countyscore
49.9
County Score
Cost of Living 66.6Soil Quality 64.1Health 63.9

County Report Card

About Marinette County, Wisconsin

Marinette Matches National Norms

Marinette County earns a 49.9, nearly perfectly matching the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living consistent with the heart of America.

Consistent With State Performance

The 49.9 score is just below the Wisconsin average of 50.3. The county remains attractive due to its relatively low tax burden compared to other counties.

Affordable Homes and Low Taxes

A 66.6 cost score highlights affordable living, with home values averaging $154,600. The 1.261% effective tax rate is among the lowest in the group.

Environmental and Water Risks

The county faces significant environmental risk with a score of 20.0. Water quality is also a concern, ranking at 33.3.

Perfect for Retirees and Value-Seekers

Marinette is ideal for those looking to stretch their dollar further through low housing costs and taxes. It suits residents who enjoy a quiet, affordable lifestyle.

2040608010022.766.650.863.951.349.22033.350.1Tax22.7Cost66.6Safety50.8Health63.9Schools51.3Income49.2Risk20Water33.3Weather50.149.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Marinette County DNA

Foverall

How Marinette County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marinette County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (66.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (22.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22.7-29.3
Cost
66.6+18.599999999999994
Safety
50.8
Health
63.9+13.899999999999999
Schools
51.3
Income
49.2
Risk
20-27
Water
33.3-24.700000000000003
Weather
50.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$749/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,401/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.5

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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Counties with similar scores

Cherokee County
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Median income: $50,769
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Median income: $96,667
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Screven County
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Williamson County
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Frederick County
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Median income: $120,458
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Randolph County
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Median income: $55,310
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Washington County
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Median income: $61,355
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Jack County
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Median income: $65,693
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Nearby counties

Menominee County
Michigan
56
Oconto County
Wisconsin
56.1
Dickinson County
Michigan
58.2
Door County
Wisconsin
61.5
Florence County
Wisconsin
56.6
Menominee County
Wisconsin
57.5
Forest County
Wisconsin
53.5
Shawano County
Wisconsin
53.2

Deep Dives

Marinette County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marinette County

via TaxByCounty

Marinette offers rare tax savings

Marinette County's effective tax rate of 1.261% falls below the national median of 1.209%, making it genuinely affordable for property owners relative to the country. At $1,950 in median annual property tax, Marinette is 28% cheaper than the national median of $2,690, with homes valued well below the national average at $154,600.

Wisconsin's most affordable tax county

Marinette ranks at the very bottom of Wisconsin's 72 counties by effective tax rate at 1.261%, substantially below the state average of 1.436%. The median property tax of $1,950 is 37% lower than Wisconsin's state median of $3,081, making Marinette the tax bargain in the state.

The regional tax champion

Marinette's 1.261% rate is the lowest in the eight-county region, beating the second-place Langlade County (1.335%) by nearly 0.07 percentage points. This translates to meaningful savings compared to neighbors Manitowoc (1.538%), Marathon (1.512%), and Menominee (3.636%).

Budget just $1,950 in annual taxes

On a median home value of $154,600, Marinette County homeowners pay approximately $1,950 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,070.

Lock in your low assessment

Even at Marinette's favorable tax rates, periodic assessment reviews ensure accuracy and can uncover any overvaluations. Homeowners should monitor their property value estimates and appeal if assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marinette County

via CostByCounty

Marinette keeps rents in check at 14.2%

Marinette County renters spend 14.2% of their $63,401 median household income on $749 monthly rent, edging slightly above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9% despite notably lower household incomes. This county delivers rental affordability for those with modest earning power.

Above-average affordability in Wisconsin

With a 14.2% rent-to-income ratio, Marinette ranks among Wisconsin's better-performing counties despite below-average household incomes, reflecting genuinely low rents relative to local earning capacity. The county's affordability advantage comes from supply, not demand-driven pricing.

Competitive rents, lower-income context

Marinette's $749 rent sits between cheaper Langlade ($737) and pricier Manitowoc ($777), yet its 14.2% ratio beats Lincoln (13.6%) and Manitowoc (13.6%) because household incomes here run $5-10K lower. Marinette achieves affordability through modest rents, not wage strength.

Homeownership more affordable than renting

Renters spend $749 monthly (14.2%), while homeowners pay just $776 monthly—a remarkably similar 12.2% of income—for median homes valued at $154,600. Marinette's unusually tight rent-to-own gap makes homeownership an attractive alternative for renters.

Marinette rewards first-time homebuyers

If you're considering relocation, Marinette offers one of Wisconsin's easiest paths to ownership: $154K median home values, $776 monthly payments, and only 12.2% of income dedicated to housing. Renters struggling elsewhere should seriously evaluate Marinette's homeownership potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marinette County

via IncomeByCounty

Marinette significantly below U.S. median

Marinette County's median household income of $63,401 lags the national median of $74,755 by 15.1%, placing it solidly in the lower tier nationally. The county's per-capita income of $36,123 is also below state average, indicating limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Lower-earning county by state standards

At $63,401, Marinette ranks below Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $8,314, placing it in the lower third of Wisconsin counties. The county's economy relies heavily on declining paper and timber industries, constraining income growth and workforce opportunities.

Struggling relative to surrounding areas

Marinette's $63,401 median ranks among the lowest in the region, trailing Marathon ($76,185) by $12,784 and Lincoln ($67,726) by $4,325. The significant income gap reflects limited industrial diversification and fewer major employers compared to neighboring counties.

Housing costs strain some households

Marinette's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio sits below the 15% threshold but suggests some household budget pressure, especially for lower earners. The median home value of $154,600 is the second-lowest in the region, though it still represents a substantial obligation at the median income level.

Strategic planning for limited incomes

With median income of $63,401, Marinette households should prioritize building emergency funds and leveraging any available employer benefits. Explore low-cost investment options through workplace retirement plans and consider side income opportunities to accelerate wealth building in a lower-income county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marinette County

via CrimeByCounty

Marinette County Shows Strong Safety Numbers

Marinette County's total crime rate of 1,107.0 per 100,000 residents is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a reliable safety score of 98.3 based on 2022 data. Six reporting agencies contribute to these comprehensive safety statistics.

Aligning with the Wisconsin State Average

With a safety score of 98.3, Marinette County perfectly mirrors the average safety level for the state of Wisconsin. This demonstrates a consistent and reliable safety environment for the local population. It is a benchmark for security in the northern part of the state.

Close to Regional and State Benchmarks

Marinette's total crime rate of 1,107.0 per 100,000 is nearly identical to the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1. While it sits right in the middle of state trends, it remains far safer than most urban centers nationwide. Local residents benefit from a stable public safety environment.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

The violent crime rate in Marinette is 210.4 per 100,000, while property crime is 896.6. Both figures remain well below national averages, with property crime being the more common local issue. Residents are statistically more likely to deal with theft than violent encounters.

Keeping Your Home Secure in Marinette

Focusing on property security is the best way to help lower local crime figures even further. Secure your vehicles and outbuildings to discourage opportunistic property crimes. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity are key to Marinette's ongoing safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marinette County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access Across the North

Marinette County supports 5,665 students across 22 public schools. The system is distributed through eight districts and includes nine elementary, five middle, and eight high schools. This infrastructure ensures that even remote communities have access to local public education.

Consistent Performance and Efficient Costs

The county maintains a 91.1% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the national benchmark of 87.0%. School spending is lean at $7,188 per pupil, significantly below the national average of $13,000. While the school score is 54.5, it remains competitive with state standards.

Focus on Traditional School Districts

The Marinette School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,919 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Crivitz and Coleman, which serve 791 and 738 students respectively. No charter schools are currently active, focusing resources on traditional public school settings.

Rural Schools with Town Centers

Schooling here is largely rural, with 14 campuses in the countryside and eight located in town settings. Marinette High is the largest school with 635 students, but most schools average around 258 students. This creates a learning environment that feels manageable and personally connected.

A Stable Environment for Your Family

Marinette County offers reliable public schools with graduation rates that beat the national average. It is an ideal area for those looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality. Explore available homes near the leading Marinette or Peshtigo districts today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marinette County

via RiskByCounty

Marinette County faces above-average risk

Marinette County's composite risk score of 80.03 exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 while maintaining a "Relatively Low" national rating. The elevation reflects significant flood vulnerability and elevated wildfire exposure compared to most Wisconsin counties.

Among Wisconsin's higher-risk counties

At 80.03, Marinette County ranks well above the state average of 59.08, placing it in the upper tier of Wisconsin's hazard-exposed counties. Only Marathon and a few others face comparably elevated composite risk statewide.

Elevated risk in northeastern Wisconsin

Marinette County's 80.03 score outranks most neighboring counties in the northeast, though Marathon County (87.15) edges higher. Its dual exposure to flooding and wildfire is particularly acute compared to inland peers like Langlade County (49.55).

Flooding and wildfires lead threats

Flood risk of 72.71 dominates Marinette County's hazard profile, reflecting vulnerability to both riverine and regional precipitation events. Wildfire risk of 46.72 ranks second—the highest wildfire exposure in this county group—while tornado risk of 49.05 presents a third significant concern.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage

Marinette County residents should secure flood insurance and verify homeowners policies include wildfire/brush coverage appropriate to their property's wildland proximity. The county's exceptional flood exposure makes flood insurance particularly critical for protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marinette County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Quality Graded F

Marinette County faces a grade of F with 10 health violations recorded in the EPA database. The violation rate of 52.5 per 100K residents is better than the state average of 76.3, yet still significant.

Healthy Watersheds with Minimal Impairment

Only 1.9% of the 926 assessed water bodies are impaired, well below the Wisconsin average of 7.6%. Mercury and PCBs are the primary pollutants identified in the 2022 reporting cycle.

Dense Monitoring Coverage and Data

Authorities manage 94 monitoring sites, collecting 61,518 measurements over the last five years. Data collection prioritizes physical properties, nutrients, and organic substances.

Menominee River Flow Above Average

The Menominee River near McAllister currently flows at 3,570 cfs, reaching 106% of its long-term mean. This river serves a drainage area of 3,930 square miles.

Monitor Drinking Water Compliance

The failing compliance grade suggests residents should stay informed about specific health violations and use water filters where necessary. Watershed health is strong, but mercury and PCBs require caution for local fish consumption.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marinette County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Latitude with Bay Influence

Marinette County maintains an annual average of 42.8°F, placing it well into the cooler tier of U.S. counties. The climate is influenced by its northeastern position and proximity to Green Bay.

Cooler than the Southern Counties

At 42.8°F, the county is nearly two degrees cooler than the Wisconsin average of 44.4°F. Precipitation levels are steady at 32.9 inches, slightly below the 34.5-inch state mark.

The Middle Ground of the Northeast

Marinette is warmer than inland Langlade County but cooler than lakeside Manitowoc County. It serves as a middle ground for temperature and snowfall in the northeast region.

Snowy Winters and Moderate Heat

The county receives 50.3 inches of snow annually and sees January temperatures average 15.7°F. Summers are mild with a 65.6°F average and only 4 days reaching the 90°F mark.

Prioritizing Winter Ready Homes

Winter readiness is a priority with a 18.6°F winter average and over 50 inches of snow. High-efficiency heating is more important than cooling, as summer temperatures remain moderate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marinette County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Near the Bay

Entisols dominate here, featuring a very acidic pH of 4.99 compared to the 6.5 national median. Loam is the primary texture, providing a balanced physical structure despite the high chemical acidity.

Sandy Loam for Fast Drainage

Sand makes up 48.7% of the soil, while silt and clay account for 25.8% and 7.4% respectively. This high sand content ensures fast drainage but may require frequent watering during dry spells to keep plants hydrated.

Vast Organic Matter Resources

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 20.36%, nearly doubling the Wisconsin state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in sits perfectly on par with the state average of 0.204 in/in.

Steady Infiltration for Agriculture

Classified in Hydrologic Group B, these soils offer moderate infiltration rates and good drainage. This makes the land suitable for agriculture, provided the high acidity is managed with appropriate soil amendments.

Organic-Rich Gardening in Zone 4b

Zone 4b gardeners can leverage the massive organic matter reserves to grow vibrant vegetables. The 64.1 soil score suggests that with proper pH adjustments, this land is ready for a beautiful garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marinette County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Care in Marinette

Marinette County faces a challenging lawn difficulty score of 51.0, one of the lowest in the state. Hardiness Zone 4b winters and specific soil conditions mean homeowners must be more strategic than their southern neighbors.

Shorter Mowing Seasons Up North

The county sees 32.9 inches of annual precipitation and only 1,968 growing degree days, leading to a shorter active growing window. With only 4 days of extreme heat, the primary challenge is the cold rather than summer burnout.

Highly Acidic and Sandy Soil

A soil pH of 4.99 is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, making lime a necessary addition for most lawns. The soil is nearly 50% sand, which means water drains very quickly and nutrients can be difficult to retain.

Watering for Sandy Conditions

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry and has experienced 21 weeks of drought over the last year. Because of the high sand content, lawns here will show signs of drought stress faster than in counties with more clay.

Navigating a Late Spring Start

The growing season starts late with a last frost on May 24th, leaving a narrow window before the October 5th first frost. Loam textures help slightly, but you should prioritize early summer seeding to allow for full root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marinette County's county score?
Marinette County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 49.9 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 Marinette County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Marinette County ranks #42 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 Marinette County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Marinette County is $1,950, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Marinette County a tax score of 22.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marinette County?
The median household income in Marinette County, Wisconsin is $63,401 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marinette County earns an income score of 49.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marinette County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Marinette County scores 49.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Marinette 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 Marinette County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.