countyscore
49.5
County Score
Health 81.7Income & Jobs 78.8Schools 72.7

County Report Card

About Marathon County, Wisconsin

Marathon Nears National Median

Marathon County scores 49.5, sitting just a fraction below the national median of 50.0. It offers top-tier scores in several critical categories despite its overall rank.

Competitive Within Wisconsin

The county is just below the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It functions as a major regional powerhouse with significant educational and health advantages.

Wealth, Health, and Education

Marathon excels with a 78.8 income score and an 81.7 health score. Schools also rank highly at 72.7, supported by a strong median income of $76,185.

Risk Factors and Living Costs

Environmental risks result in a low 12.9 score. Housing costs are also higher than neighbors, leading to a cost score of 31.8 and $950 median rents.

Best for Growing Families

This county is the premier choice for families who prioritize high-performing schools and high salaries. The trade-off is a higher cost of living and specific environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax12.4Cost31.8Safety53.3Health81.7Schools72.7Income78.8Risk12.9Water50.7Weather50.2
🏛12.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡53.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.4
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

Lincoln County
Wisconsin
45.6
Portage County
Wisconsin
52
Taylor County
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51.7
Wood County
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Clark County
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Langlade County
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Menominee County
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Oneida County
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Deep Dives

Marathon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marathon County

via TaxByCounty

Marathon's taxes above national norm

Marathon County's effective tax rate of 1.512% runs about 25% above the national median of 1.209%, placing it in the upper third nationally. At $3,108 in median annual property tax, Marathon homeowners pay significantly more than the national median of $2,690, though Marathon homes are still valued 27% below the national average at $205,500.

Highest taxes in the eight-county region

Marathon ranks in the top third of Wisconsin's 72 counties by effective tax rate at 1.512%, above the state average of 1.436%. At $3,108 in median annual tax, Marathon slightly exceeds Wisconsin's state median of $3,081, making it one of the costlier counties statewide.

Regional tax leader after Menominee

Marathon's 1.512% rate is the second-highest in the eight-county region, exceeded only by Menominee County's exceptional 3.636%. Marathon runs meaningfully higher than neighboring Lincoln (1.424%), Langlade (1.335%), and Manitowoc (1.538%).

Marathon homeowners pay $3,108 yearly

On a median home value of $205,500, Marathon County homeowners pay approximately $3,108 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that rises to $3,201.

Your assessment might be high

Marathon County's higher tax burden makes it critical to verify your property's assessment reflects true market value. Wisconsin homeowners can file assessment appeals with their town board of review, and many succeed in lowering their valuations and tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marathon County

via CostByCounty

Marathon rents match state average

Marathon County renters spend 15.0% of their $76,185 median household income on $950 monthly rent, matching Wisconsin's state average exactly and slightly above the national affordability comfort zone. With above-average incomes, Marathon's renters can sustain this level, though it's tighter than ideal.

Middle-of-the-pack within Wisconsin

Marathon's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits precisely at the state average, placing it squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's county-by-county affordability rankings. The county's strong median income of $76,185 (above the national median) helps offset slightly elevated housing costs.

Priciest rent in the regional cluster

Marathon's $950 median rent significantly outpaces rural neighbors: Langlade ($737), Lincoln ($768), Manitowoc ($777), and even Marinette ($749). This premium reflects Marathon's stronger economic core and larger urban center (Wausau), driving both higher rents and—crucially—higher incomes.

Owners pay premium too, but incomes help

Renters allocate $950 monthly (15.0%), while homeowners spend $1,027 monthly—about 16.2% of the $76,185 median income—for homes valued at $205,500, the county's highest. Marathon's stronger wages make these costs bearable despite the premium price tags.

Pay more, earn more in Marathon

Marathon County is Wisconsin's pricier option, with $950 rent and $205K home values, but it offsets costs with the state's stronger median income of $76,185. Compare Marathon's higher costs against rural neighbors if you're prioritizing affordability; choose Marathon if you value urban amenities and earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marathon County

via IncomeByCounty

Marathon exceeds national income benchmark

Marathon County's median household income of $76,185 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 1.9%, positioning it among the stronger-earning counties in Wisconsin. The county's per-capita income of $39,970 is one of the highest in the region, reflecting robust employment diversity.

Wisconsin's top-earning regional county

At $76,185, Marathon ranks as one of Wisconsin's highest-earning counties, substantially above the state median of $71,715 by $4,470. The county's paper mills, healthcare systems, and diversified manufacturing support higher wages than most Wisconsin peers.

Clear income leader in the region

Marathon's $76,185 median significantly outpaces all neighboring counties—Lafayette ($72,091), Lincoln ($67,726), and Marinette ($63,401)—by $4,000 to $13,000. The gap reflects Marathon's larger economic base and presence of major employers like Wausau Paper and Aspirus Health System.

Higher incomes offset rising housing costs

Marathon's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just at the affordability threshold, reflecting the county's higher incomes supporting higher home values. The median home value of $205,500 is the highest in the region but remains manageable given Marathon's superior earnings.

Maximize wealth in Wisconsin's top county

Marathon's $76,185 median income positions households above national average, creating strong capacity for aggressive retirement and investment strategies. Work with a financial planner to optimize tax efficiency, consider diversified investment portfolios, and explore advanced wealth-building strategies like real estate or business ownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marathon County

via CrimeByCounty

Marathon County Outperforms National Averages

Marathon County reports 1,058.6 total crimes per 100,000 people, which is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data, reported by 10 different agencies, results in a strong safety score of 98.3. It remains one of the more secure mid-sized counties in the country.

Matching the Wisconsin Safety Standard

Marathon County’s safety score of 98.3 is a perfect match for the Wisconsin state average. Despite its higher population density and numerous reporting agencies, it maintains a level of security consistent with the state's goals. This balance indicates effective law enforcement across its many municipalities.

Consistent Performance Across the Region

Marathon’s total crime rate of 1,058.6 per 100,000 is slightly lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1. This suggests the county is doing a better job at managing crime than many of its peers. Ten agencies work in coordination to provide this comprehensive safety coverage.

Low Rates of Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime stands at 199.5 per 100,000, which is significantly safer than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also relatively low at 859.1 per 100,000 residents. Most recorded incidents involve property theft rather than physical harm.

Community Vigilance Keeps Marathon Safe

With multiple reporting agencies, residents are encouraged to stay active in local crime prevention programs. Simple steps like improving home lighting and locking garage doors can help keep property crime rates low. Your participation is essential to maintaining the county's safety balance.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marathon County

via HealthByCounty

Marathon leads Wisconsin in longevity

Marathon County's 78.4-year life expectancy exceeds the US national average of 78.9 years by just shy of the mark, placing residents among America's longer-lived populations. At 14.6% poor/fair health, the county significantly outperforms the national average of 18%, reflecting strong health management practices.

Top-tier Wisconsin health outcomes

Marathon County leads Wisconsin with a 78.4-year life expectancy, topping the state average of 77.8 years and ranking among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among our regional peer group, demonstrating effective chronic disease prevention.

Clear regional health leader

Marathon County residents outlive neighbors in Lincoln (75.9 years), Marinette (76.0 years), Marquette (74.9 years), and even Langlade (76.7 years). The county also boasts the region's strongest provider network: 94 primary care providers and 243 mental health providers per 100K population.

Well-insured with excellent provider access

Marathon County's 6.8% uninsured rate closely matches Wisconsin's state average of 7.0%, meaning nearly all residents have coverage. With 94 primary care providers and 243 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers the most robust healthcare infrastructure in the region.

Maintain your advantage

Marathon County's strong health system works best when residents stay insured and engaged. Verify your coverage is current and take advantage of the county's abundant providers for preventive screenings and wellness visits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marathon County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Premier Education Hub of Central Wisconsin

Marathon County boasts a massive educational infrastructure of 51 schools serving 19,039 students. This expansive network includes 28 elementary, 8 middle, and 11 high schools spread across eight districts. It is one of the most comprehensive school systems in the state of Wisconsin.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Marathon County achieves a stellar 94.6% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 57.9 is also higher than the Wisconsin state average. Despite this high performance, per-pupil spending remains efficient at $7,894 per year.

Powerhouse Districts and School Choice

The Wausau School District is the largest, educating 7,899 students, followed closely by D C Everest Area with 6,000 students. Six charter schools operate in the county, providing diverse options for over 11% of the school population. These districts offer everything from alternative learning to elite athletics.

From Urban Centers to Rural Outposts

The county features an incredibly diverse mix of settings, with 21 schools in city locales and 25 in rural areas. Wausau West High is the largest campus with ,1446 students, while many rural schools remain much smaller. This allows families to choose between a bustling city high school or a quiet rural elementary.

Find Your Place in a Top District

With some of the highest graduation rates and most diverse school settings in the state, Marathon County is a top choice for families. Whether you want a suburban feel in D C Everest or a quiet rural home, quality education is always nearby. Start your home search here to join a community that prioritizes academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marathon County

via RiskByCounty

Marathon County faces moderate disaster risk

Marathon County's composite risk score of 87.15 substantially exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 and carries a "Relatively Moderate" rating—the highest classification in this dataset. The county faces notably elevated exposure to flooding, tornadoes, and wildfire combined.

Among Wisconsin's highest-risk counties

At 87.15, Marathon County ranks as one of Wisconsin's riskiest counties, significantly surpassing the state average of 59.08. Only a handful of Wisconsin counties face comparably elevated composite disaster exposure.

Substantially riskier than surrounding areas

Marathon County's 87.15 score far exceeds neighboring Lincoln County (52.64) and Portage County, positioning it as the most hazard-exposed region in central Wisconsin. The elevation reflects the county's particularly acute flood and tornado vulnerabilities.

Flooding and tornadoes compound risk

Flood risk reaches 87.66 in Marathon County—among the highest in the state—while tornado risk of 83.78 creates exceptional dual exposure. Wildfire risk of 40.08 adds a third significant hazard, making Marathon County uniquely vulnerable to multiple disaster types.

Flood insurance is critical here

Marathon County residents face urgent need for comprehensive flood insurance alongside standard homeowners coverage with strong wind/hail protection. The county's elevated exposure across multiple hazard types warrants professional insurance review to ensure adequate limits and coverage—not optional, essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marathon County

via WeatherByCounty

Core Wisconsin Climate Extremes

Marathon County’s 43.6°F annual average reflects a true Northwoods climate that is significantly cooler than the national median. This central region experiences a wide range of seasonal extremes.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Norm

The county is roughly one degree cooler than the statewide average of 44.4°F. It receives 33.4 inches of precipitation, putting it just under the Wisconsin norm of 34.5 inches.

Warmer Than the Far North

Marathon is warmer than northern neighbors Lincoln and Langlade, which both average 41.4°F. However, it experiences more extreme heat days than its lakeside peers in Manitowoc.

Formidable Winters and Solid Summers

With 56.6 inches of annual snowfall and a 14.8°F January average, winters are formidable. July warms to a 69.5°F average, featuring about 5 days of 90°F heat.

Preparing for All Four Seasons

A dual-season approach is required to handle the 18.0°F winter average and the occasional 90°F summer spikes. Reliable snow tires are essential for navigating the nearly 57 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marathon County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Central Wisconsin

Marathon County soils have a pH of 5.28, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.63 and the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic orders are not mapped here, the acidity is a key factor for local growers.

Dual-Dominant Silt and Sand

Silt at 43.7% and sand at 42.2% create a dual-dominant profile with a small 9.7% clay component. This blend is versatile for various crops but may require lime applications to neutralize the high acidity.

Rich Organic Matter Reserves

Organic matter content is 8.49%, trailing the state average of 11.02% but still very rich compared to the 2.0% national average. Available water capacity is 0.187 in/in, slightly under the state benchmark.

Versatile but Variable Drainage

Formal drainage data is missing, but the balanced sand-silt ratio usually prevents extreme saturation. Landowners should monitor local water tables in this central Wisconsin terrain before major building or planting.

Cool-Season Success in Zone 4b

Hardiness Zone 4b supports short-season crops and cold-hardy varieties. Despite a lower soil score of 57.7, the substantial organic matter provides a solid base for a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marathon County

via LawnByCounty

Mid-Range Difficulty in Central Wisconsin

Marathon County holds a lawn difficulty score of 56.4, making it more challenging than average but manageable for dedicated gardeners. Situated in Hardiness Zone 4b, the county requires cold-tolerant grass species to endure the long winters.

Moderate Rain and Growing Days

The area receives 33.4 inches of precipitation annually, supported by 2,238 growing degree days for steady turf development. While the 5 days of extreme heat are manageable, they are enough to trigger summer dormancy in some cool-season grasses.

Correcting Acidity for Better Growth

A soil pH of 5.28 indicates high acidity, which can limit the effectiveness of lawn fertilizers. With sand making up 42.2% of the soil, you may need to apply nutrients more frequently in smaller doses to prevent them from washing away.

Managing Variable Dryness

About 71.7% of the county is currently abnormally dry following 21 weeks of drought over the past year. Since severe drought is currently at 0.0%, focus on maintaining soil health to prepare for potential summer dry spells.

Seeding Your Central Wisconsin Lawn

Plan your lawn work between the May 6th last frost and the October 4th first frost for the best results. Kentucky Bluegrass blends are highly recommended here to ensure the lawn survives the deep freezes typical of Central Wisconsin.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marathon County's county score?
Marathon County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Marathon County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Marathon County ranks #44 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 Marathon County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Marathon County is $3,108, with an effective tax rate of 1.51%. This earns Marathon County a tax score of 12.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marathon County?
The median household income in Marathon County, Wisconsin is $76,185 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marathon County earns an income score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marathon County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Marathon County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Marathon 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 Marathon 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.