countyscore
54
County Score
Income & Jobs 84Health 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.

204060801008.733.962.481.481.48453.639.148.3Tax8.7Cost33.9Safety62.4Health81.4Schools81.4Income84Risk53.6Water39.1Weather48.354/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Green County DNA

Foverall

How Green County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Green County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (84/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.7-43.3
Cost
33.9-14.100000000000001
Safety
62.4
Health
81.4+31.400000000000006
Schools
81.4+27.400000000000006
Income
84+33
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

$236,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$851/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$236,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,248/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.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Green County with Ware County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Ware County
Georgia
Median income: $44,833
54
Lincoln County
Idaho
Median income: $66,038
54
DuPage County
Illinois
Median income: $110,502
54
Franklin Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $44,103
54
Scott County
Missouri
Median income: $58,847
54
Ste. Genevieve County
Missouri
Median income: $61,310
54
Pittsylvania County
Virginia
Median income: $54,115
54
Wise County
Virginia
Median income: $50,740
54

Nearby counties

Stephenson County
Illinois
45.6
Rock County
Wisconsin
38.9
Lafayette County
Wisconsin
54
Dane County
Wisconsin
38
Winnebago County
Illinois
42.4
Iowa County
Wisconsin
56.2
Jefferson County
Wisconsin
48.6
Jo Daviess County
Illinois
60.8

Deep Dives

Green County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Green County

via CostByCounty

Green County leads Wisconsin affordability

Renters in Green County spend just 12.7% of their income on housing—below the national average of 14.9%. With Wisconsin's highest median household income of $80,248 combined with the lowest median rent of $851 in this group, Green County offers exceptional value.

Best rent-to-income ratio in Wisconsin

Green County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio stands well below Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, making it one of the state's most affordable counties. The county's $851 median rent, paired with its strongest income levels, creates a powerful affordability advantage.

Highest income, lowest housing burden

Green County's $80,248 median income tops every county in this comparison, while its $851 rent undercuts all but Forest and Grant counties. This combination—strong earnings plus modest housing costs—creates the best affordability profile in the region.

Renters enjoy substantial income cushion

Green County renters spend $851 monthly while homeowners commit $1,238 to mortgages against a robust $80,248 median income. Housing consumes roughly 25% of household income for renters, leaving ample resources for savings and discretionary spending.

Wisconsin's affordability and income sweet spot

Green County delivers the rare combination of strong local wages and low housing costs—if you can land a job here or work remotely, this county offers genuine financial breathing room. Compare it against Fond du Lac or Dunn if you're seeking Wisconsin affordability with solid income potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Green County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Thriving Educational Scene in Green County

Green County maintains 20 public schools across seven districts, supporting a total student body of 5,416. The county provides a balanced distribution of nine elementary, five middle, and six high schools.

Top-Tier Graduation and Academic Scores

Green County reaches a remarkable 95.7% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region. This success is paired with a school score of 59.7 and a per-pupil investment of $8,482, both well above state averages.

Spotlighting Monroe and New Glarus

The Monroe School District is a major local provider with 2,227 students across five schools. Additionally, the Oregon School District manages a significant portion of the county's enrollment with over 4,100 students.

A Blend of Town and Country Schools

Education here is split between 11 rural and nine town schools, maintaining an average school size of 271 students. Monroe High is the largest facility with 729 students, while Ronald R Albrecht Elementary serves 471 children.

Invest in a High-Achieving Community

With some of the best graduation rates in Wisconsin, Green County is a premier destination for families. Explore homes in Monroe or New Glarus to give your children access to these top-rated public school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Green County

via RiskByCounty

Green County's below-average exposure

Green County scores 46.41 on the composite risk scale, placing it below the national average and indicating relatively low natural disaster vulnerability. This county experiences hazards at rates lower than much of the nation.

Wisconsin's safer communities

At 46.41, Green County sits well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable profile reflects comparatively minimal hazard exposure across the state.

Safe haven in the region

Green County's 46.41 score ranks it among the region's safest communities, well below Grant County (61.07) and Green Lake County (58.05). Only Forest County (47.39) and Dunn County (48.79) offer comparable low-risk profiles in nearby areas.

Tornado risk leads concerns

Tornado risk at 65.59 represents Green County's primary hazard threat, though it remains below state averages, while flooding at 44.40 presents moderate secondary risk. Wildfire (31.14), earthquake (28.98), and hurricane (10.72) risks are all well-controlled relative to state norms.

Secure storm and flood insurance

With tornado risk at 65.59 and flood risk at 44.40, homeowners should maintain comprehensive storm and water damage coverage in their insurance portfolio. Regular emergency preparedness and a family action plan provide additional protection against the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Green County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Rate Below State Average

Green County earns an F grade despite having a violation rate of 34.2 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the state average of 76.3. The 8 health violations over the past five years indicate recurring issues within specific local water systems.

Watershed Impairments Exceed State Norms

In Green County, 15.2% of the 264 assessed water bodies are classified as impaired. The top causes reported in 2022 are phosphorus and total suspended solids, resulting in an impairment rate twice the Wisconsin average of 7.6%.

Pesticide and Nutrient Monitoring is Priority

The county operates 52 monitoring sites that have recorded 62,095 measurements in the last five years. High volumes of data on organics and pesticides reflect the county's focus on managing the water quality of its agricultural landscape.

Pecatonica River Flowing at Typical Levels

The Pecatonica River at Martintown currently shows a discharge of 836 cfs, or 102% of its long-term mean. This near-perfect alignment with historical averages suggests stable hydrological conditions for the 1,034 square mile basin.

Focus on Reducing Nutrient Runoff

With 15.2% of local waters impaired by phosphorus and oxygen-demanding substances, protecting the watershed is a high priority. Residents should be aware of how local land use impacts water health and stay informed on system-specific health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green County's county score?
Green County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 54 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 #20 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 $3,882, with an effective tax rate of 1.64%. This earns Green County a tax score of 8.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Green County?
The median household income in Green County, Wisconsin is $80,248 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Green County earns an income score of 84/100 on CountyScore.
Is Green County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Green County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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