countyscore
54.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.5Health 81.4Schools 81.4

County Report Card

About Green County, Wisconsin

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Green County scores an impressive 53.9, placing it well ahead of the 50.0 national median. This suggests a superior quality of life compared to the majority of U.S. counties.

A Wisconsin High Performer

Green County's score of 53.9 easily beats the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It ranks as one of the most desirable counties in the southern part of the state.

High Incomes and Elite Schools

The county excels with a massive income score of 84.0 and a median household income of $80,248. This is complemented by an elite school score of 81.4 and a matching health score of 81.4.

High Tax Burden and Costs

The primary drawback is a very low tax score of 8.7, caused by a high 1.639% effective tax rate. Housing is also relatively expensive, reflected in a cost score of 33.9.

Ideal for Established Families

Green County is perfect for high-earning households that want the best in schools and healthcare. The high tax rate is the price residents pay for some of the state's best public services.

204060801008.334.762.481.481.484.553.639.148.3Tax8.3Cost34.7Safety62.4Health81.4Schools81.4Income84.5Risk53.6Water39.1Weather48.354.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Green County DNA

Foverall

How Green County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Green County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (84.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.3-43.7
Cost
34.7-13.299999999999997
Safety
62.4
Health
81.4+31.400000000000006
Schools
81.4+27.400000000000006
Income
84.5+33.5
Risk
53.6
Water
39.1-18.9
Weather
48.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Green County?

Many homeowners in Green County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$250,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$867/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$250,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,852/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Green County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Green County

via TaxByCounty

Green County's rate among highest nationally

Green County's 1.64% effective tax rate ranks in the top 10% nationally, exceeding the national median of 1.08% by a substantial 0.56 percentage points. Homeowners here pay approximately $1,192 more annually than the national median.

Second highest rate in Wisconsin

Green County ranks 2nd among Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.64% effective rate, second only to Fond du Lac's 1.58%. The median property tax of $3,882 is the highest among all eight counties profiled, exceeding the state median by $801.

Notably higher than Grant County nearby

Green County's 1.64% rate significantly exceeds Grant County's 1.44% despite comparable home values, creating a substantial tax burden differential for nearby residents. Southwestern Wisconsin residents should carefully compare rates across county lines.

A $236,900 home costs $3,882 yearly

The median Green County homeowner with a $236,900 property pays $3,882 in annual taxes, or approximately $324 per month. This is the highest median tax bill among all profiled counties.

Assessment appeals especially valuable here

Green County's second-highest state tax rate means even small assessment reductions yield substantial savings—potentially $400+ annually. Homeowners should prioritize appraisals and appeals to justify any reduction possible.

Income & Jobs in Green County

via IncomeByCounty

Green County exceeds national average

Green County's median household income of $80,248 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $5,493—a 7% premium. This places Green County in the top 45% of U.S. counties by household earnings.

Wisconsin's income champion

At $80,248, Green County boasts the highest median household income among Wisconsin's 72 counties, outpacing the state average of $71,715 by $8,533. Per-capita income of $42,505 also exceeds the state's $38,794.

Clear regional income leader

Green County ($80,248) significantly outearns all regional peers: Fond du Lac ($73,154), Eau Claire ($71,834), Dunn ($71,785), Green Lake ($66,917), Florence ($62,786), and Grant ($64,349). The county's economic strength is evident.

Best affordability ratio in cohort

Green County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7%—the lowest in the region—signals exceptional housing affordability despite above-average income. Median home values of $236,900 remain very manageable for most households.

Leverage Green County prosperity

With Wisconsin's highest median income and best housing affordability, Green County residents have substantial capacity for aggressive wealth building. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversified brokerage accounts, and real estate investment to compound advantages over decades.

Safety in Green County

via CrimeByCounty

Green County is a leader in national safety

Green County's total crime rate of 868.8 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a very high safety score of 98.6.

Exceeding Wisconsin's high safety standards

With a safety score of 98.6, Green County outperforms the state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate is also significantly better than the state average of 1103.1 per 100,000 people.

Safer than neighboring Grant County

Green County's rate of 868.8 makes it notably safer than Grant County, which reports a rate of 1165.1. This establishes Green County as a particularly secure corner of southern Wisconsin.

Violent crime is almost non-existent

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 51.3 per 100,000, while property crime is 817.5. These numbers indicate that physical safety is very high, though property vigilance is still warranted.

Keep property secure to maintain low rates

Property crime makes up the vast majority of local incidents, so locking doors and securing outbuildings is key. Residents can maintain this safe environment by using basic home security tools like motion lights.

Weather & Climate in Green County

via WeatherByCounty

Approaching the National Median

Green County is one of Wisconsin's warmest spots, with an annual average temperature of 47.3°F. It still sits below the national median but experiences a more moderate climate than the rest of the state.

Warmest in the State

The county’s 47.3°F average significantly exceeds the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It also receives nearly 5 inches more precipitation than the state average, totaling 39.0 inches annually.

Higher Precipitation Levels

Green County receives 39.0 inches of precipitation, which is higher than neighboring Grant County's 37.5 inches. Its snowfall of 39.4 inches is almost identical to Grant, indicating similar winter moisture.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

Residents face 14 days of extreme heat above 90°F, the highest in this regional set. Summers average 70.5°F, while winters stay relatively mild for Wisconsin at 22.1°F.

Prioritize Summer Cooling

Because of the 14 days of extreme heat, efficient HVAC systems are a primary concern for residents. While the 18.9°F January average is warmer than northern counties, winter gear remains necessary for the 39 inches of snow.

Soil Quality in Green County

via SoilByCounty

Favorable Soil pH for Diverse Crops

Green County soil has a pH of 6.17, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.63. This places it near the national 6.5 median, creating a fertile environment that requires fewer chemical adjustments.

High Silt Content Offers Great Structure

The soil is comprised of 52.5% silt and 17.4% clay, making it some of the most nutrient-dense land in the region. This fine-textured mix provides a stable home for roots and excellent cation exchange capacity.

Beating State Water Storage Averages

The available water capacity of 0.208 is higher than the state average, meaning this soil acts as a superior reservoir for plants. Organic matter at 3.38% is also well above the national 2.0% benchmark.

Consistent Moisture for Dairy Land

Though specific drainage categories are not provided, the heavy silt and clay presence ensures the soil doesn't dry out too quickly. This helps maintain the lush pastures that have made the county famous for its agriculture.

Top-Tier Growing in Zone 5a

A soil score of 74.9 makes Green County one of the most productive areas for gardeners and farmers alike. In Zone 5a, you can expect great success with everything from specialty grains to diverse kitchen gardens.

Lawn Care in Green County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Care for Green County Lawns

Green County’s 64.1 score aligns perfectly with the Wisconsin state average. In this 5a zone, homeowners enjoy a reliable growing season but must account for more heat than other parts of the state.

Managing Heat and High Rainfall

Green County receives 39.0 inches of rain annually, the highest in this group. You will need to monitor your lawn closely during the 14 extreme heat days to prevent the grass from going dormant during mid-summer peaks.

A Solid Soil Base for Turf

The soil pH of 6.17 is ideal for turfgrass, ensuring that fertilizers work at maximum efficiency. With 17.4% clay, the soil holds onto moisture well, which is a major benefit during the hotter periods of the summer.

Persistent Drought Pressure

After 41 weeks of drought last year, the entire county remains abnormally dry today. Maintaining a taller lawn height of 3 to 4 inches will help shade the soil and reduce water evaporation during these persistent dry spells.

Warm-Season Preparation in Zone 5a

Tall Fescue is a great choice here due to its superior heat tolerance compared to other cool-season grasses. The growing season kicks off early, with the last frost usually passing by April 29th.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green County's county score?
Green County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Green County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Green County ranks #22 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 Green County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Green County is $4,003, with an effective tax rate of 1.60%. This earns Green County a tax score of 8.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Green County?
The median household income in Green County, Wisconsin is $82,852 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Green County earns an income score of 84.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Green County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Green County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Green 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 Green County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.