countyscore
45.6
County Score
Health 71.1Soil Quality 62.9Income & Jobs 60.9

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Wisconsin

Lincoln Faces National Headwinds

Lincoln County scores 45.6, falling slightly below the national median of 50.0. While some metrics are strong, others drag the total ranking down.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 45.6 score sits below the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It faces stiffer competition from neighboring counties in terms of safety and taxes.

Strong Health and Reliable Income

Health services are a bright spot with a score of 71.1. Residents also enjoy a respectable income score of 60.9, supported by a $67,726 median income.

Safety and Tax Burdens

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 24.8. Additionally, the 1.424% tax rate contributes to a low tax score of 16.4.

A Good Fit for Healthcare Seekers

Lincoln County suits residents who value health infrastructure and steady employment. It remains a viable option for those prioritizing affordable home values of $177,700.

Score breakdown

Tax16.4Cost57Safety24.8Health71.1Schools55.3Income60.9Risk47.4Water46Weather49.5
🏛16.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Oneida County
Wisconsin
60.2
Marathon County
Wisconsin
49.5
Langlade County
Wisconsin
54.7
Price County
Wisconsin
59.4
Taylor County
Wisconsin
51.7
Vilas County
Wisconsin
65.2
Forest County
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53.5
Menominee County
Wisconsin
57.5

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln tracks close to national average

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 1.424% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.209%, placing it in the middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,530 sits 6% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lincoln's lower home values of $177,700 versus the national average of $281,900.

Slightly below Wisconsin's state average

Lincoln ranks near the middle of Wisconsin's 72 counties at an effective tax rate of 1.424%, marginally below the state average of 1.436%. The county's median property tax of $2,530 falls well short of Wisconsin's state median of $3,081.

Moderate taxes for north-central region

Lincoln's 1.424% rate sits comfortably between Langlade County (1.335%) and Marathon County (1.512%), representing a balanced tax environment. The county offers slightly higher rates than neighbors Marinette (1.261%) and Marquette (1.347%) but lower than Manitowoc (1.538%).

Expect roughly $2,530 in annual taxes

On a median home value of $177,700, Lincoln County homeowners pay approximately $2,530 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that rises to about $2,593.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Lincoln County homeowners should periodically verify their property assessments match current market conditions, as overassessments are common statewide. Wisconsin law allows you to appeal assessments through your town board of review, potentially lowering your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln balances rent and income well

Lincoln County renters spend 13.6% of their $67,726 median household income on a $768 monthly rent, edging out the Wisconsin state average of 14.9% and sitting comfortably within national affordability norms. This county delivers solid value for renters seeking a Midwest home without breaking the budget.

Upper-tier affordability in Wisconsin

Lincoln's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Wisconsin's better county performers, reflecting a healthy balance of moderate rents and stable incomes just below the national median. The county punches above its weight on housing affordability.

Lincoln splits the difference regionally

At $768/month, Lincoln sits between cheaper Langlade ($737) and pricier Marinette ($749) and Manitowoc ($777), while its rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% matches Manitowoc exactly and beats nearly all rural peers. Lincoln offers the middle path: neither the lowest rents nor the highest incomes, but excellent balance.

Balanced burden for renters and owners

Renters allocate $768 monthly (13.6%), while homeowners pay $885 monthly—about 15.7% of income—for median-valued homes of $177,700. The roughly 2-percentage-point gap between renting and owning costs remains manageable for households across the affordability spectrum.

Solid middle ground for Wisconsin moves

Lincoln County offers reliable affordability without extremes: $768 rent, $67K household income, and a 13.6% ratio that beats state averages. If you're shopping Wisconsin counties for balance, Lincoln deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln income near but below national mark

Lincoln County's median household income of $67,726 trails the national median of $74,755 by 9.4%, reflecting a modest income gap compared to the broader U.S. economy. The county's per-capita income of $38,296 matches the state average, indicating more even income distribution than some peers.

Close to Wisconsin's state median

At $67,726, Lincoln ranks slightly below Wisconsin's state median of $71,715, placing it in the middle tier of Wisconsin counties. The $3,989 shortfall is relatively small, positioning Lincoln as a stable, middle-class county within Wisconsin's economic spectrum.

Mid-range earner among nearby counties

Lincoln's $67,726 median sits between lower-performing Langlade ($57,258) and higher-performing Marathon ($76,185), anchoring the regional middle. Its per-capita income of $38,296 actually exceeds the state average of $38,794, suggesting a more equitable earnings distribution than wealthier neighbors.

Housing remains affordable for most

Lincoln's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 15% affordability threshold, giving households breathing room in housing budgets. The median home value of $177,700 aligns well with the $67,726 median income, supporting stable homeownership rates.

Steady growth through local investment

Lincoln's median income of $67,726 and strong housing affordability create a stable platform for wealth accumulation through homeownership and retirement savings. Consider leveraging employer benefits and exploring first-time homebuyer programs to lock in the county's favorable housing market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Safety Outperforms National Trends

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 1,869.6 per 100,000 residents, staying well below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.0 out of 100. Three reporting agencies track these incidents to help monitor public safety.

Lincoln vs the Wisconsin Safety Average

Lincoln County's safety score of 97.0 is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 98.3. While it is safer than the national landscape, it faces more challenges than its neighboring Wisconsin counties. Data highlights areas where local law enforcement and the community are actively working to improve.

Local Crime Rates Exceed State Average

The total crime rate in Lincoln County is 1,869.6 per 100,000, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1. This difference suggests that Lincoln experiences more frequent incidents than many of its rural peers. Vigilance remains important for residents in both urban and rural areas of the county.

Addressing Higher Violent Crime Figures

Lincoln County's violent crime rate of 524.6 per 100,000 is notably higher than the national average of 369.8 and the state average of 169.7. Property crime, at 1,345.0 per 100,000, remains the most common type of incident recorded. These figures indicate a need for community focus on safety programs.

Protecting Your Household and Family

Given the higher rates of violent and property crime, home security systems and visible cameras are recommended. Engaging with local law enforcement through community policing programs can also help reduce incident rates. Your proactive steps are vital to shifting the county's safety trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County health trails national average

Lincoln County residents have a life expectancy of 75.9 years, about 3 years below the US national average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.8% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national average of 18%, but the lower life expectancy suggests underlying mortality risk factors beyond self-reported health status.

Among Wisconsin's lowest life expectancy

At 75.9 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy ranks in the lower quarter of Wisconsin counties, falling 1.9 years short of the state's 77.8-year average. This gap signals a need for focused public health efforts on disease prevention and early intervention.

Struggling against stronger regional peers

Lincoln County residents live notably shorter lives than Marathon County residents (78.4 years), a gap of 2.5 years, and have fewer primary care providers at 49 per 100K compared to Marathon's 94 per 100K. The county's mental health provider supply at 70 per 100K is the lowest among its neighboring counties.

Well-insured but limited provider access

Lincoln County's 6.5% uninsured rate sits slightly below Wisconsin's state average, meaning most residents have coverage. However, with just 49 primary care providers per 100K and 70 mental health providers per 100K, residents may struggle to find timely appointments.

Strengthen your health coverage today

If you're uninsured, healthcare.gov and Wisconsin BadgerCare offer coverage options that may reduce barriers to care. Even if insured, explore telehealth options to supplement limited local provider access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in Lincoln County

Lincoln County operates 12 public schools serving a robust student body of 4,187. The system is managed by just two school districts, featuring three elementary, two middle, and five high schools. Two specialized 'other' schools also provide unique learning pathways for local students.

Quality Education at a Lower Cost

Lincoln County maintains a graduation rate of 91.3%, aligning with state averages and beating the national rate. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,432, which is lower than both state and national averages. Despite leaner funding, the county's school score remains competitive at 55.1.

Merrill and Tomahawk District Leaders

The Merrill Area School District is the largest provider, educating 2,907 students across seven campuses. Tomahawk School District follows with 1,204 students in three schools. Notably, Bridges Virtual Academy operates as a major charter school within the county, accounting for 16.7% of all schools.

Town-Centered Schooling and Virtual Options

Nine of the county's schools are located in town settings, providing a more centralized feel for most students. Merrill High is the largest traditional campus with 803 students, while Bridges Virtual Academy serves 731 students remotely. This mix offers families a choice between large-school athletics and flexible digital learning.

Discover a Community That Values Choice

Lincoln County is perfect for families seeking either traditional town-based schools or innovative virtual options. With graduation rates well above the national average, the area provides a solid foundation for student success. Look for your next home in Merrill or Tomahawk to join this active educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County faces relatively low risk

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 52.64 sits below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, earning a "Relatively Low" rating for national disaster exposure. The score reflects moderate hazard exposure without extreme concentrations.

Below-average risk across Wisconsin

At 52.64, Lincoln County scores meaningfully lower than the state average of 59.08, ranking it in the safer half of Wisconsin's 72 counties. This reflects the county's relatively modest exposure to most major hazard types.

Safer than nearby Marathon County

Lincoln County's 52.64 score compares favorably to Marathon County (87.15), its largest neighbor, though it ranks slightly higher than Langlade County (49.55). The county occupies a moderate position within its regional hazard landscape.

Flooding is Lincoln's primary threat

Flood risk dominates Lincoln County's profile at 56.20—the single largest hazard exposure in the county. Tornado risk (44.02) and wildfire risk (29.61) follow as secondary concerns, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Flood insurance should be priority one

Lincoln County residents face notable flood risk and should evaluate whether flood insurance makes sense for their property location and home value. Complementing this with standard homeowners coverage for wind and hail creates a well-rounded protection strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Interior Climate

Lincoln County averages just 41.4°F annually, a figure far lower than the national median for the United States. This climate reflects a northern landscape where winter weather dominates the annual cycle.

Ranking Below Wisconsin Average Temperatures

Lincoln is one of Wisconsin's cooler territories, sitting nearly three degrees below the state average of 44.4°F. Its 32.6 inches of annual precipitation is roughly two inches less than the statewide average.

Similar to Langlade but Drier

Lincoln mirrors Langlade County's 41.4°F average but remains cooler than central Marathon County’s 43.6°F. It belongs to a northern belt defined by high snowfall and low January temperatures.

Deep Freezes and Pleasant Summers

The county sees 57.9 inches of annual snow and a January average of 12.0°F. Summer brings relief with a 65.7°F average, though temperatures only hit 90°F about 3 days each year.

Focus on Winter Home Protection

Insulated plumbing and high-performance heating are critical for the 15.3°F winter average. Outdoor enthusiasts should stock up on heavy winter gear to handle nearly 58 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Northern Acidic Soils

Lincoln County soils measure a pH of 5.28, trailing the 5.63 state average and the 6.5 national median. While taxonomic order data is currently limited, the acidity is characteristic of the regional forest floor.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil mix is nearly even between sand at 43.8% and silt at 40.6%. With only 7.7% clay, the soil is light and easy to work but requires careful management to prevent nutrients from leaching away.

Average Fertility and Hydration

Organic matter levels reach 11.11%, aligning perfectly with the Wisconsin state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.195 in/in falls slightly below the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in.

Light Soils Avoid Waterlogging

Specific hydrologic group data is not specified for this county. The balanced sand and silt content generally suggests a soil that avoids heavy waterlogging, making it suitable for both forestry and agriculture.

Hardy Plants for Zone 4b

In Hardiness Zone 4b, gardeners should focus on acid-loving plants like blueberries or conifers. The soil score of 62.9 reflects a respectable foundation for a productive Northwoods garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Demanding Maintenance in Lincoln County

With a lawn difficulty score of 53.4, Lincoln County presents more challenges than the typical Wisconsin yard. Residents in Hardiness Zone 4b must manage a cooler climate that limits the variety of grass species that can thrive year-round.

A Cool Climate for Grass

The county averages 32.6 inches of precipitation and only 3 days of extreme heat annually, keeping the ground relatively cool. A total of 1,966 growing degree days means your mowing schedule will be less frequent than in the southern parts of the state.

Sandy Foundations Require Amendments

Lincoln's soil is 43.8% sand with a low pH of 5.28, which can lead to rapid leaching of water and nutrients. To improve the lawn, focus on adding organic compost to increase the soil's ability to hold onto moisture and fertilizer.

Adapting to Local Dry Conditions

Despite 22 weeks of drought in the past year, the area is currently seeing no severe drought, though abnormal dryness persists. Implementing a mulch-mowing strategy can help recycle nutrients and moisture back into your soil during these dry spells.

Seeding for the North Woods

The window for seeding is tight, starting after the May 11th frost and ending before the first frost on October 4th. Focus on Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescues to maximize growth during the abbreviated northern growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 45.6 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Lincoln County ranks #57 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 Lincoln County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $2,530, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 16.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Wisconsin is $67,726 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 60.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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