58.6
County Score
Health 88.6Income & Jobs 83.9Disaster Risk 82.7

County Report Card

About Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

A National Standout

Kewaunee County boasts a composite score of 58.6, placing it high above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the more desirable places to live in the country based on data.

Beating the State Average

With a 58.6 score, the county easily outperforms the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It serves as a model for balanced livability within the state.

Elite Health and Safety

Health is a major highlight with a score of 88.6, followed by a strong income score of 83.9. Residents also enjoy high levels of safety (78.7) and a very low risk score of 82.7.

Tax and Water Quality

The county’s tax score is low at 13.8, reflecting a 1.476% effective rate. Housing affordability is moderate at 41.1, and water quality scores 45.9.

Top Choice for Stable Families

Kewaunee County is ideal for families and individuals seeking a high-income, very safe, and healthy environment. It offers an excellent balance of economic security and personal well-being.

2040608010013.841.178.788.658.483.982.745.953.6Tax13.8Cost41.1Safety78.7Health88.6Schools58.4Income83.9Risk82.7Water45.9Weather53.658.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Kewaunee County DNA

Foverall

How Kewaunee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Kewaunee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (88.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (13.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.8-38.2
Cost
41.1
Safety
78.7+23.700000000000003
Health
88.6+38.599999999999994
Schools
58.4
Income
83.9+32.900000000000006
Risk
82.7+35.7
Water
45.9-12.100000000000001
Weather
53.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Kewaunee County?

Many homeowners in Kewaunee 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

$208,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$839/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$208,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,085/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Kewaunee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kewaunee County

via TaxByCounty

Kewaunee County slightly above national median

Kewaunee County's effective tax rate of 1.476% exceeds the U.S. median of 1.290%, placing it in the top 40% of American counties. Homeowners here pay more than the typical U.S. household in property taxes.

Slightly above Wisconsin average

Kewaunee County ranks 22nd among Wisconsin's 72 counties with an effective rate of 1.476%, modestly above the state average of 1.436%. The median tax bill of $3,083 nearly matches the state median of $3,081, making it a typical Wisconsin tax environment.

Middle ground in regional comparison

Kewaunee County's 1.476% rate sits between Jackson County (1.430%) and Iowa County (1.557%), making it fairly typical for the region. It's significantly lower than Kenosha County (1.687%) and La Crosse County (1.629%).

On a median home: $3,083 yearly

A typical $208,900 home in Kewaunee County generates an annual tax bill of $3,083, about $257 per month. Whether the home has a mortgage or not, the bill remains stable at roughly $3,079, showing consistent tax treatment.

Verify assessments align with market values

Kewaunee County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales in their area. If your assessment appears inflated, the county assessor accepts appeals and can adjust values to reflect current market conditions.

Cost of Living in Kewaunee County

via CostByCounty

Kewaunee County: exceptional affordability value

Kewaunee County boasts a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio, the lowest in this entire comparison and well below the national comfort threshold. With median household income at $80,085 paired with only $839 monthly median rent, residents enjoy substantial housing cost relief.

Wisconsin's most affordable option

Kewaunee County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks below even Iowa County's 13.5%, making it Wisconsin's standout affordability winner in this comparison. Median rent of $839 is nearly $52 below the state average, despite incomes that match or exceed most Wisconsin counties.

Door County affordability gem

Kewaunee County's $839 median rent undercuts Jackson ($789 seems cheaper but recall the affordability ratio), Juneau ($847), and especially the Milwaukee-area counties. Home values of $208,900 offer solid value, sitting between rural Iron County ($155,200) and affluent Jefferson County ($253,800).

Kewaunee County budget reality

Renters allocate just $839 monthly (12.6% of the $80,085 median income) while homeowners spend $1,029 (15.4% of income). Both figures rank among Wisconsin's most comfortable, freeing up significant household resources for savings, childcare, or other priorities.

Kewaunee County: hidden affordability treasure

If you value exceptional housing affordability without sacrificing income potential, Kewaunee County's 12.6% rent ratio is unbeatable in Wisconsin. The trade-off is rural character and distance from major metros—but for budget-conscious relocators, this Door County neighbor delivers remarkable value.

Income & Jobs in Kewaunee County

via IncomeByCounty

Kewaunee County exceeds national median

At $80,085, Kewaunee County's median household income tops the U.S. median of $74,755 by 7.1%. The county's agricultural base and manufacturing employment generate above-average household earnings.

Top earner among Wisconsin counties

Kewaunee County ranks among Wisconsin's higher-income counties, with median household income 11.6% above the state average of $71,715. Few state counties match this earning strength.

Solid earner in regional comparison

Kewaunee County households earn $3,287 less than Iowa County ($83,372) but $14,577 more than Jackson County ($65,508). The income level reflects strong agricultural and small-business sectors.

Excellent housing cost ratios

Kewaunee County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the comparison, indicating strong housing affordability. The median home value of $208,900 aligns well with household incomes of $80,085.

Build wealth through deliberate savings

Kewaunee County's solid $80,085 income and excellent housing ratios create room for meaningful wealth-building: households can target 15-18% of gross income for retirement and investments. Explore tax-advantaged accounts and farm business structures if applicable.

Safety in Kewaunee County

via CrimeByCounty

Kewaunee County Earns Top Safety Marks

Kewaunee County features an impressive 99.2 safety score. Its total crime rate of 505.6 per 100,000 residents is approximately 79% lower than the national average.

Ranking Among the Safest in Wisconsin

Four agencies report data that ranks Kewaunee County among the safest in Wisconsin. Its safety score of 99.2 easily clears the state average of 98.3.

Regional Leader in Low Crime Rates

Kewaunee County is exceptionally safe compared to the state average of 1,103.1 crimes per 100K. Its low crime rate of 505.6 makes it a standout for safety in the region.

Extremely Low Property Crime Rates

Both violent crime (126.4) and property crime (379.2) are very low here. Property crime in Kewaunee is roughly five times lower than the national property crime rate.

Maintaining a Quiet, Safe Environment

Maintenance of this high safety level is easy with basic property awareness. Simple habits like locking vehicles and installing motion lights go a long way in this quiet county.

Schools in Kewaunee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Districts and High Standards

Kewaunee County operates 10 public schools for 3,519 students within just three districts. The landscape is simple and effective, consisting of four elementary, two middle, and four high schools.

High Graduation on Efficient Budgets

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the state average despite spending just $7,417 per pupil. This efficiency results in a school score of 55.5, proving that Kewaunee makes the most of its resources.

Luxemburg-Casco Leads the County

The Luxemburg-Casco School District is the largest, enrolling 1,997 students across four schools. The district also hosts the county's only charter school, providing specialized educational opportunities to 10% of the school population.

Friendly Towns and Manageable Sizes

The county features six town-based and four rural schools with an average size of 352 students. Luxemburg-Casco High is the most populous at 609 students, providing a classic community-focused high school experience.

A Great Place for Community Schools

Kewaunee County offers a streamlined school experience with high graduation success and close-knit town environments. Find your new home in Luxemburg or Kewaunee to join this high-performing academic community.

Disaster Risk in Kewaunee County

via RiskByCounty

Kewaunee County: Well Below National Risk

Kewaunee County scores just 17.30 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and significantly outperforming most U.S. counties. The county enjoys exceptionally low exposure to natural disasters.

Among Wisconsin's Safest Counties

Kewaunee County's score of 17.30 is less than 30% of Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it among the state's lowest-risk counties. The county's safety stands out within Wisconsin's disaster landscape.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Kewaunee County (17.30) substantially undercuts higher-risk neighbors like Jefferson County (75.80) and Kenosha County (84.96). The county's location on Door Peninsula provides geographic protection from many hazards.

Tornado and Flood Risks Are Minor

Kewaunee County's highest risk comes from tornadoes at 39.66, followed by flood risk at 30.20. Wildfire (9.86), earthquake (12.56), and hurricane (16.56) risks all remain modest.

Standard Coverage Protects Kewaunee Homes

Kewaunee County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for comprehensive protection, given the county's very low overall risk. Maintain basic storm preparedness habits and keep gutters clear to minimize localized flood concerns.

Water Quality in Kewaunee County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Earns Kewaunee a D Grade

Kewaunee County recorded only 2 health violations in five years, resulting in a drinking water grade of D. Its violation rate of 22.5 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the Wisconsin state average of 76.3. This suggests that public water systems here are generally more reliable than those in many other parts of the state.

High Impairment Levels Challenge Kewaunee Watersheds

Approximately 16.1% of assessed water bodies in Kewaunee County are impaired, more than double the state average of 7.6%. The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle cites phosphorus and PCBs as the primary causes of these impairments. This indicates significant environmental pressure on local streams and rivers.

Intensive Monitoring Tracks Over Eighty Thousand Results

Despite its small size, the county has 46 monitoring sites that have recorded 82,244 measurements in five years. This high density of data focuses on physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics. Such intensive monitoring is vital for tracking the significant impairment issues facing the county's waters.

Kewaunee River Flow Slightly Below Historical Mean

The USGS gauge on the Kewaunee River near Kewaunee reports a current discharge of 73 cfs. This is 85% of the long-term mean, indicating slightly drier than normal conditions for the 127 square mile drainage area. These levels are within a relatively typical range for this time of year.

Address High Impairment and PCB Risks

With 16.1% of water bodies impaired, residents should be highly proactive about managing runoff and being aware of PCB levels. While public water compliance is better than the state average, the high volume of nutrient data suggests that private well owners should test regularly for nitrates and bacteria. Supporting local watershed restoration is critical given the current impairment rates.

Weather & Climate in Kewaunee County

via WeatherByCounty

Lake-Influenced Northern Climate

Kewaunee County averages 44.3°F, nearly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. Lake Michigan significantly moderates local temperatures throughout the year.

A Perfect State Average

The county's 44.3°F annual temperature is almost exactly the same as the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It provides a balanced look at the state's lake-side climate.

Cooler and Drier than Southern Peers

Kewaunee is much cooler than Kenosha County, which averages 48.3°F. It is also one of the driest in the region with only 31.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Cool Summers and Lake Snow

The lake keeps summer heat in check with only 2 days above 90°F and a July average of 68.2°F. Winters are snowy, totaling 48.1 inches despite a relatively mild 19.3°F January.

Focus on Winter Gear

With only 2 days of extreme heat, AC is less critical than a high-quality winter coat. Residents should prioritize snow tires for the 48.1 inches of lake-effect snowfall.

Soil Quality in Kewaunee County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils of the Peninsula

Kewaunee County features an average pH of 6.48, almost perfectly matching the national median of 6.5. This is significantly more alkaline than the state average of 5.63, making it one of the most balanced soil environments in Wisconsin. While specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the chemical profile is ideal for most agriculture.

A Fine-Textured Loamy Mix

The soil is composed of 37.9% sand, 37.2% silt, and 15.6% clay. This near-equal split between sand and silt creates a loam-like texture that manages water and air effectively. The moderate clay content ensures that the soil retains the essential minerals needed for healthy plant growth.

High Score for Nutrient Potential

Organic matter content is 6.07%, which is well above the national 2.0% average but lower than the state's 11.02%. The available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, slightly trailing the state average of 0.204. These numbers support a very high soil score of 81.4, indicating top-tier growing potential.

Balanced Infiltration and Retention

Specific drainage classifications are unavailable, but the balanced texture suggests moderate water movement. The soil likely holds enough moisture to withstand short dry spells while allowing excess to drain away. This makes it a reliable choice for both small-scale gardening and large-scale farming.

Coastal Growing in Zone 5b

The county's 81.4 soil score is significantly higher than the state average of 68.2, signaling elite fertility. In Zone 5b, the lake-influenced climate and neutral pH are perfect for apple orchards and diverse vegetable gardens. Your soil is a premium resource—start your planting journey today.

Lawn Care in Kewaunee County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Ease on the Lakeshore

Kewaunee County features a lawn difficulty score of 68.7, which is better than the national and state averages. This Zone 5b county benefits from the stabilizing temperatures of Lake Michigan.

Cool Summers and Focused Growth

The county experiences only two extreme heat days per year, minimizing summer stress on cool-season grasses. While annual precipitation is lower than the state average at 31.1 inches, the lack of heat helps prevent evaporation.

Near Perfect Soil Chemistry

At a pH of 6.48, Kewaunee's soil is almost perfectly balanced for nutrient availability to grass. The soil contains 15.6% clay and 37.9% sand, creating a versatile medium for most northern turf varieties.

Addressing Coastal Dry Conditions

The county faced 19 weeks of drought last year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. Because rainfall is lower than neighboring counties, supplemental watering is essential to maintain color during dry months.

Taking Advantage of Lake 5b

Wait for the May 1 frost to pass before seeding your lawn. The season extends until October 18, offering a long window for Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass to establish deep roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kewaunee County's county score?
Kewaunee County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 58.6 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 Kewaunee County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Kewaunee County ranks #8 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 Kewaunee County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Kewaunee County is $3,083, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Kewaunee County a tax score of 13.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kewaunee County?
The median household income in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin is $80,085 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kewaunee County earns an income score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kewaunee County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Kewaunee County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Kewaunee 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 Kewaunee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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