countyscore
41.9
County Score
Soil Quality 78.1Lawn Care 74.3Health 67.9

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Wisconsin

Below the national median for livability

Monroe County earns a composite score of 41.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While competitive in some areas, it reflects a modest overall ranking on the national stage.

Trailing the Wisconsin state average

The county's score of 41.9 sits below the state average of 50.3, indicating room for growth compared to its Wisconsin neighbors. It maintains a steady but lower-than-average position within the state hierarchy.

Solid health and income levels

Monroe County performs well in health and income, scoring 67.9 and 62.3 respectively. With a median household income of $68,213, the county offers a reliable economic baseline for its residents.

Tax and environmental risk pressures

The county faces challenges in tax burden with a score of 16.6 and environmental risk at 21.2. Improving these areas remains critical for boosting the overall livability profile.

A fit for health-conscious families

Monroe County is ideal for families who value healthcare access and stable income over lower tax rates. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who prefer a rural-adjacent environment with decent schools.

2040608010016.636.338.367.951.362.321.237.350.4Tax16.6Cost36.3Safety38.3Health67.9Schools51.3Income62.3Risk21.2Water37.3Weather50.441.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Monroe County DNA

Foverall

How Monroe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Monroe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (67.9/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (16.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.6-35.4
Cost
36.3-11.700000000000003
Safety
38.3-16.700000000000003
Health
67.9+17.900000000000006
Schools
51.3
Income
62.3+11.299999999999997
Risk
21.2-25.8
Water
37.3-20.700000000000003
Weather
50.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Monroe County?

Many homeowners in Monroe County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$197,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$920/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$197,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,213/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.8

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
Compare Monroe County with Autauga County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
Median income: $69,841
41.9
Madison County
Indiana
Median income: $62,632
41.9
Bourbon County
Kansas
Median income: $67,555
41.9
Daviess County
Kentucky
Median income: $65,323
41.9
Manistee County
Michigan
Median income: $60,879
41.9
Wayne County
Mississippi
Median income: $36,791
41.9
Middlesex County
New Jersey
Median income: $109,028
41.9
Roosevelt County
New Mexico
Median income: $52,445
41.9

Nearby counties

Jackson County
Wisconsin
49.6
La Crosse County
Wisconsin
42.2
Juneau County
Wisconsin
46.2
Vernon County
Wisconsin
51.6
Trempealeau County
Wisconsin
56
Wood County
Wisconsin
53.1
Adams County
Wisconsin
42.8
Houston County
Minnesota
59.8

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe taxes slightly above national median

Monroe County's effective tax rate of 1.420% sits modestly above the national median of 1.036%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,801 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690.

Middle-of-the-road Wisconsin tax rate

Monroe County ranks near the state average with an effective tax rate of 1.420% compared to Wisconsin's 1.436%. Its median tax of $2,801 falls slightly below the state median of $3,081.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Monroe County's 1.420% rate closely mirrors Pepin County (1.466%) and sits above Oconto County (1.250%) and Oneida County (0.943%). Homeowners here pay roughly $150 less annually than those in nearby Pepin County.

What Monroe homeowners actually pay

The median Monroe home valued at $197,200 carries an annual property tax of $2,801. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,918, while those without mortgages pay $2,657.

Check your assessment accuracy

Many Monroe County homeowners are overassessed and can appeal their evaluations to reduce tax bills. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if warranted could save you several hundred dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County offers moderate rent affordability

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% falls comfortably within the sustainable housing-cost range and below both the state average of 14.9% and the broader context of affordability benchmarks. With a median household income of $68,213, slightly below the national median of $74,755, residents here manage housing costs more effectively than many peers.

Middle-ground affordability within Wisconsin

Monroe County ranks in the mid-range for rental affordability across Wisconsin, with a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio that sits between the most and least affordable counties statewide. The $920 median monthly rent is nearly $30 below the state average, offering renters modest savings.

Competitive rates in the region

Monroe County's $920 rent is comparable to nearby Oneida County ($868) and significantly cheaper than Milwaukee County's $1,069. For buyers, Monroe's $197,200 median home value is accessible compared to Pierce County ($308,600) while remaining comparable to similarly sized regional markets.

Balanced housing expenses for stability

Monroe County residents allocate roughly 16% of income to rent and 17% to ownership costs, leaving room for other budget priorities. The $920 median rent totals approximately $11,040 annually, a manageable burden for households earning around $68,000.

Monroe County scores as a solid option

If you're relocating within Wisconsin, Monroe County delivers reasonable housing costs without sacrificing regional access or amenities. The balanced rent-to-income ratio here means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket compared to higher-cost urban alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe moderately behind national median

Monroe County's median household income of $68,213 falls $6,542 short of the national median of $74,755. This represents roughly 91% of the U.S. average, placing Monroe in the lower-middle range nationally.

Below Wisconsin's state average

Monroe County ranks below Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715, though it approaches the state benchmark more closely than some peers. The county's per capita income of $34,501 notably lags the state's $38,794 average.

Mid-range among nearby counties

Monroe's $68,213 median places it between Milwaukee County ($62,118) and Oneida County ($69,621), but well behind high-earning Outagamie ($82,857) and Ozaukee ($96,734). The income spread across Wisconsin's central and eastern regions reflects distinct economic structures and employment bases.

Rent-to-income ratio shows breathing room

Monroe County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the ideal 15% threshold, meaning renters allocate roughly one-sixth of earnings to housing. With median home values at $197,200, both rental and homeownership pathways remain accessible for median-earning households.

Strategic savings unlock long-term gains

Monroe households averaging $68,213 can accelerate wealth-building by automating savings before spending, prioritizing high-yield savings accounts and retirement contributions. Even 10% of annual income directed toward diversified investments compounds meaningfully over decades, creating financial resilience and opportunity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Remains Safer Than National Average

Monroe County maintains a high safety score of 97.8, supported by a total crime rate of 1,413.1 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly 1,000 points lower than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Tracking Near Wisconsin State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,413.1 is slightly above the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1. However, its safety score of 97.8 remains very close to the statewide safety benchmark of 98.3.

How Monroe Compares to Regional Peers

Monroe County's crime rate is higher than nearby Pierce County, which reports 613.9 crimes per 100,000. Seven local reporting agencies work together to manage these moderate regional figures.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 1,131.8 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 281.3, which is well below the national average of 369.8.

Practical Steps for Monroe Residents

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should ensure outdoor areas are well-lit. Simple habits like locking garage doors and tracking deliveries can prevent most common opportunistic thefts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Focused Education in Monroe County

Monroe County supports 23 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 6,989 students. The infrastructure consists of 12 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 6 high schools. This compact system ensures that local families have accessible education options close to home.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed National Standards

Monroe County boasts an 88.9% graduation rate, which outperforms the national average of 87%. Although per-pupil spending of $7,796 is slightly below the state average, the county maintains a solid school score of 54.7. These metrics indicate a high level of efficiency and student success within the local districts.

Sparta Area Leads District Enrollment

The Sparta Area School District is the county's largest, managing 8 schools and 2,841 students. Charter schools are especially prominent here, with 5 schools making up nearly 22% of the county's total public options. The Cashton and Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton districts provide smaller-scale alternatives for local families.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

Education in Monroe County is split between town and rural settings, featuring an intimate average school size of 304 students. Tomah High is the largest facility with 868 students, while schools like Herrman Elementary serve 646 children. This creates a learning environment where students often receive more individual attention.

Settling Near Successful Monroe County Schools

With graduation rates that beat national averages, Monroe County is a smart choice for families prioritizing education. The mix of town and rural districts offers a variety of lifestyles to accompany the local schools. Prospective homebuyers should look toward Sparta and Tomah for established educational communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe sits above average national risk

Monroe County's composite risk score of 78.85 exceeds the national average, though its "Relatively Low" rating reflects Wisconsin's overall risk profile. The county faces meaningful exposure to flooding and tornadoes that warrant attention from property owners.

Mid-range risk within Wisconsin

Monroe County's score of 78.85 ranks it in the upper-middle tier of Wisconsin counties, well above the state average of 59.08. This positioning reflects the county's placement in a region with elevated severe weather activity.

Elevated risk compared to neighbors

Monroe County's score of 78.85 outpaces nearby Oneida County (62.53) but trails Outagamie County (79.68). The variation across this region shows how local geography and weather patterns create distinct risk profiles even among adjacent communities.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate threats

Flood risk scores 78.44 and tornado risk reaches 76.34 in Monroe County, making these the primary natural disaster concerns for residents. Earthquake risk of 17.59 presents a secondary but non-zero concern, unusual for Wisconsin.

Flood and wind coverage recommended

Monroe County residents should obtain standalone flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—critical given the county's 78.44 flood score. Wind and hail coverage should also be verified, given tornado risk of 76.34.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Monroe County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Drinking Water Failures

Monroe County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance after recording 13 health violations in five years. The county's violation rate of 39.2 per 100,000 residents suggests significant system vulnerabilities compared to top-performing counties.

Phosphorus and Mercury Stressors

In the 2022 assessment, 7.8% of 464 water bodies are classified as impaired, aligning closely with the state average. The primary pollutants degrading these waters include phosphorus, mercury, and total suspended solids.

Focused Water Quality Tracking

Local agencies monitor 58 sites, tallying 3,806 records over the most recent five-year period. Monitoring efforts prioritize physical properties and the detection of organics and pesticides in the water supply.

High Flows on the La Crosse River

The USGS gauge at Sparta reports a current discharge of 214 cfs, which is 122% of its long-term mean. These elevated flows can increase the transport of sediment and phosphorus from surrounding agricultural lands.

Testing Recommended for Grade F Supply

Because of the Grade F compliance rating, residents should consider independent water testing or high-quality filtration systems. High river flows also mean increased runoff risk, so stay informed about mercury advisories for local fish consumption.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Continental Climate

Monroe County averages an annual temperature of 45.4°F, which is nearly 10 degrees cooler than the national median. The region experiences a humid continental climate marked by large seasonal swings.

Warmer Than the Wisconsin Average

While cool by national standards, the county's 45.4°F average is actually a full degree warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. This makes it one of the more temperate areas in the state's central belt.

Leading the Region in Heat

Compared to nearby Oconto (42.9°F) and Oneida (40.3°F), Monroe County enjoys significantly milder conditions. It also receives 35.3 inches of annual precipitation, slightly outpacing the state average of 34.5 inches.

Steep Temp Swings and Heavy Snow

Winters are harsh with a January average of 16.1°F and 54.5 inches of annual snowfall. Conversely, summers are warm with a July average of 71.2°F and 8 days per year hitting or exceeding 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Humidity

Residents should invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to handle the four-and-a-half feet of annual snowfall. Efficient HVAC systems are also vital to manage the summer's extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in Monroe

While taxonomic data for Monroe is limited, the average pH of 5.78 indicates a slightly acidic profile. This is more alkaline than the state average of 5.63 but more acidic than the 6.5 national median.

A Gritty Silt Mix

The soil composition features 34.7% sand and 39.3% silt, creating a balanced medium for plant roots. With 11.4% clay, the soil offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient holding capacity.

High Organic Content Potential

Monroe boasts an impressive 11.79% organic matter, exceeding the Wisconsin state average. The available water capacity of 0.207 in/in also sits slightly above the state norm, signaling excellent growing potential.

Variable Drainage Patterns

While specific county-wide drainage classes are not listed, the significant organic matter suggests high moisture retention. Local farmers should monitor their specific fields for ponding, as the silt content can slow down water movement.

Thriving in Zone 5a

In Hardiness Zone 5a, Monroe's high soil score of 78.1 supports diverse forage and vegetable crops. The rich organic matter makes it an ideal spot for starting a productive home garden or a local orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

User-Friendly Growing Conditions in Monroe County

Monroe County boasts a healthy lawn difficulty score of 74.3, well above the national median of 50.0. The region sits in hardiness zone 5a, requiring cool-season grass varieties that can handle the cold Wisconsin winters.

Optimal Precipitation for Steady Growth

The county averages 35.3 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above the state average and perfect for maintaining soil moisture. Eight extreme heat days and 2,558 growing degree days ensure a steady, manageable mowing schedule throughout the summer.

Addressing Slightly Acidic Sandy Soils

The soil pH of 5.78 is slightly below the ideal 6.0 range, suggesting that a light lime application may benefit some lawns. With 34.7% sand and 11.4% clay, the soil provides a decent balance, though specific drainage data is currently unavailable for the area.

Conserving Water After Recent Dry Weeks

The county only saw two weeks of drought in the past year, currently maintaining a 0% rating for abnormally dry conditions. Maintaining a higher mowing height of three inches can help shade the soil and preserve moisture during the occasional dry spell.

Wait for the May Warmth

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for zone 5a and Monroe's 35-inch rainfall levels. Plan your seeding projects after the last spring frost on May 9 to ensure the soil is warm enough for germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Monroe County ranks #64 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 Monroe County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $2,801, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 16.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Wisconsin is $68,213 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 62.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.