Iron County's score of 75.0 places it well above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the 75th percentile—ahead of three-quarters of U.S. counties. This is a notably strong national position for a rural Wisconsin county.
2 / 5
Wisconsin's most livable counties
Iron County ranks in the top tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties with its 75.0 score, significantly outpacing the state average of 65.6. It's among Wisconsin's most livable communities by composite measures.
3 / 5
Affordability and stability shine
Iron County excels in cost (85.9), the highest score across all eight profiled counties, with median rent just $640/month and homes averaging $155,200. Environmental risk is minimal at 88.5, and tax burden is lowest at 1.145% effective rate.
4 / 5
Incomes remain below benchmark
The income score of 21.9 is the county's limitation, with a median household income of $59,058 reflecting rural economic constraints. Limited data on schools and safety leaves some livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious seekers
Iron County is tailor-made for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing ultra-low cost of living and minimal environmental risk over high local wages. It offers maximum affordability and stability in a rural Wisconsin setting.
Iron County's score of 75.0 places it well above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the 75th percentile—ahead of three-quarters of U.S. counties. This is a notably strong national position for a rural Wisconsin county.
Wisconsin's most livable counties
Iron County ranks in the top tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties with its 75.0 score, significantly outpacing the state average of 65.6. It's among Wisconsin's most livable communities by composite measures.
Affordability and stability shine
Iron County excels in cost (85.9), the highest score across all eight profiled counties, with median rent just $640/month and homes averaging $155,200. Environmental risk is minimal at 88.5, and tax burden is lowest at 1.145% effective rate.
Incomes remain below benchmark
The income score of 21.9 is the county's limitation, with a median household income of $59,058 reflecting rural economic constraints. Limited data on schools and safety leaves some livability dimensions unmeasured.
Ideal for budget-conscious seekers
Iron County is tailor-made for retirees, remote workers, or families prioritizing ultra-low cost of living and minimal environmental risk over high local wages. It offers maximum affordability and stability in a rural Wisconsin setting.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛70.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Iron County's effective tax rate of 1.145% ranks in the lowest 20% nationally, well below the U.S. median of 1.290%. Homeowners here enjoy some of the most affordable property tax rates in the country.
Lowest rate among all Wisconsin counties
Iron County ranks 1st statewide with an effective rate of 1.145%, substantially below Wisconsin's 1.436% average. At $1,777, the median annual tax bill is just 58% of the state median, saving households nearly $1,300 per year.
Sharp contrast with regional peers
Iron County's 1.145% rate is dramatically lower than Jackson County (1.430%), Juneau County (1.524%), and La Crosse County (1.629%). This makes Iron County a tax haven among upper-midwest rural communities.
On a median home: just $1,777 yearly
A typical $155,200 home in Iron County generates an annual tax bill of only $1,777—roughly $148 per month. Even with mortgage deductions, the tax burden remains among the lightest in the state.
Still verify your assessment annually
Even in low-tax Iron County, property reassessments can occasionally overvalue homes. Review your tax bill and compare assessed values to recent comparable sales—a simple appeal can yield additional savings.
Iron County stands out with a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio, well below both the national average and the 30% affordability threshold. At $640 monthly median rent, this far northern county offers some of Wisconsin's lowest housing costs while maintaining reasonable wages.
Cheapest rent in the comparison
Iron County ranks as the most affordable housing market among Wisconsin counties studied, with median rent of just $640—about 28% less than the state average of $891. Its 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ties with Iowa County for the state's best affordability.
Northern Wisconsin value champion
Iron County's $640 median rent significantly undercuts Jackson ($789), Juneau ($847), and Kewaunee ($839) counties. Median home values of $155,200 are the lowest in this comparison, making Iron County ideal for buyers prioritizing affordability over urban amenities.
Housing costs at a glance
With median household income at $59,058, renters spend $640 monthly (13.0% of income) while homeowners pay $738 (15.0% of income). Both percentages remain solidly below national affordability standards, leaving households money for other essentials.
Iron County: rural affordability champion
If you're relocating to escape high housing costs, Iron County's $640 rent and $155,200 home values are genuinely exceptional. You'll sacrifice urban services and job diversity but gain immediate relief on your monthly housing burden.
Iron County's median household income of $59,058 falls 21% below the national median of $74,755. The gap signals economic pressures that affect household budgeting and wealth-building capacity.
Below-average earner in Wisconsin
Iron County ranks among the lower-income Wisconsin counties, with median household income 17.7% below the state average of $71,715. Few state counties earn substantially less.
Lowest income in regional comparison
Iron County households earn $6,450 less than Jackson County ($65,508) and $6,092 less than Juneau County ($65,150). The regional income disadvantage reflects limited employment diversity and outmigration of younger workers.
Affordable housing relative to income
Iron County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio is among the state's lowest, showing housing remains accessible despite modest earnings. However, the median home value of $155,200 still requires substantial effort to afford on $59,058 household income.
Prioritize emergency savings first
With limited income, Iron County households should focus on building 3-6 months of emergency savings before investing long-term. Even small, consistent contributions to tax-advantaged savings accounts compound over time and create financial security.
Iron County life expectancy slightly below average
At 79.0 years, Iron County residents live about 1.1 years below the U.S. average of 77.9 years. With 14.8% reporting poor or fair health versus the national rate of 17.4%, the county shows mixed health performance.
Iron County exceeds state life expectancy
Iron County's 79.0-year life expectancy edges above Wisconsin's 77.8-year state average. This modest advantage suggests relatively stable health outcomes within the state's context.
Healthier than some regional counties
Iron County's 79.0-year life expectancy surpasses Jackson County (76.4 years) and Juneau County (76.0 years). However, it lags behind Iowa County's 79.7 years, reflecting more moderate regional health status.
Primary care access is sparse here
Iron County has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among these counties and far below state norms. The 6.2% uninsured rate sits slightly below Wisconsin's 7.0%, but limited provider availability may still challenge residents seeking routine care.
Close coverage gaps in Iron County
Over 6% of Iron County residents lack health insurance, adding barriers to accessing the limited primary care available. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and protect your access to the providers in your area.
Iron County's composite risk score of 11.48 ranks among the lowest in the nation, earning a Very Low rating. The county experiences far less natural disaster exposure than the typical American county.
Wisconsin's Safest County
Iron County's score of 11.48 is less than one-fifth of Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it the state's lowest-risk county. No other Wisconsin county comes close to this level of safety across all major disaster types.
Clear Leader in Regional Safety
Iron County's 11.48 score is dramatically lower than neighboring Ashland County and other regional peers. The county's isolation in northern Wisconsin, combined with its geography, creates a uniquely protected environment.
Flood Risk Leads, But Remains Minimal
Iron County's highest risk is flooding at 21.80, with tornado risk at 12.25 as a secondary concern. Earthquake (0.35), wildfire (7.41), and hurricane (0.00) risks are negligible.
Basic Coverage Protects Iron County Homes
Iron County residents benefit from exceptionally low disaster exposure and can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most protection. Maintaining good drainage around your property addresses the county's primary flood risk.