countyscore
46.2
County Score
Soil Quality 71.6Lawn Care 70.4Schools 67.8

County Report Card

About Juneau County, Wisconsin

Underperforming the National Median

Juneau County holds a composite score of 46.2, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This suggests some challenges in overall livability compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Below the Wisconsin Average

The county's 46.2 score is notably lower than the state average of 50.3. It faces stiffer competition from neighboring counties that offer lower risk profiles.

Good Schools and Health

Local schools are a bright spot with a score of 67.8, while health metrics remain solid at 60.0. The median household income of $65,150 supports a respectable income score of 55.1.

Tax and Environmental Risk

A low tax score of 11.8 is driven by a 1.524% tax rate, and the risk score is a concern at 29.2. Water quality also lags behind with a score of 39.7.

Suitable for Budget-Minded Families

Juneau County is a reasonable choice for families who value a decent education system and accessible health care. It appeals to those looking for a traditional Wisconsin lifestyle at a moderate cost.

2040608010011.84449.56067.855.129.239.749.8Tax11.8Cost44Safety49.5Health60Schools67.8Income55.1Risk29.2Water39.7Weather49.846.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Juneau County DNA

Foverall

How Juneau County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Juneau County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (67.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (11.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
11.8-40.2
Cost
44
Safety
49.5
Health
60+10
Schools
67.8+13.799999999999997
Income
55.1
Risk
29.2-17.8
Water
39.7-18.299999999999997
Weather
49.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Juneau County?

Many homeowners in Juneau 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

$165,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$847/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$165,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,150/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.2

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
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Nearby counties

Adams County
Wisconsin
42.8
Monroe County
Wisconsin
41.9
Wood County
Wisconsin
53.1
Sauk County
Wisconsin
42.5
Marquette County
Wisconsin
51.7
Waushara County
Wisconsin
54.5
Columbia County
Wisconsin
47.6
Portage County
Wisconsin
52

Deep Dives

Juneau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Juneau County

via TaxByCounty

Juneau County slightly above national norm

Juneau County's effective tax rate of 1.524% exceeds the U.S. median of 1.290%, placing it in the top 35% of American counties. Homeowners here pay more in property taxes than the typical American household.

Middle-of-pack within Wisconsin

Juneau County ranks 12th among Wisconsin's 72 counties with an effective rate of 1.524%, above the state average of 1.436%. The median tax bill of $2,517 falls below the state median of $3,081, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Higher than Jackson, lower than Iowa

Juneau County's 1.524% rate exceeds Jackson County (1.430%) and Iron County (1.145%) but trails Iowa County (1.557%) and Kenosha County (1.687%). It sits in the upper-middle range for the region.

On a median home: $2,517 yearly

A typical $165,200 home in Juneau County generates an annual tax bill of $2,517, roughly $210 per month. The rate remains consistent whether the home carries a mortgage or not, at $2,522 and $2,510 respectively.

Review your assessment before reassessment

Juneau County homeowners should proactively check their assessed values against current market prices to catch overassessments. Filing an appeal during the reassessment cycle is simple and can result in meaningful tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Juneau County

via CostByCounty

Juneau County: affordability under pressure

Juneau County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort threshold of 15%, indicating that housing costs consume a noticeable portion of household budgets. With median household income at $65,150—$9,605 below the national median—residents feel the housing burden more acutely.

Among Wisconsin's tighter markets

Juneau County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Wisconsin's 14.9% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. Median rent of $847 sits just below the state average, but lower incomes push the affordability ratio upward.

Mid-range costs, tighter budgets

Juneau County's $847 median rent falls between Iron County's bargain $640 and Jefferson County's $1,012. However, Juneau's lower median income of $65,150 means residents feel the housing burden more than their neighbors—a 15.6% ratio versus Iowa County's 13.5%.

Juneau County housing allocation

Renters spend $847 monthly (15.6% of the $65,150 median income) while homeowners allocate $948 (17.5% of income). These percentages push toward the upper limit of comfort, leaving less discretionary income for other necessities compared to more affordable Wisconsin counties.

Juneau County: budget carefully here

Juneau County's 15.6% rent ratio is the second-highest in this comparison—carefully review your financial cushion before relocating. Incomes here don't stretch as far as neighboring counties, making it important to secure stable employment before making the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Juneau County

via IncomeByCounty

Juneau County trails national average

Juneau County's median household income of $65,150 falls 12.9% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The earnings shortfall reflects limited high-wage job opportunities and economic reliance on agriculture and small business.

Below Wisconsin state average income

Juneau County ranks below the Wisconsin state average of $71,715, with households earning 9.2% less than typical state residents. The gap widens challenges for saving and wealth accumulation.

Among lowest-earning regional counties

Juneau County households earn $6,092 more than Iron County ($59,058) but $17,222 less than Iowa County ($83,372). Limited economic diversification constrains income growth in the county.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Juneau County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the highest in the comparison, meaning housing absorbs a growing portion of modest incomes. The median home value of $165,200 still challenges households earning $65,150.

Start wealth-building with small steps

Juneau County households should prioritize emergency savings first, then explore employer retirement plans and matched contributions for maximum return. Even $50 monthly in a tax-advantaged account compounds meaningfully over 20-30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Juneau County

via CrimeByCounty

Juneau County Remains Safer Than National Average

Juneau County holds a safety score of 98.2, placing it just slightly below the Wisconsin average. However, its total crime rate of 1,135.0 per 100,000 residents is still much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking with Wisconsin State Averages

Five agencies report data that places Juneau County near the middle of Wisconsin's safety rankings. The county's total crime rate sits slightly above the state average of 1,103.1.

Consistent Safety Across the Region

Juneau County's crime rate of 1,135.0 per 100K is higher than some rural neighbors but remains very safe by national standards. It tracks closely with the state average, reflecting a stable local environment.

Property Crime is the Main Metric

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 191.0 per 100,000, which is slightly above the state average of 169.7. Property crimes account for 944.0 incidents per 100,000 people, which is roughly half the national average.

Focus on Outbuilding Security

Since property crime is the primary local issue, residents should focus on securing sheds and garages. Motion-sensor lights are effective deterrents that help keep Juneau County neighborhoods safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Juneau County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network with Charter Options

Juneau County supports 3,570 students through a network of 24 public schools and six districts. This infrastructure is notably diverse, featuring 10 elementary schools and nine high school programs.

Above Average Graduation and Performance

The graduation rate stands at a strong 92.3%, comfortably surpassing the state average of 91.8%. A school score of 57.0 demonstrates that Juneau County effectively leverages its $8,031 per-pupil spending to drive academic success.

A Hub for Charter School Innovation

Juneau County stands out with six charter schools, making up 25% of all campuses in the area. The Tomah Area School District is the massive local heavyweight, overseeing 12 schools and 3,014 students across the region.

Completely Rural and Highly Personalized

Every single school in Juneau County is located in a rural setting, offering students an average school size of just 155 students. Mauston High is the largest facility with 381 students, ensuring every child remains a known face, not just a number.

Find Rural Charm and School Choice

Families seeking both a rural lifestyle and educational flexibility will love Juneau County's high concentration of charter schools. Explore the market today to find a home in a district that puts students first.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Juneau County

via RiskByCounty

Juneau County: Above-Average Natural Disaster Risk

Juneau County scores 70.80 on the composite risk index, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding typical U.S. county risk levels. Residents face elevated exposure to natural disasters compared to most American counties.

High-Risk County Within Wisconsin

Juneau County's score of 70.80 exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 by about 20%, placing it among the state's riskier counties. The county's natural disaster exposure is substantially above the Wisconsin norm.

Moderate Risk Within South-Central Region

Juneau County (70.80) sits between Jackson County's lower risk (48.06) and Jefferson County's higher exposure (75.80). The county faces more hazard exposure than Iowa County but slightly less than its eastern neighbors.

Flooding and Tornadoes Define Juneau Risk

Juneau County's flood risk stands at 70.71 and tornado risk at 65.30, creating the county's primary hazards. Wildfire risk (46.53) poses a secondary concern, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain moderate.

Invest in Flood and Storm Insurance

Juneau County residents must obtain separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude this coverage. Develop a documented tornado safety plan and ensure your homeowners policy includes strong wind and hail protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Juneau County

via WaterByCounty

Juneau County Maintains Lower Violation Rate Than Average

Juneau County receives a drinking water grade of F, having recorded 4 health violations in the last five years. However, its violation rate of 32.7 per 100,000 residents is less than half of the Wisconsin state average of 76.3. While the grade is low, the statistical risk of a health violation is lower than in many other Wisconsin counties.

PCBs and Mercury Drive Ten Percent Impairment Rate

Nearly 10% of Juneau County's 454 assessed water bodies are classified as impaired in the 2022 ATTAINS cycle. This 9.9% impairment rate sits above the state average of 7.6%. Top pollutants include phosphorus, PCBs, and mercury, which present long-term challenges for water recovery.

Robust Monitoring Records Over Forty Thousand Results

Technicians utilize 86 monitoring sites to track water quality, recording 44,102 measurements over the past five years. The Water Quality Portal shows extensive data collection for physical parameters, organics, and pesticides. This high volume of data makes Juneau one of the better-monitored counties in the region.

Lemonweir River Flows Near Normal Levels

The USGS gauge at New Lisbon shows the Lemonweir River flowing at 367 cfs, which is 88% of its long-term mean. This discharge level is relatively typical for the 507 square mile drainage area. Stable flows help maintain consistent water quality for downstream users and aquatic life.

Be Mindful of Mercury and PCB Contamination

Residents should follow local advisories regarding PCBs and mercury, which are the leading causes of watershed impairment in the county. While drinking water violation rates are lower than the state average, the presence of pesticides in monitoring data warrants periodic testing for well owners. Protect local watersheds by managing phosphorus runoff on private property.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Juneau County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Continental Climate

Juneau County averages 45.4°F annually, which is about 8 degrees cooler than the national median. The climate is characterized by significant seasonal temperature variations.

Right in the State Sweet Spot

With a 45.4°F average, Juneau County is just 1 degree warmer than the Wisconsin state average. It experiences the quintessential weather patterns associated with the Dairy State.

Similar to Central Neighbors

The county's 45.4°F average closely mirrors Iowa County at 45.7°F. It is notably warmer than Jackson County to the northwest, which averages 43.9°F.

Warm Summers and 40-Inch Snowfalls

Summers feature a 70.6°F July average and 8 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters bring a cold 16.5°F January average and a total of 40.4 inches of snow.

Heating and Rain Prep

HVAC systems should be inspected annually to handle the 19.9°F winter average. Residents should also prepare for 35 inches of annual rain with reliable gutter systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Juneau County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Acidic Wisconsin Soils

Juneau County presents an average pH of 5.50, which aligns closely with the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, favoring acid-tolerant plants. While taxonomic data is currently limited, the chemical profile is typical for the state's central sands region.

Sandy Foundations and Silt Mix

The soil contains 41.0% sand and 28.9% silt, creating a relatively light and workable ground. With only 9.4% clay, the soil remains porous and does not suffer from heavy compaction. This composition is well-suited for crops that require high oxygen levels around the root zone.

Strong Organic Matter Reserves

Organic matter content is robust at 15.83%, comfortably beating the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is 0.200 in/in, just under the state benchmark of 0.204. This high organic content helps the sandy soil retain nutrients that would otherwise wash away.

Managing Water in Light Soils

Although specific drainage classes are not provided, the 41.0% sand content suggests the soil drains relatively quickly. This helps prevent waterlogged conditions during the wet spring months. Gardeners should consider mulching to preserve moisture in these fast-draining upper layers.

Productive Gardening in Zone 4b

With a soil score of 71.6, Juneau County outperforms the state average of 68.2. The Zone 4b climate is excellent for growing hardy vegetables like carrots, beets, and cabbage. Your land is highly capable of supporting a thriving home garden with minimal intervention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Juneau County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Juneau

Juneau County's lawn difficulty score of 70.4 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. As a Zone 4b region, it provides a reliable environment for cool-season grasses to thrive with moderate effort.

Ample Sun and Sufficient Rain

The county sees 35.0 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with the state average of 34.5 inches. Eight extreme heat days and 2,478 growing degree days ensure a productive season for the most common grass varieties.

Adjusting Soil for Optimal Uptake

The soil pH of 5.50 is slightly below the target range of 6.0-7.0, suggesting a need for occasional lime treatments. With 41.0% sand content, the soil allows for good aeration but may require more frequent fertilization.

A Year of Plentiful Water

Juneau County avoided any significant drought weeks over the last year, keeping lawns naturally resilient. Only 0.1% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry, indicating near-ideal moisture levels for turf.

Maximizing the Central Wisconsin Season

The window for seeding opens after the May 2 frost and closes by October 3. Kentucky Bluegrass is highly recommended for this zone, provided you address the slightly acidic soil conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Juneau County's county score?
Juneau County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Juneau County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Juneau County ranks #54 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 Juneau County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Juneau County is $2,517, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Juneau County a tax score of 11.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Juneau County?
The median household income in Juneau County, Wisconsin is $65,150 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Juneau County earns an income score of 55.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Juneau County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Juneau County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Juneau 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 Juneau 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.