countyscore
65.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 88.5Health 85.2Cost of Living 78.6

County Report Card

About Iron County, Wisconsin

Exceptional Livability Scores

Iron County delivers a strong composite score of 65.4, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the most livable counties in the nation for its size.

A Top Performer in Wisconsin

The county significantly outperforms the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. Its unique mix of low risk and affordability makes it a standout choice in the state's northern region.

Low Risk and High Affordability

The county excels with a risk score of 88.5 and a cost score of 78.6, reflecting very affordable housing. Median rent is just $640 per month, and the health score remains high at 85.2.

Lower Incomes and Water Metrics

Economic growth is a challenge with an income score of 35.9 and a median household income of $59,058. Additionally, the water score of 19.1 suggests room for infrastructure improvement.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Iron County is perfect for retirees or budget-conscious individuals looking for a safe, low-risk environment. It offers a peaceful lifestyle for those who don't rely on local high-wage industries.

2040608010028.478.677.585.26535.988.519.149.2Tax28.4Cost78.6Safety77.5Health85.2Schools65Income35.9Risk88.5Water19.1Weather49.265.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Iron County DNA

D+overall

How Iron County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Iron County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (88.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (19.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.4-23.6
Cost
78.6+30.599999999999994
Safety
77.5+22.5
Health
85.2+35.2
Schools
65+11
Income
35.9-15.100000000000001
Risk
88.5+41.5
Water
19.1-38.9
Weather
49.2
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Think property taxes are too high in Iron County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$155,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$640/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,058/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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
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Nearby counties

Gogebic County
Michigan
55.5
Ashland County
Wisconsin
37.6
Price County
Wisconsin
59.4
Bayfield County
Wisconsin
58.6
Sawyer County
Wisconsin
48.6
Vilas County
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65.2
Ontonagon County
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63.5
Oneida County
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60.2

Deep Dives

Iron County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Iron County

via TaxByCounty

Iron County has lowest Wisconsin tax burden

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iron County

via CostByCounty

Iron County: Wisconsin's housing bargain

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iron County

via IncomeByCounty

Iron County trails national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iron County

via CrimeByCounty

Iron County Boasts Exceptional Safety Scores

Iron County holds a near-perfect safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 537.8 per 100,000 residents is roughly 77% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Wisconsin Safety Average

With a safety score of 99.2, Iron County sits comfortably above the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Two reporting agencies monitor the area, documenting a total crime rate that is half the state average.

One of the Safest Counties in the Region

Iron County's total crime rate of 537.8 per 100K makes it one of the most secure counties in the state. It maintains a distinct advantage over the state average of 1,103.1 crimes per 100,000 people.

Property Crime Remains Significantly Low

The county reports only 146.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national rate. Property crimes are similarly low at 391.1, providing peace of mind for local homeowners.

Staying Proactive in Iron County

Even in high-safety areas like Iron County, home security remains a wise investment. Basic measures like doorbell cameras help keep property crime rates significantly below national benchmarks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Iron County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused and Intimate Learning Environments

Iron County operates a compact educational system with just three public schools serving 667 total students. These schools are managed by two districts, focusing heavily on rural community connection.

Strong Outcomes Through Targeted Spending

The county achieves a 90.3% graduation rate, which sits above the national average of 87%. Investing $8,792 per pupil—well above the Wisconsin state average of $8,113—helps maintain a solid composite school score of 57.6.

Hurley School District Anchors the County

The Hurley School District is the primary provider, enrolling 546 students across two schools. The Mercer School District operates a single PK-12 facility that serves 121 students, offering a unique all-in-one campus experience.

Small Schools in Deeply Rural Settings

All schools in Iron County are classified as rural, with an average size of 222 students per building. Hurley High is the largest at 324 students, while the Mercer School offers a remarkably small, close-knit environment for 121 students.

Discover Rural Living and Small Classes

Iron County is perfect for home buyers who value a high teacher-to-student ratio and a quiet, rural lifestyle. Explore homes in Hurley or Mercer to take advantage of this high-investment, small-scale education system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iron County

via RiskByCounty

Iron County: Exceptionally Low National Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Iron County

via WaterByCounty

Iron County Earns F Grade for Water Compliance

Despite having only 5 health violations, Iron County's small population results in a high violation rate of 140.3 per 100,000 residents. This rate far exceeds the Wisconsin state average of 76.3 per 100,000. These figures highlight significant per-capita challenges in maintaining drinking water safety standards.

Excellent Watershed Health with Low Impairment Levels

Only 1.1% of the 891 assessed water bodies in Iron County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards, according to 2022 data. This is significantly better than the state average impairment rate of 7.6%. Mercury and phosphorus are the top causes for the few water bodies that are listed as impaired.

Biology and Algae Lead County Monitoring Efforts

Iron County maintains 79 monitoring sites that have generated 31,718 measurements over the past five years. Data in the federal Water Quality Portal shows a high density of biological, algae, and phytoplankton readings. These records provide a deep understanding of the ecological health of the county's vast water resources.

Bear River Flows Above Historical Averages

The primary USGS gauge on the Bear River near Manitowish Waters reports a current discharge of 84 cfs. This represents 127% of the long-term mean for this site, which drains 81 square miles. Higher than typical flows may influence nutrient transport and local lake levels.

Monitor for Mercury Despite Strong Watershed Health

Iron County residents should be aware of mercury impairments in local water bodies, which can affect fish consumption safety. Although the watershed health is excellent, the high drinking water violation rate per capita warrants close attention to utility reports. Ensure home systems are functioning correctly to mitigate risks from any recurring compliance issues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Iron County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep North Cold and High Snowfall

Iron County is one of the coldest regions in the country with an annual average of just 40.8°F. This is a staggering 13 degrees below the national median, creating a true Northwoods climate.

Among Wisconsin’s Coldest Counties

With an average of 40.8°F, Iron County sits 3.6 degrees below the state average of 44.4°F. It consistently ranks as one of the most frigid jurisdictions in Wisconsin.

The Snow King of the North

Iron County’s 143 inches of snow dwarfs the 44.5 inches seen in Jackson County. Even compared to other northern neighbors, its winter intensity is unmatched.

Short Summers and Intense Winters

Summer is brief with only 3 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 66.7°F. Winter dominates the year, featuring a brutal 15.6°F average and over 11 feet of annual snow.

Serious Winter Readiness Required

Heavy-duty snowblowers and structural roof reinforcements are necessary to handle 143 inches of snow. Vehicles require winter tires and emergency kits to navigate the 12.4°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Iron County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols of the North

Iron County is defined by highly acidic Entisols with an average pH of 4.38, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also well below the Wisconsin state average of 5.63, requiring specific plant selections or soil amendments. These young soils reflect the rugged, untamed nature of the northern landscape.

Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil contains 35.5% sand and 27.8% silt, with a very low clay content of only 5.5%. This coarse makeup results in a loose structure that is easy to dig but may struggle to hold onto certain nutrients. The lack of clay means the soil is highly resistant to becoming sticky or waterlogged.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts a staggering 33.12% organic matter content, triple the state average of 11.02%. This rich organic layer drives an available water capacity of 0.296 in/in, which is significantly higher than the state's 0.204 average. These numbers point to a soil that is incredibly sponge-like and nutrient-dense despite its acidity.

Well Drained for High Runoff

Classified as well-drained, this soil allows water to move through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of root rot. This rapid drainage is essential for managing the heavy snowmelt common in the region. Builders and gardeners alike benefit from the predictable way water exits the upper soil layers.

Gardening in Cold-Hardy Zone 4a

Zone 4a's short growing season favors acid-loving plants like blueberries and cranberries that thrive in low pH. While the climate is challenging, the 66.0 soil score supports a robust natural ecosystem. Focus on native, cold-hardy species to make the most of this unique northern soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iron County

via LawnByCounty

Cold Winters Challenge Iron County Grass

Iron County scores 56.5 for lawn difficulty, making it harder to maintain than the state average of 64.4. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, this region faces shorter, colder growing seasons than most of Wisconsin.

Limited Heat for Slow Growth

With only 1,860 growing degree days and three extreme heat days, turf grows slowly here compared to warmer southern counties. However, the 37.3 inches of annual precipitation provides ample hydration for northern grass varieties.

Correcting Highly Acidic Soil

The soil pH is remarkably low at 4.38, meaning most lawns will struggle without significant lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The soil is well-drained with low clay content of 5.5%, allowing nutrients to wash away quickly.

Resilience During Shorter Dry Spells

Iron County faced 14 weeks of drought last year, and 60.1% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. Because the soil is well-drained, lawns may require more frequent, light watering during these periods to prevent dormancy.

Planning for a Short Summer

Select cold-hardy Fine Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass to survive the harsh 4a winters. Planting should occur between the late spring frost on May 24 and the early fall frost on October 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iron County's county score?
Iron County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 65.4 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 Iron County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Iron County ranks #1 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 Iron County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Iron County is $1,777, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Iron County a tax score of 28.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iron County?
The median household income in Iron County, Wisconsin is $59,058 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iron County earns an income score of 35.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iron County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Iron County scores 65.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Iron 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 Iron 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.