countyscore
48.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.4Health 83.6Soil Quality 83

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Wisconsin

Close to National Median

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 48.6, trailing just slightly behind the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive choice despite some cost-of-living headwinds.

Just Below State Average

The county’s 48.6 score sits marginally below the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. High local incomes are offset by higher-than-average tax and risk factors.

Strong Incomes and Education

High earnings drive an income score of 84.4, with a median household income of $80,604. Health and school systems are also highlights, scoring 83.6 and 72.0 respectively.

Tax and Environmental Risks

The county faces a very low tax score of 9.9 due to a 1.571% effective rate. Risk and cost scores are also low, at 24.2 and 19.9, reflecting higher housing prices and environmental vulnerabilities.

Great for High-Earning Families

This county is best suited for families with strong incomes who prioritize quality schools and health care. Residents should be prepared for higher property taxes and housing costs in exchange for these amenities.

204060801009.919.961.183.67284.424.228.751.3Tax9.9Cost19.9Safety61.1Health83.6Schools72Income84.4Risk24.2Water28.7Weather51.348.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (83.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.9-42.1
Cost
19.9-28.1
Safety
61.1
Health
83.6+33.599999999999994
Schools
72+18
Income
84.4+33.400000000000006
Risk
24.2-22.8
Water
28.7-29.3
Weather
51.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Jefferson County?

Many homeowners in Jefferson 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

$253,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,012/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$253,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,604/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

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 Jefferson County with Baldwin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Baldwin County
Alabama
Median income: $75,019
48.6
Montgomery County
Alabama
Median income: $58,153
48.6
North Slope Borough
Alaska
Median income: $86,313
48.6
Nassau County
Florida
Median income: $88,900
48.6
Brantley County
Georgia
Median income: $47,801
48.6
Bingham County
Idaho
Median income: $76,842
48.6
Appanoose County
Iowa
Median income: $51,146
48.6
Atchison County
Kansas
Median income: $62,164
48.6

Nearby counties

Rock County
Wisconsin
38.9
Walworth County
Wisconsin
50.4
Waukesha County
Wisconsin
51.9
Dodge County
Wisconsin
44.5
Dane County
Wisconsin
38
Racine County
Wisconsin
38.7
Green County
Wisconsin
54
Boone County
Illinois
43.7

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County ranks among highest taxed

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 1.571% places it in the top 30% of all U.S. counties, well above the national median of 1.290%. Only about one in three American counties impose higher property tax rates.

Second-highest rate in Wisconsin

Jefferson County ranks 2nd statewide with an effective rate of 1.571%, notably above Wisconsin's 1.436% average. The median tax bill of $3,988 exceeds the state median by $907, representing a significant annual burden.

Higher than nearly all nearby counties

Jefferson County's 1.571% rate exceeds Iowa County (1.557%), Kenosha County (1.687%), and La Crosse County (1.629%). Only Kenosha surpasses Jefferson among the broader region.

On a median home: $3,988 yearly

A typical $253,800 home in Jefferson County generates an annual tax bill of $3,988, about $332 per month. With mortgage deductions, this rises to $4,093, one of the highest effective bills in the state.

Challenge your assessment this year

Given Jefferson County's high tax burden, homeowners should carefully review their assessments and appeal any they believe are inflated. Many overassessed properties can be adjusted downward, potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County: stretched but stable

Jefferson County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national comfort zone, signaling that housing costs consume a larger share of household budgets here. Median household income of $80,604 provides a cushion, but the 15.1% mark indicates tightening affordability pressure.

Above Wisconsin's affordability baseline

Jefferson County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges above the state average of 14.9%, making it one of Wisconsin's pricier markets. Median rent of $1,012 runs 14% higher than the state average, reflecting the county's proximity to Milwaukee's economic sphere.

Premium pricing in southeast Wisconsin

Jefferson County's $1,012 median rent is the highest among Iowa, Jackson, and Juneau counties, though it remains $163 below Kenosha County. Home values of $253,800 place it among Wisconsin's priciest in this comparison, just behind Kenosha's $247,800.

Jefferson County's housing budget

Renters spend $1,012 monthly (15.1% of the $80,604 median income) while homeowners commit $1,342 (20.0% of income). Homeownership here demands considerably more of the household budget, pushing closer to the 30% affordability threshold for owners.

Jefferson County for suburban seekers

If you want suburban amenities and Milwaukee-area access, Jefferson County delivers—but expect to pay 15%+ of income for rent or 20%+ for a mortgage. Compare these costs against more rural alternatives like Jackson or Juneau before deciding the Milwaukee premium fits your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County beats national median

At $80,604, Jefferson County's median household income exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 7.8%. Strong local manufacturing and service sectors support above-average household earnings.

Upper-tier Wisconsin income county

Jefferson County ranks among Wisconsin's higher-income counties, with median household income 12.3% above the state average of $71,715. Few state residents earn notably more.

Second-highest among nearby peers

Jefferson County households earn $2,768 less than Iowa County ($83,372) but $15,096 more than Jackson County ($65,508). The county's proximity to regional job centers supports above-average incomes.

Housing costs rising relative to income

Jefferson County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is slightly elevated, reflecting growing housing demand and prices. The median home value of $253,800 competes with household incomes, requiring careful financial planning.

Build wealth through strategic planning

Jefferson County's $80,604 median income supports meaningful savings: households can target 15-20% of gross income for retirement and investments. Working with a financial planner helps maximize employer benefits and tax-advantaged accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Offers High Peace of Mind

Jefferson County earns a strong 98.6 safety score, surpassing the Wisconsin average. Its total crime rate of 894.9 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-third of the national average.

Top-Tier Safety Performance in Wisconsin

Seven reporting agencies keep Jefferson County above the state average safety score of 98.3. The county's total crime rate remains about 19% lower than the Wisconsin average.

A Secure Hub in the Region

Jefferson County's crime rate of 894.9 per 100K makes it a secure hub compared to more populous neighboring areas. It consistently beats the state average of 1,103.1 per 100,000 people.

Property and Violent Crimes Below Average

Property crimes account for 732.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime sits at 162.9. Both figures are significantly lower than their respective national benchmarks.

Advanced Protection for Your Property

Homeowners can stay ahead of property crime by installing smart locks and alarm systems. These preventative tools help Jefferson County maintain its high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust District Options and High Enrollment

Jefferson County features a large educational footprint with 30 schools serving 9,673 students across five districts. This includes 13 elementary schools and 7 middle schools, providing a deep pipeline for student development.

High Performance and Exceptional Graduation Rates

With a 93.3% graduation rate, Jefferson County significantly exceeds both state and national averages. The county's school score of 57.7 is bolstered by efficient spending of $8,134 per pupil, ensuring strong outcomes for every dollar.

Fort Atkinson and Watertown Lead Charge

Fort Atkinson School District is the largest with seven schools and 2,508 students, followed closely by the Jefferson School District. The county also offers specialized options, including one charter school and four 'other' level campuses.

A Predominantly Town-Based School System

Most students attend school in town settings, with 21 of the 30 schools located in urban clusters. Schools like Fort Atkinson High (960 students) offer a comprehensive high school experience, while the county average remains a manageable 322 students.

Elevate Your Living Near Top Districts

Home buyers in Jefferson County benefit from high-performing schools and a variety of town-centered communities. Research homes near Fort Atkinson or Jefferson to secure a spot in these top-tier Wisconsin districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County: Above-Average U.S. Risk

Jefferson County scores 75.80 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Relatively Low category but above many national peers. The county faces elevated exposure to multiple hazard types compared to typical U.S. counties.

Higher Risk Than Most Wisconsin Counties

Jefferson County's score of 75.80 significantly exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces substantially greater natural disaster exposure than most of its neighbors.

Kenosha and La Crosse Show Even Higher Risk

Jefferson County (75.80) ranks lower than neighboring Kenosha County (84.96) and La Crosse County (80.53). However, it faces noticeably higher risk than most other south-central Wisconsin counties.

Tornadoes, Floods, and Earthquakes Loom

Jefferson County's tornado risk of 86.13 is its most severe threat, followed by flood risk at 79.48. Earthquake risk (43.42) and wildfire risk (39.92) also present meaningful concerns for residents.

Multiple Protections Required for Jefferson

Jefferson County residents should prioritize flood insurance and a comprehensive tornado safety plan, given the county's elevated risk on both fronts. Review your homeowners policy to ensure adequate wind coverage, and consider additional earthquake insurance if you own valuable property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Counts Result in Compliance Grade F

Jefferson County recorded 45 health violations over the past five years, leading to a drinking water grade of F. The violation rate stands at 73.0 per 100,000 people, which is just below the Wisconsin state average of 76.3. The high absolute number of violations indicates frequent challenges for local water systems.

Watershed Impairment Exceeds State Average at Ten Percent

Approximately 10.6% of Jefferson County's 235 assessed water bodies are impaired, according to the 2022 reporting cycle. This exceeds the state average of 7.6% and is driven by phosphorus, suspended solids, and E. coli. These impairments highlight significant challenges with agricultural and urban runoff.

Monitoring Records Capture Thousands of Pesticide Data Points

The county has 75 monitoring sites that have logged 27,664 measurements over the last five years. Data from the Water Quality Portal shows heavy monitoring of physical properties, organics, and pesticides. This data provides the baseline needed to track the pollutants affecting local river health.

Rock River Discharge Surges Above Typical Levels

The USGS gauge on the Rock River at Fort Atkinson reports a current flow of 2,990 cfs. This discharge is 149% of the long-term mean for this large 2,240 square mile drainage area. High flows can increase the loading of phosphorus and E. coli into the watershed.

Exercise Caution with Runoff and E. Coli

With over 10% of watersheds impaired and high river flows, residents should be wary of E. coli and nutrient runoff. The high number of drinking water violations suggests a need for regular testing of private supplies and attention to municipal alerts. Focus on reducing phosphorus contributions to help restore the health of the local Rock River basin.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Milder than the Northern Median

Jefferson County averages 46.9°F annually, staying well below the national median of 53.8°F. However, it is one of the warmer spots in the Upper Midwest region.

Warmer than the State Average

At 46.9°F, the county is 2.5 degrees warmer than the 44.4°F Wisconsin average. This makes it one of the more temperate locations for agriculture and residency in the state.

Middle Ground of Southern Wisconsin

Jefferson is slightly cooler than Kenosha County's 48.3°F but warmer than Iowa County's 45.7°F. Its 37.2 inches of rain exceeds the state average of 34.5 inches.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages a warm 71.8°F with 10 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are slightly milder than northern neighbors, averaging 22.3°F with 40.1 inches of snow.

Cooling and Drainage Focus

Effective air conditioning is recommended for the 10 annual extreme heat days. Homeowners should also ensure proper yard drainage to manage the 37.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Prime Mollisols for Peak Production

Jefferson County features Mollisols, the gold standard of agricultural soils, with an average pH of 6.32. This pH is very close to the national median of 6.5 and much higher than the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. These soils are naturally dark, fertile, and highly sought after by growers.

The Ideal Sandy Loam Mix

A dominant texture of sandy loam is created by a balanced blend of 37.9% sand, 40.0% silt, and 14.4% clay. This specific ratio provides the perfect compromise between drainage and nutrient retention. It is easy to till in the spring and resists the clodding found in heavier soils.

High Productivity and Water Storage

Available water capacity is 0.205 in/in, slightly exceeding the state average of 0.204. While the 5.92% organic matter is lower than the state's 11.02%, it remains nearly triple the national average of 2.0%. This profile indicates a highly productive soil capable of supporting intensive agriculture.

Superior Drainage for Healthier Roots

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A, indicating high infiltration and low runoff potential. This makes the land exceptionally stable for building foundations and minimizes erosion during heavy rains. It is an ideal setup for deep-rooted crops and ornamental gardens.

Unmatched Potential in Zone 5b

The county's impressive soil score of 83.0 far exceeds the state average of 68.2, making it a premier gardening location. In Zone 5b, you can successfully grow everything from sweet corn to vibrant summer flowers. This high-quality soil is ready for whatever you choose to plant.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Jefferson Leads in Lawn Ease

Jefferson County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 81.2, far outpacing the Wisconsin average of 64.4. This Zone 5b county offers some of the most hospitable conditions for residential turf in the state.

Extended Growth and Summer Heat

A robust 2,685 growing degree days and 10 extreme heat days create a long, active season for mowing. The 37.2 inches of annual precipitation is well-distributed, keeping grass hydrated during the warmer July peaks.

Prime Sandy Loam Foundations

The soil pH of 6.32 is nearly perfect for lawn health, and the sandy loam texture provides a professional-grade growing medium. Lawns benefit from well-drained conditions and a balanced 14.4% clay content that retains essential nutrients.

Consistent Moisture and Low Stress

The county only saw four weeks of drought in the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This consistency allows homeowners to maintain lush green space with minimal supplemental irrigation.

Long Growing Windows in 5b

The generous growing season begins after the April 29 frost and extends until October 12. These dates allow ample time for seeding heat-tolerant Tall Fescue or traditional Bluegrass blends.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 48.6 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Jefferson County ranks #48 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 Jefferson County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $3,988, with an effective tax rate of 1.57%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 9.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Wisconsin is $80,604 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 84.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.