CountyScore

Marathon County

Wisconsin · WI

#57 in Wisconsin
63.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Marathon County, Wisconsin

Marathon surpasses national livability baseline

Marathon County's score of 63.3 is well above the national median of 50.0, qualifying it as a solidly livable U.S. county. This central Wisconsin county, anchored by Wausau, balances urban amenities with rural character.

Slightly below Wisconsin average

Marathon's 63.3 score trails Wisconsin's average of 65.6, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. Despite this, it remains a respectable performer overall.

Higher incomes and excellent health outcomes

Marathon leads this group in median household income at $76,185 (income score 33.1), offering the strongest wage-earning potential. Health outcomes match competitors at 77.4, reflecting solid medical services.

Rising costs and significant environmental risk

Median rent at $950/month and homes at $205,500 make Marathon notably more expensive than rural peers (cost score 75.6). A risk score of 12.9 is the lowest in this group, signaling elevated vulnerability to economic disruption or hazards.

For professionals seeking urban-rural balance

Marathon County suits higher-earning professionals and growing families who want above-average incomes, good health care, and semi-urban amenities without full city living. If you're earning $75K+ and can afford slightly higher housing costs, Marathon's balanced lifestyle pays off.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.7Cost75.6SafetyComing SoonHealth77.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.1Risk12.9WaterComing Soon
🏛59.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.9
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 Marathon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

New Castle County
Delaware
63.3
Median income: $89,901
Okeechobee County
Florida
63.3
Median income: $52,288
Troup County
Georgia
63.3
Median income: $54,905
Sumner County
Kansas
63.3
Median income: $60,348
Otsego County
New York
63.3
Median income: $67,086

Deep Dives

Marathon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.