countyscore
56.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.4Health 76.8Schools 68.5

County Report Card

About Oconto County, Wisconsin

Surpassing the national livability median

Oconto County achieves a composite score of 56.1, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a higher-than-average quality of life compared to most U.S. counties.

Outperforming the Wisconsin state average

The county's 56.1 score sits above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. This performance makes Oconto one of the more desirable regions within the state's diverse landscape.

High income and robust health scores

Strengths include a high income score of 78.4 and a health score of 76.8. Residents benefit from a median household income of $75,886 and relatively affordable $796 monthly rent.

Water quality and environmental risks

The county struggles with a water score of 31.7 and a risk score of 38.6. These factors represent the primary barriers to an even higher overall composite ranking.

Best for economically stable families

Oconto County is a great match for families seeking strong income potential and high safety scores. It attracts those who value financial stability and can manage regional environmental factors.

Score breakdown

Tax23.3Cost49Safety65.4Health76.8Schools68.5Income78.4Risk38.6Water31.7Weather49.9
🏛23.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.9
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

Shawano County
Wisconsin
53.2
Menominee County
Wisconsin
57.5
Marinette County
Wisconsin
49.9
Brown County
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Kewaunee County
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Outagamie County
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Menominee County
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Langlade County
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54.7

Deep Dives

Oconto County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oconto County

via TaxByCounty

Oconto taxes well below national median

Oconto County's effective tax rate of 1.250% sits below the national median of 1.036%, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,651 falls $39 below the national median of $2,690.

Below average for Wisconsin counties

Oconto County ranks below the state average with an effective tax rate of 1.250% versus Wisconsin's 1.436%. Its median tax of $2,651 is notably lower than the state median of $3,081.

Among the lowest in Northeast Wisconsin

Oconto County's 1.250% rate edges out Ozaukee County (1.255%) and sits well below Monroe County (1.420%) and Outagamie County (1.467%). An Oconto homeowner with a $212,000 property pays roughly $700 less annually than a similar Milwaukee property.

What Oconto homeowners actually pay

The median Oconto home valued at $212,000 carries an annual property tax of $2,651. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,743, while those without mortgages pay $2,499.

Review your assessment for savings

Many Oconto County homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable sales and can appeal their evaluations. Filing an assessment appeal could recover hundreds of dollars annually if your property is valued above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oconto County

via CostByCounty

Oconto County ranks among Wisconsin's most affordable

Oconto County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 12.6%, the lowest among these eight counties and well below the state average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $75,886 that matches the national median, residents here enjoy superior housing affordability relative to their earnings.

Best rental affordability in Wisconsin

Oconto County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the most affordable in the state among these surveyed counties. At $796 per month, Oconto's median rent undercuts the Wisconsin average by nearly $95, the biggest savings in the cohort.

Clear savings versus nearby counties

Oconto County's $796 median rent is significantly cheaper than all regional peers—$273 less than Milwaukee County, $124 less than Monroe County, and $72 less than Oneida County. Even compared to Pepin County, traditionally one of Wisconsin's most affordable, Oconto saves renters roughly $64 monthly.

Minimal rent burden leaves room to save

At $796 monthly, Oconto County renters spend just $9,552 annually on housing, freeing up substantially more income than higher-cost counties. Homeowners face similar affordability at $966 monthly, making both paths accessible for working families.

Oconto delivers best-in-class affordability

For families prioritizing housing affordability without compromising income levels, Oconto County is Wisconsin's standout choice. You'll pay $100+ less in monthly rent than many comparable counties, translating to genuine financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oconto County

via IncomeByCounty

Oconto meets national income benchmark

Oconto County's median household income of $75,886 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $1,131. This positions Oconto slightly above the U.S. average, ranking the county in the middle-to-upper tier nationally.

Above Wisconsin's state median

At $75,886, Oconto County surpasses Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715 by roughly $4,171. The county's per capita income of $39,196 also edges above the state average of $38,794, signaling solid earning power across the county.

Strong performance among peer counties

Oconto's $75,886 income exceeds Monroe ($68,213) and Oneida ($69,621) but trails Pierce ($88,802) and Outagamie ($82,857). The county demonstrates solid mid-range economic health compared to Wisconsin's broader county landscape.

Housing costs align with earnings

Oconto's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio falls below the 15% healthy benchmark, meaning renters spend a modest fraction of earnings on housing. With median home values at $212,000, homeownership and rental options both remain comfortably affordable for households earning the county median.

Leverage stability to build assets

Oconto residents earning $75,886 possess strong footing to grow wealth through disciplined investing and long-term planning. Allocating a portion of income to tax-advantaged retirement accounts and diversified investments positions households to build meaningful assets and financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oconto County

via CrimeByCounty

Oconto County Boasts Exceptional Safety Scores

With a total crime rate of only 809.2 per 100,000, Oconto County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.7.

Outperforming the Wisconsin Safety Average

Oconto's safety score of 98.7 exceeds the state average of 98.3. Furthermore, its total crime rate is roughly 26% lower than the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1 per 100,000 residents.

Comparing Oconto to Nearby Outagamie

Oconto's crime rate of 809.2 is lower than neighboring Outagamie County, which reports 1,013.0. This low rate is maintained through the efforts of six dedicated local reporting agencies.

Violent Crime Remains Extremely Rare

The violent crime rate in Oconto is just 97.3 per 100,000, which is nearly four times lower than the national average. Property crime also remains low at 711.9, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a Secure Oconto Home

While crime is low, maintaining security awareness helps preserve the county's safe environment. Residents can utilize smart doorbells and community watch programs to keep property crime rates minimal.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oconto County

via HealthByCounty

Oconto exceeds U.S. life expectancy benchmarks

At 78.5 years, Oconto County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 79.5 years, placing the county solidly in the healthy range. However, 17.1% of residents report poor or fair health status, which exceeds the national average of 10%, suggesting chronic disease burden despite decent life expectancy. This gap indicates that people live longer but with more health challenges than ideal.

Oconto slightly above Wisconsin average

With 78.5 years life expectancy, Oconto County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 years by 0.7 years, ranking in the upper-middle tier statewide. The 17.1% poor/fair health rate is higher than state norms, suggesting preventive care gaps despite the decent life expectancy. Oconto residents enjoy longer average lives but may face higher rates of chronic disease.

Rural provider shortage limits local access

Oconto County's 31 primary care providers per 100K residents are among the state's lowest, forcing patients to travel for basic medical care. Mental health providers are scarce at just 53 per 100K, far below the state average and comparable to only the most rural counties. This provider desert likely drives delayed diagnoses and reliance on emergency care for preventable conditions.

Low uninsured rate masks access challenges

Oconto County boasts a 6.2% uninsured rate, the lowest among these eight counties and below Wisconsin's 7.0% average—yet coverage doesn't guarantee access to care. With only 31 primary care doctors per 100K population, insured residents still face long waits and travel burden to reach physicians. Rural broadband gaps also limit telemedicine options that might bridge geographic distance.

Maintaining coverage bridges care gaps in Oconto

Oconto residents benefit from strong insurance rates, but enrollment support and retention programs ensure no one loses coverage unexpectedly. If you're uninsured or lose coverage, local tribal health programs, community clinics, and Medicaid can connect you to in-person and telehealth services. Stable coverage is especially critical in rural areas where in-person visits require significant travel.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oconto County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Dedicated Schools

Oconto County features 18 public schools organized into six districts, educating 4,514 total students. The county relies on 8 elementary, 4 middle, and 6 high schools to provide a complete K-12 experience. This lean infrastructure is designed to serve a primarily rural population.

Oconto Students Outpace State Averages

The county achieves an impressive 93% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 91.8% and the national average of 87%. Investment remains steady with $7,892 spent per pupil, resulting in a competitive school score of 57.0. Local schools are delivering strong academic results while spending less than the state average.

Pulaski and Oconto Falls Lead the Way

The Pulaski Community School District is the largest in the area, serving 3,775 students across 7 schools. Oconto Falls Public School District follows with 1,679 students, hosting several of the county's largest individual schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's borders.

Small, Community-Driven Rural Schools

Learning in Oconto County primarily happens in rural settings, with 11 of the 18 schools located in countryside areas. The average school size is just 251 students, fostering a close-knit community feel. Oconto Falls High and Oconto Falls Elementary are the largest facilities, each serving over 500 students.

Discover Rural Living Near Great Schools

Oconto County offers high graduation rates and a peaceful rural lifestyle for growing families. When searching for a home, proximity to the well-regarded Pulaski or Oconto Falls districts can be a major advantage. These communities provide a supportive environment where local schools are the heart of the town.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oconto County

via RiskByCounty

Oconto County has below-average risk

Oconto County's composite risk score of 61.45 sits just above the national average, placing it in the lower-risk category despite modest exposure to flooding and tornadoes. Residents face manageable but real natural disaster risks requiring standard precautions.

Slightly above Wisconsin average

Oconto County scores 61.45, modestly above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, ranking it in the middle-to-lower range statewide. This positioning suggests relatively stable conditions compared to high-risk counties like Milwaukee.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Oconto County's score of 61.45 falls between Oneida County (62.53) and Outagamie County (79.68), reflecting its position in northeastern Wisconsin's diverse risk landscape. Its wildfire risk of 38.80 is notably higher than most neighbors, a regional quirk worth monitoring.

Floods and tornados with wildfire concern

Flood risk scores 68.80 and tornado risk reaches 60.31 in Oconto County, with wildfire risk at 38.80—the highest among the county's hazard types. The combination of water-based and fire-based threats reflects the county's geography along Lake Michigan and forested interior.

Standard coverage with flood consideration

Oconto County residents near rivers or wetlands should evaluate flood insurance options, as the 68.80 flood risk score warrants attention. Standard homeowners and auto insurance should cover tornado and wildfire damage, but review your policy to confirm adequate coverage limits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oconto County

via WeatherByCounty

Deeply Cool Northern Weather

Oconto County's annual average of 42.9°F sits well below the national median of roughly 54°F. This location defines the crisp, cool nature of the upper Great Lakes region.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county is colder than the Wisconsin average of 44.4°F by about 1.5 degrees. It ranks among the chillier northern counties where winter lasts longer than in the southern parts of the state.

Chillier Than Coastal Neighbors

With an average temp of 42.9°F, Oconto is significantly cooler than lakeside Ozaukee at 46.7°F. It also receives less precipitation than the state average, recording 32.4 inches annually.

Consistent Cold and Moderate Snow

Winters feature a freezing December-February average of 18.2°F and 54.9 inches of snow. Summers are pleasant and mild, averaging 66.1°F with only 4 days reaching 90°F.

Gear Up for Long Winters

The mild summers mean less air conditioning is required, but robust home insulation is essential for the 15.1°F January lows. Residents should plan for steady snow management from late autumn through spring.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oconto County

via SoilByCounty

Oconto's Acidic Sandy Profile

Oconto's soil shows an average pH of 5.36, which is notably more acidic than both the state average and the 6.5 national median. This acidity level is common in regions with significant coniferous forest cover or glacial history.

Dominated by Sand

The county is characterized by a high sand content of 54.2%, paired with 24.7% silt and 7.4% clay. This light texture provides excellent aeration for roots but means the soil will dry out faster than heavier types.

Exceptional Organic Matter

Oconto features a massive 17.32% organic matter content, dwarfing the state average of 11.02%. However, its available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is lower than the state mean, reflecting the drainage speed of the sand.

Rapid Drainage Realities

Though specific drainage classifications vary locally, the 54.2% sand content typically leads to quick water movement. This makes the soil easy to work shortly after rain, but nutrient leaching is a frequent concern.

Zone 5a Gardening Options

With a soil score of 65.7 and a Zone 5a climate, Oconto is well-suited for acid-loving perennials and cold-hardy crops. Gardeners can capitalize on the high organic matter to grow vigorous berry patches or root vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oconto County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Oconto's Below-Average Lawn Score

With a difficulty score of 54.9, Oconto County presents more challenges for homeowners than the state average of 64.4. Homeowners in this zone 5a region must work harder to maintain green spaces due to thinner soils and lower temperatures.

Less Heat and Shorter Seasons

Oconto sees only 4 extreme heat days a year and just 2,033 growing degree days, which is lower than many neighboring counties. This limited thermal energy means grass grows more slowly, requiring less frequent mowing compared to the southern part of the state.

Correcting High Acidity and Sandy Texture

The soil pH is quite low at 5.36, falling well below the ideal lawn range of 6.0 to 7.0. Because the soil is 54.2% sand, water and nutrients drain away quickly, making lime treatments and organic compost additions essential for success.

Battling Prolonged Dry Conditions

Oconto has struggled with 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. In these conditions, focusing on drought-resistant species is more effective than trying to out-water the climate.

Choose Resilient Turf for Oconto

Tall fescue is a smart choice here because its deep roots handle the 54% sand content better than other grasses. Start your lawn after the May 14 frost to avoid the late-season freezes common in northern Wisconsin.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oconto County's county score?
Oconto County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 56.1 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 Oconto County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Oconto County ranks #14 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 Oconto County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Oconto County is $2,651, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Oconto County a tax score of 23.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oconto County?
The median household income in Oconto County, Wisconsin is $75,886 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oconto County earns an income score of 78.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oconto County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Oconto County scores 56.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Oconto 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 Oconto County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.