keep your assessment fair anyway

Even at Wisconsin's lowest rate, Forest County homeowners should verify their assessments haven't drifted above fair market value. A simple appeal could protect your tax advantage for years to come.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Forest County

via CostByCounty

Forest County's rents are truly exceptional

Renters in Forest County spend just 11.8% of their income on housing—well below the national average of 14.9%. Despite a median household income of $59,727, the county's incredibly low median rent of $585 makes it one of America's most affordable rental markets.

Wisconsin's most affordable county

Forest County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio is dramatically below Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, making it the clear affordability champion in this comparison. The county's $585 median rent is $306 below the state average, a difference that compounds dramatically across years.

Unmatched rental bargains in the region

Forest County's $585 rent undercuts every comparable county by hundreds of dollars monthly—$357 less than Eau Claire, $392 less than Dunn, and $286 less than Fond du Lac. This rural county delivers genuinely exceptional rental affordability.

Housing burden nearly vanishes

Forest County renters spend just $585 monthly while homeowners commit $754 to mortgages against a $59,727 median income. Housing consumes roughly 21% of household income—among the lowest anywhere—leaving substantial room for food, healthcare, and savings.

Unbeatable affordability, with trade-offs

Forest County is a haven for anyone seeking truly low housing costs, particularly remote workers or retirees with outside income sources. The trade-off is geographic isolation and a lower local wage base ($59,727), but for those who can work anywhere, Forest County's $585 rents are unmatched.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Forest County

via IncomeByCounty

Forest trails far behind nation

Forest County's median household income of $59,727 falls a stark $15,028 short of the national median of $74,755—a 20% deficit. This places Forest in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties by household earnings.

Wisconsin's lower-income counties

Forest County ranks among Wisconsin's lowest earners, with a median income of $59,727 trailing the state average by $11,988. The county's per-capita income of $31,994 is notably below Wisconsin's $38,794 average.

Lowest earnings in region

Forest County ($59,727) has the weakest median income in its cohort, falling below Florence ($62,786), Grant ($64,349), and Green Lake ($66,917). Only the most economically challenged areas of northern Wisconsin compare.

Lowest rent burden helps offset wage gap

Forest County's exceptional rent-to-income ratio of just 11.8%—the lowest in the region—provides crucial relief for renters on tight budgets. Median home values of $170,000 also support affordable homeownership.

Invest in skills and opportunities

Forest County's lower median income suggests focus on education, training, and career advancement for long-term wealth building. Even small automatic transfers to savings can establish emergency funds and demonstrate financial discipline to lenders for future home purchases.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Forest County

via CrimeByCounty

Forest County offers high security for residents

Forest County features a total crime rate of 692.7 per 100,000, roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an excellent safety score of 98.9.

Surpassing the state average for safety

With a safety score of 98.9, Forest County is safer than the average Wisconsin county score of 98.3. Its total crime rate is also much lower than the state-wide average of 1103.1.

Safety comparison with Florence and Green Lake

Forest County's crime rate of 692.7 is slightly lower than Green Lake County's 701.8 but higher than Florence County's 415.4. It remains a very secure choice compared to most other regions in the state.

Low violent crime rates define the county

Violent crime is low at 129.9 per 100,000, while property crime is also modest at 562.8. Most residents will never encounter a serious crime incident in their daily lives.

Maintaining safety in the Northwoods

In a rural area like Forest County, monitoring remote properties is the best way to prevent property crime. Simple additions like gate alarms or trail cameras provide peace of mind for homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Forest County

via HealthByCounty

Forest County faces serious health crisis

Forest County's 74.1-year life expectancy is over 3 years below the U.S. average of 78.0 years, and its 19.2% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national 17.5%. These are among the lowest health metrics in Wisconsin, reflecting deep structural health challenges.

Wisconsin's lowest life expectancy

At 74.1 years, Forest County has the lowest life expectancy of all Wisconsin counties measured, falling 3.7 years below the state average of 77.8 years. The county urgently needs healthcare investment and community health initiatives to close this gap.

Significantly worse than peers

Forest County's 74.1-year life expectancy trails Dunn County by 5.7 years and even underperforms the more rural Green Lake County by 2.8 years. While mental health provider access at 172 per 100,000 is decent, the lack of primary care provider data obscures a likely shortage.

Insurance gaps compound care crisis

Forest County's 9.5% uninsured rate is the highest in this group, meaning 1 in 10 residents lack health coverage. Data on primary care providers is unavailable, but the combination of high uninsured rates and limited regional capacity suggests Forest residents face serious barriers to basic healthcare.

Coverage is a lifeline in Forest

With nearly 10% of Forest County uninsured, securing coverage could be transformative for health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov today or call 211 Wisconsin to find affordable plans and connect with community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Forest County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Infrastructure in Forest County

Forest County supports its 1,515 students through seven public schools managed by three local districts. The county maintains three elementary schools and three high schools to serve its widely dispersed population.

Investing in Rural Student Potential

The county invests $9,046 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $8,113. While the graduation rate is currently 78.7%, the school score of 52.0 remains above the national median.

Crandon and Wabeno Area Highlights

The Crandon School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 832 students across its three facilities. The Wabeno Area and Laona districts also play critical roles, serving 391 and 292 students respectively.

A Purely Rural Learning Environment

All seven schools in Forest County are classified as rural, offering students a consistent and localized experience. Schools are generally small, with Crandon Elementary being the largest at 403 students and an average county size of 216.

Settle in Wisconsin's Natural Heartland

For families who value a rural lifestyle, Forest County offers small schools and a high level of per-student investment. Exploring local real estate allows you to find a home that fits your outdoor lifestyle while staying connected to dedicated local educators.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Forest County

via RiskByCounty

Forest County remains exceptionally safe

Forest County scores 47.39 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and among the nation's safest communities for natural disasters. This county experiences minimal exposure across virtually all hazard types.

Wisconsin's safest counties

At 47.39, Forest County sits well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it one of the state's lowest-risk communities. Only a handful of Wisconsin counties offer comparable protection from natural hazards.

Among the region's safest

Forest County's 47.39 score ranks alongside Dunn County (48.79) as among the region's lowest-risk areas, significantly safer than Eau Claire County (78.31) or Fond du Lac County (76.30). This makes Forest one of the region's most secure locations for disaster exposure.

Tornado risk is notable concern

Tornado risk at 21.98 represents Forest County's highest hazard, though it remains well below state and national averages. Other risks—flooding (20.74), wildfire (13.42), and earthquake (1.62)—are all minimal, creating a remarkably low-risk profile overall.

Maintain baseline coverage

Forest County's exceptionally low risk profile means comprehensive disaster coverage is less critical than in higher-risk areas, but standard homeowners insurance remains a prudent foundation. Periodic policy reviews ensure adequate protection for the infrequent severe weather events that may occur.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Forest County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Into Northern Territory

Forest County is exceptionally cold, with an annual average temperature of only 39.7°F. This is more than 13 degrees below the national median, characterizing a true sub-boreal climate.

Colder and Snowier Than Most

The county sits far below the Wisconsin average temperature of 44.4°F. It is also one of the state's snowiest regions, receiving 77.4 inches annually compared to more moderate totals in the south.

Maximum Snow Load

Forest County's 77.4 inches of snow dwarfs the 40-inch averages found in southern Wisconsin. Its July average of 64.2°F is also significantly lower than the 72°F averages seen in the southern part of the state.

No Heat, All Snow

This county records 0 days per year of extreme heat over 90°F, making it a refuge from summer temperatures. However, winter is intense, with an average temperature of just 15.0°F and heavy, consistent snow.

Focus on Heavy Insulation

Extreme winter preparation is mandatory, as January averages fall to a biting 11.8°F. Residents should prioritize high-capacity snow blowers and ensure homes are rated for significant snow accumulation on roofs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Forest County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic and Biologically Rich

Forest County has an average pH of 4.85, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This specialized chemistry is a hallmark of the region's dense forest ecosystems and unique soil development.

Balanced Sands and Silts

The composition is a near-even split of 42.9% sand and 40.9% silt, with very little clay at 6.6%. This results in a soil that is exceptionally easy to dig and won't bake into hard crusts during the summer.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 16.05%, the organic matter content is nearly double the already-high state average. The soil also features an available water capacity of 0.206, which slightly outperforms the state average of 0.204.

Spongy Soil with Reliable Moisture

While specific drainage data is missing, the extreme organic matter creates a sponge-like soil that holds water well. The 42.9% sand ensures that air can still reach plant roots, creating a resilient environment for native growth.

Native Success in Zone 4b

This Zone 4b region is a dream for forest-based gardening and cold-hardy perennials. Despite a lower 62.8 soil score, the massive organic content provides a massive advantage for any gardener willing to work with acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Forest County

via LawnByCounty

Wisconsin's Most Challenging Lawn Conditions

Forest County has a difficulty score of 48.9, making it the toughest place in this group to maintain a traditional lawn. This Zone 4b region requires specific care to overcome its unique climate and soil barriers.

Cooler Summers and Steady Rain

A complete lack of extreme heat days means grass is never scorched by 90°F temperatures, but the low 1,541 growing degree days mean recovery from damage is slow. The 33.2 inches of annual rain is sufficient, though the season is brief.

Extremely Acidic Soils Require Help

With a very low pH of 4.85, most lawns here will struggle to grow without significant lime applications. The soil is also very low in clay (6.6%), meaning it doesn't store water or nutrients as well as southern Wisconsin soils.

Widespread Dryness in the North

A staggering 97.2% of the county is currently abnormally dry following 22 weeks of drought last year. Protecting your lawn by minimizing foot traffic during dry spells is essential for maintaining turf health.

Hardy Grasses for a Late Start

Fine Fescue and Creeping Red Fescue are best suited for the cool temperatures and acidic soils of Forest County. Wait for the late frost on May 19th before beginning any major turf projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forest County's county score?
Forest County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 53.5 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 Forest County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Forest County ranks #23 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 Forest County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Forest County is $1,988, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Forest County a tax score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Forest County?
The median household income in Forest County, Wisconsin is $59,727 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Forest County earns an income score of 38.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Forest County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Forest County scores 53.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Forest 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 Forest 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.