CountyScore

Jefferson County

Wisconsin · WI

#63 in Wisconsin
62.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Wisconsin

Jefferson County outpaces nation overall

Jefferson County's composite score of 62.2 ranks 24% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationwide. It's a solid performer relative to most U.S. counties.

Slightly below Wisconsin average

Jefferson County's 62.2 score falls just short of Wisconsin's 65.6 state average, ranking it in the middle-lower portion of the state's 72 counties. It's a moderately livable Wisconsin community.

Health and income stand out

Jefferson County scores well on health (77.9) with strong community wellness indicators, and its median household income of $80,604 is among the higher-earning counties in this profile. Cost remains moderate at $1,012/month rent and $253,800 median home value.

Risk exposure is a major concern

The risk score of just 24.2 is the county's critical weakness, indicating elevated environmental or natural hazard exposure. Tax burden at 1.571% is also among the higher rates in this group.

Better for risk-aware professionals

Jefferson County appeals to higher-income professionals comfortable with identified risk factors in exchange for solid healthcare and community services. It's suitable for those who've evaluated local hazards and made an informed choice.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax58.1Cost69.6SafetyComing SoonHealth77.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome36Risk24.2WaterComing Soon
🏛58.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡24.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bay County
Florida
62.2
Median income: $70,188
Douglas County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $80,764
Muscogee County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $56,622
Sumter County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $41,877
Douglas County
Illinois
62.2
Median income: $74,186

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County approaches national health norms

At 78.0 years, Jefferson County residents live modestly below the U.S. average of 77.9 years. With 14.5% reporting poor or fair health compared to 17.4% nationally, the county demonstrates slightly better-than-average health outcomes.

Jefferson County holds edge over state average

Jefferson County's 78.0-year life expectancy edges above Wisconsin's 77.8-year average. This subtle advantage positions the county near the state's middle ground for health outcomes.

Jefferson County is middle of the pack

With 78.0 years life expectancy, Jefferson County falls between stronger performers like Iowa County (79.7 years) and weaker ones like Jackson County (76.4 years). Its 14.5% poor/fair health rate also ranks in the middle of this peer group.

Moderate insurance and provider access

Jefferson County's 6.1% uninsured rate is slightly below Wisconsin's 7.0%, and 39 primary care providers per 100,000 offer reasonable access to routine care. This balanced profile supports stable, if not outstanding, health system performance.

Maintain coverage for Jefferson County residents

Over 6% of Jefferson County residents lack health insurance. Review your current coverage and explore options at Healthcare.gov to ensure continuous access to the primary care providers serving your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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