CountyScore

Marquette County

Wisconsin · WI

#31 in Wisconsin
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Marquette County, Wisconsin

Marquette meets national livability threshold

Marquette County's composite score of 66.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it solidly in the upper third of U.S. counties. This central Wisconsin county offers reliable livability grounded in affordable housing and moderate taxes.

Tied with Wisconsin state average

Marquette's 66.4 score matches Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, positioning it at the middle-upper range of the state's 72 counties. It represents dependable, mainstream livability.

Tax advantage and housing affordability

Marquette excels with a tax score of 64.4 (1.347% effective rate) and a cost score of 79.0—median home value at $201,100 and rent at $800/month. These twin strengths create financial predictability for budget-conscious residents.

Low incomes and moderate health variation

The income score of 24.8 reflects median household income of $63,471, limiting wealth accumulation and career growth. Health score of 70.3 is the lowest in this group, suggesting gaps in medical resources or population wellness.

Suited for modest-income, tax-conscious families

Marquette County appeals to families earning $60K–$70K annually who prioritize tax efficiency and housing affordability over career advancement. If you want a quiet, affordable rural life with reasonable taxes and don't need top-tier medical facilities, Marquette fits well.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.4Cost79SafetyComing SoonHealth70.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.8Risk52.4WaterComing Soon
🏛64.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡52.4
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 Marquette County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Columbia County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $55,070
Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Jackson County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $85,012
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407

Deep Dives

Marquette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marquette County

via TaxByCounty

Marquette taxes below national median

Marquette County's effective tax rate of 1.347% runs about 11% above the national median of 1.209%, placing it squarely in the middle nationally. The median property tax of $2,709 sits near the national median of $2,690, achieved on homes valued about 29% below the national average at $201,100.

Lower taxes than Wisconsin average

Marquette ranks in the lower-middle tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties at an effective tax rate of 1.347%, below the state average of 1.436%. At $2,709 in median annual property tax, Marquette falls meaningfully short of Wisconsin's state median of $3,081.

Balanced tax rates in the region

Marquette's 1.347% rate sits between Langlade County (1.335%) and Marinette (1.261%), representing one of the more affordable tax environments in the region. It runs lower than Manitowoc (1.538%), Marathon (1.512%), and Lincoln (1.424%).

Expect about $2,709 in annual taxes

On a median home value of $201,100, Marquette County homeowners pay approximately $2,709 in annual property taxes. The amount remains relatively stable whether assessed with or without mortgage considerations.

Review your assessment periodically

Marquette County homeowners should verify their property assessments align with current market conditions, as even favorable tax rates benefit from accuracy checks. Wisconsin law allows appeals through your town board of review if you believe your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marquette County

via CostByCounty

Marquette renters strain at 15.1%

Marquette County renters spend 15.1% of their $63,471 median household income on $800 monthly rent, exceeding Wisconsin's state average of 14.9% and pushing above the national affordability comfort zone. Lower household incomes make the percentage burden particularly steep here.

Below-average affordability in Wisconsin

Marquette's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio places it in Wisconsin's lower half of county affordability rankings, held back by household incomes well below the state and national medians. For renters, this is one of Wisconsin's tighter housing markets.

Higher rent, lower income than peers

At $800/month, Marquette's rent undercuts only Marinette ($749), yet its rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% ranks among the region's worst because household incomes lag peers by $5-10K. Marquette residents face a genuine affordability challenge compared to neighboring counties.

Owners carry heavier burden too

Renters spend $800 monthly (15.1%), while homeowners pay $989 monthly—about 18.8% of the $63,471 median income—for median homes valued at $201,100, the county's second-highest. Both renters and owners stretch significantly in Marquette.

Marquette: consider alternatives first

At 15.1% of income, Marquette's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Wisconsin's worst, and homeownership costs at 18.8% run even tighter. Relocators should compare Marquette against more affordable peers like Marinette, Langlade, or Menominee before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marquette County

via IncomeByCounty

Marquette trails national income significantly

Marquette County's median household income of $63,471 falls 15.1% below the national median of $74,755, indicating a substantial income gap relative to U.S. averages. The county's per-capita income of $35,090 is notably below the state average, reflecting limited wage diversity.

Lower-earning Wisconsin county

At $63,471, Marquette ranks below Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $8,244, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. The county's smaller workforce and rural character limit employment opportunities in higher-wage sectors.

Lowest-earning in north-central region

Marquette's $63,471 median ranks among the region's lowest earners, substantially behind Marathon ($76,185) and Lincoln ($67,726) but comparable to Marinette ($63,401). Despite a median home value of $201,100—the highest regionally—this represents a challenging affordability situation relative to earnings.

Home values exceed income capacity

Marquette's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges above the 15% affordability threshold, and the median home value of $201,100 is disproportionately high for a county earning $63,471 median income. This mismatch suggests potential affordability challenges and indicates homes may be inherited or financed through extended family resources.

Careful financial planning is essential

Marquette's median income of $63,471 requires disciplined financial management given the county's high housing costs relative to earnings. Prioritize stable employment, maximize employer retirement benefits, and consider first-time homebuyer assistance programs designed for lower-income counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Marquette County

via HealthByCounty

Marquette faces serious health challenges

Marquette County's 74.9-year life expectancy trails the US national average of 78.9 years by 4 full years, indicating substantial health disadvantages. The county's 19.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 18%, placing residents at significantly higher risk for chronic illness and premature mortality.

Among Wisconsin's lowest health indicators

At 74.9 years, Marquette County has Wisconsin's lowest life expectancy among peer counties, falling 2.9 years below the state average of 77.8 years. The county's 19.4% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the region, calling for urgent public health intervention.

Regional health crisis underway

Marquette residents live substantially shorter lives than all neighboring counties: Marathon (78.4 years), Lincoln (75.9 years), Marinette (76.0 years), and even Langlade (76.7 years). The county's provider shortage is acute: only 19 primary care providers per 100K (the lowest in the region) and 82 mental health providers per 100K.

Insured but facing provider shortage crisis

Marquette County's 6.8% uninsured rate matches the state average, yet coverage means little when access is severely limited. With only 19 primary care providers per 100K population, residents face significant barriers to regular medical care, contributing to the county's poor health trajectory.

Secure coverage and seek resources

Marquette residents should ensure continuous coverage through BadgerCare, the Marketplace, or employer plans, then advocate for provider recruitment. Explore telehealth and neighboring county services to supplement local healthcare capacity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marquette County

via RiskByCounty

Marquette County faces moderate risk

Marquette County's composite risk score of 47.58 sits below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, earning a "Relatively Low" national rating. The county maintains balanced exposure across hazard types without severe concentrations.

Below-average risk in Wisconsin

At 47.58, Marquette County ranks notably below the state average of 59.08, positioning it among Wisconsin's safer counties. This reflects the county's relatively moderate exposure to all major disaster hazards.

Safer than surrounding high-risk areas

Marquette County's 47.58 score compares favorably to nearby Marathon County (87.15) and outperforms most central Wisconsin peers. The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure than surrounding regions.

Tornadoes present the primary threat

Tornado risk reaches 52.93 in Marquette County, making it the leading hazard concern, followed by flood risk at 43.54 and wildfire risk at 36.74. Earthquake and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Standard coverage with wind protection

Marquette County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes wind and hail coverage to address tornado exposure, and consider flood insurance if in a mapped risk zone. The county's relatively moderate overall risk profile makes standard policies with these provisions effective.

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.