countyscore
51.8
County Score
Lawn Care 77.7Safety 70.1Soil Quality 66.2

County Report Card

About Green Lake County, Wisconsin

Outpacing the National Median

Green Lake County earns a 51.8 composite score, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline of livability and local amenities.

Stronger Than the State Average

The county's 51.8 score outperforms the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It offers a more compelling profile than many of its central Wisconsin neighbors.

High Safety and Good Schools

Safety is a hallmark of the county with a 70.1 score, providing a secure environment for residents. Education also ranks well with a 64.8 school score and a decent income score of 58.9.

Taxation and Environmental Risk

A tax score of 20.4 shows that the tax burden is a significant factor for residents. The risk score of 42.0 also suggests moderate exposure to environmental or natural hazards.

A Balanced Choice for Families

Green Lake County suits those seeking a safe, traditional family life with reliable schools. It offers a middle-ground approach to cost and income that works well for many demographics.

Score breakdown

Tax20.4Cost47.2Safety70.1Health53.7Schools64.8Income58.9Risk42Water46.4Weather49.5
🏛20.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.7
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

Marquette County
Wisconsin
51.7
Columbia County
Wisconsin
47.6
Waushara County
Wisconsin
54.5
Fond du Lac County
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Dodge County
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Winnebago County
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Adams County
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Calumet County
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Deep Dives

Green Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Green Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Green Lake rate moderately above national median

Green Lake County's 1.31% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.08% by a moderate 0.23 percentage points, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. Homeowners here pay about $490 more annually than the national median.

Below Wisconsin's statewide tax average

Green Lake County ranks 58th among Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.31% effective rate, comfortably below the state average of 1.44%. The median property tax of $2,709 trails the state median by $372, offering meaningful relief.

Significantly lower than Fond du Lac

Green Lake County's 1.31% rate is substantially lower than neighboring Fond du Lac's 1.58%, despite very similar median home values around $206,000–$210,000. Green Lake residents enjoy a notable tax advantage over their immediate northern neighbors.

A $206,300 home costs $2,709 yearly

The median Green Lake County homeowner with a $206,300 property pays $2,709 in annual taxes, or approximately $226 per month. This represents reasonable costs well below state averages.

Regular assessment checks protect good rates

Green Lake County homeowners enjoying below-average rates should still verify assessments annually to prevent creep over time. Early intervention on any overvaluation preserves the county's tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Green Lake County

via CostByCounty

Green Lake rents align with national norms

Renters in Green Lake County spend 14.4% of their income on housing, nearly matching the national average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $66,917 and median rent of $806, the county delivers stable, predictable housing costs.

Better than Wisconsin on affordability

Green Lake County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, placing it slightly ahead of most Wisconsin counties. The county's $806 median rent runs $85 below the state average of $891, providing modest savings for renters.

Affordable middle ground among peers

Green Lake's $806 rent is lower than Dunn, Eau Claire, and Fond du Lac, while slightly higher than Forest and Grant counties. The county's 14.4% affordability ratio represents a genuinely balanced position across this regional group.

Steady housing-to-income relationship

Green Lake renters allocate $806 monthly while homeowners commit $973 to mortgages against a $66,917 median income. Housing consumes roughly 25% of household earnings—a stable, manageable proportion across both rental and ownership scenarios.

Reliable small-town Wisconsin living

Green Lake County offers quiet, rural-small town living with rents below state average and balanced affordability metrics. If you value lakeside community charm without the extreme isolation of Forest County and want better-than-average Wisconsin affordability, Green Lake deserves consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Green Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Green Lake moderately below national

Green Lake County's median household income of $66,917 falls $7,838 short of the national median of $74,755—roughly a 10% gap. The county ranks in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties by household earnings.

Below Wisconsin average

Green Lake County's $66,917 median income trails Wisconsin's state average of $71,715 by $4,798, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. Per-capita income of $37,510 also lags the state's $38,794.

Mid-pack regional earner

Green Lake ($66,917) earns more than Florence ($62,786), Forest ($59,727), and Grant ($64,349), but trails Fond du Lac ($73,154), Eau Claire ($71,834), Dunn ($71,785), and Green County ($80,248). The county occupies the regional middle.

Solid housing affordability

Green Lake's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is the second-best in the cohort, providing breathing room for renters despite below-average income. Median home values of $206,300 remain achievable for households with steady employment.

Build steady long-term wealth

Green Lake's good housing affordability creates a foundation for modest savings and investment; automate monthly transfers to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Even $100–150 monthly compounded over 25 years can meaningfully grow household wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Green Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Green Lake County remains exceptionally safe

Green Lake County reports a total crime rate of 701.8 per 100,000, which is over three times lower than the national average. This safety is reflected in its high safety score of 98.9.

Surpassing Wisconsin's overall safety score

The county's safety score of 98.9 is higher than the state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 701.8 is also much more favorable than the Wisconsin average of 1103.1.

A secure alternative to Fond du Lac

Green Lake County's rate of 701.8 is significantly lower than neighboring Fond du Lac County's rate of 1135.3. Residents here enjoy a more peaceful environment compared to their more urban neighbor.

Property crimes dominate local reports

Violent crime is low at 130.9 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 570.9. These figures suggest that the county is a very safe place to live and work with minimal risk of serious crime.

Protecting your home in Green Lake

Homeowners should focus on deterring property crime, which is the most frequent issue in the area. Standard security measures like deadbolts and alarm systems help ensure the county remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Green Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Green Lake faces health headwinds

Green Lake County's 76.9-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 78.0 years, and its 20.8% poor/fair health rate is substantially higher than the national 17.5%. The county ranks among the lowest-performing regions for health outcomes in Wisconsin.

Below Wisconsin average, needs intervention

Green Lake County's 76.9-year life expectancy falls below Wisconsin's 77.8-year state average by 0.9 years, and its 20.8% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state. The county faces significant health disparities requiring targeted public health action.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Green Lake's 76.9-year life expectancy trails Dunn County by 2.9 years and falls even below Forest County (74.1 is lower, so Green Lake is actually higher than Forest). At 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Green Lake has decent primary access, but mental health services at 103 per 100,000 are among the lowest in the region.

High uninsured rate adds risk

Green Lake County's 8.7% uninsured rate matches Grant County as the highest in this group, meaning nearly 1 in 11 residents lack health coverage. Combined with below-average life expectancy and high poor/fair health rates, uninsured residents face compounded health vulnerability.

Coverage could transform Green Lake health

With one of Wisconsin's highest uninsured rates and lowest life expectancies, expanding coverage is urgent in Green Lake County. Uninsured residents should visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore subsidized plans and prevent health crises.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Green Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Accessible Education in Green Lake County

Green Lake County operates 10 public schools across four districts, serving a total population of 2,728 students. The landscape includes four elementary schools and three high schools, providing a complete PK-12 path for local families.

Strong Results through Focused Spending

The county maintains a graduation rate of 92.2%, which exceeds both state and national averages. While per-pupil expenditure is a modest $7,787, the county achieves a school score of 56.4, nearly matching the state average.

Berlin Area and Markesan Districts

The Berlin Area School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,333 students across three schools. The Markesan School District also provides significant coverage, managing four schools with 780 students.

Intimate Schools in a Rural Setting

Seven of the county's 10 schools are in rural locales, contributing to an average school size of 273 students. Clay Lamberton Elementary is the largest campus with 564 students, offering a town-based hub for younger learners.

Find Your Home in a Welcoming Community

Green Lake County offers a peaceful environment where schools are central to community life. Families searching for homes will find that the local districts provide consistent quality and a safe, rural atmosphere for students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Green Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Green Lake faces moderate national risk

Green Lake County scores 58.05 on the composite risk scale, placing it slightly below the national average and indicating moderate natural disaster exposure. This county experiences hazards at rates comparable to much of the nation, with neither exceptionally high nor low vulnerability.

Near Wisconsin's average vulnerability

At 58.05, Green Lake County sits just slightly below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it a representative Wisconsin community in terms of natural disaster exposure. This places it squarely in the middle of the state's risk spectrum.

Mid-range risk in the region

Green Lake County's 58.05 score sits between safer neighbors Green County (46.41) and higher-risk areas like Grant County (61.07) and Fond du Lac County (76.30). This moderate positioning reflects balanced exposure compared to surrounding counties.

Tornadoes and flooding matter most

Tornado risk at 75.06 represents Green Lake County's primary hazard threat, while flooding at 62.31 presents substantial secondary concern, both above state averages. Wildfire (47.07), earthquake (24.01), and hurricane (12.68) risks are more moderate, though all measurable.

Invest in comprehensive coverage

With tornado risk at 75.06 and flood risk at 62.31, homeowners should prioritize robust insurance covering both wind and water damage from major storms. A well-maintained emergency plan and regular preparedness drills ensure family safety during the severe weather events common to this county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Green Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Northern Temperatures

Green Lake County maintains an annual average temperature of 45.9°F. This keeps the county cooler than the national median but places it firmly in the productive agricultural climate of the upper Midwest.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 44.4°F and receives 36.0 inches of precipitation. This puts it 1.5 inches above the state average for annual rainfall and snow-melt.

Snowier than Fond du Lac

Green Lake receives 45.5 inches of snow annually, which is significantly more than neighboring Fond du Lac’s 37.8 inches. Despite this, the two counties share very similar average annual temperatures.

A Ten-Day Heat Peak

July brings an average temperature of 71.1°F, with about 10 days of heat reaching or exceeding 90°F. Winter averages 20.7°F, supported by a January low that typically hovers around 17.8°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Moisture

With 45.5 inches of snowfall, reliable snow removal and roof maintenance are key for local homeowners. Cooling capacity should be planned to handle the 10 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Green Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Alfisols and Loamy Textures

The soil here is classified as Alfisols with a loam texture and a pH of 6.08. This chemical balance is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the typical Wisconsin soil profile.

The Ideal Loam for Gardeners

With 44.9% sand and 36.0% silt, the soil offers the perfect 'loam' feel that is prized for its workability. The 12.2% clay content provides enough stickiness to hold nutrients without causing drainage issues.

Healthy Biology with Moderate Water

The 5.54% organic matter content more than doubles the national average, providing plenty of fuel for plants. While the water capacity of 0.177 is below the state average, the high organic content helps maintain soil health.

Well-Drained Land for Stable Growth

The soil is officially classified as 'Well drained' and belongs to hydrologic group B. This is the ideal scenario for most plants and construction projects, as it prevents standing water while keeping roots hydrated.

Success in Zone 5a Landscapes

Green Lake County earns a 66.2 soil score, making it a reliable place for a productive garden in Zone 5a. The well-drained loamy soil is particularly well-suited for root vegetables and fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Green Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Wisconsin's Top-Tier Lawn Conditions

Green Lake County boasts a 77.7 difficulty score, making it the easiest place in this group to maintain a beautiful lawn. It far exceeds both the state average and the national median for growth potential.

A Strong Climate for Lush Grass

With 36.0 inches of precipitation and 2,541 growing degree days, the climate supports vigorous growth. Despite 10 extreme heat days, the overall environment is highly favorable for cool-season turf varieties in Zone 5a.

Ideal Loam and Perfect Drainage

The soil is classified as a well-drained loam, which is the gold standard for home lawns. A pH of 6.08 means the soil is naturally balanced and ready to support thick, healthy grass with minimal intervention.

Short-Term Dryness in a Resilient County

Green Lake had zero weeks of formal drought over the last year, though 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. This resilient soil base recovers quickly, but supplemental watering will help maintain color during this dry patch.

Maximum Success with Standard Blends

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in the loam soils of Green Lake County. Plan to start your seeding or sodding projects after the final spring frost, which typically occurs around May 8th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green Lake County's county score?
Green Lake County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 51.8 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 Lake County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Green Lake County ranks #32 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 Lake County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Green Lake County is $2,709, with an effective tax rate of 1.31%. This earns Green Lake County a tax score of 20.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Green Lake County?
The median household income in Green Lake County, Wisconsin is $66,917 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Green Lake County earns an income score of 58.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Green Lake County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Green Lake County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Green Lake 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 Lake 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.