countyscore
60.2
County Score
Schools 87Health 81.5Income & Jobs 65.4

County Report Card

About Oneida County, Wisconsin

Oneida ranks well above national median

With a strong composite score of 60.2, Oneida County significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0. This high score places it among the more livable counties in the United States.

A leader in Wisconsin livability

Oneida County's 60.2 score easily surpasses the state average of 50.3. It stands out as a top-tier performer in Wisconsin, offering a high standard of living for its residents.

Exceptional schools and health services

The county shines with a school score of 87.0 and a health score of 81.5. A low effective tax rate of 0.943% further enhances the financial appeal for local households.

Environmental and water resource hurdles

Despite high scores elsewhere, water quality remains a challenge with a score of 36.6. Environmental risk also scores lower at 37.5, which slightly tempers the overall profile.

Ideal for education-focused families

Oneida County is perfect for families prioritizing high-quality education and low tax burdens. It serves as a premier destination for those seeking top-rated schools in a healthy environment.

Score breakdown

Tax42.1Cost43.6Safety62.9Health81.5Schools87Income65.4Risk37.5Water36.6Weather49.1
🏛42.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓87
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧36.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.4
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

Vilas County
Wisconsin
65.2
Lincoln County
Wisconsin
45.6
Forest County
Wisconsin
53.5
Langlade County
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54.7
Price County
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Iron County
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Florence County
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Marathon County
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Deep Dives

Oneida County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oneida County

via TaxByCounty

Oneida has Wisconsin's lowest tax rate

Oneida County's effective tax rate of 0.943% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 1.036%. The median tax bill of $2,146 is the lowest across all profiled Wisconsin counties.

Wisconsin's most tax-friendly county

Oneida County ranks lowest among Wisconsin counties with an effective tax rate of 0.943% compared to the state average of 1.436%. Its median tax of $2,146 is dramatically lower than the state median of $3,081—nearly $935 less annually.

Significantly lower than all neighbors

Oneida County's 0.943% rate stands well below every surrounding county, including Oconto (1.250%), Monroe (1.420%), and Outagamie (1.467%). An Oneida homeowner with a $227,500 property pays roughly $500 less annually than a similar property in Monroe County.

What Oneida homeowners actually pay

The median Oneida home valued at $227,500 carries an annual property tax of just $2,146. Remarkably, homeowners with mortgages pay $2,151 and those without mortgages pay $2,139—nearly identical amounts.

Appeal if assessed above market

Even in Oneida County's low-tax environment, some homeowners are overassessed and can file appeals to lower their bills. Challenging your assessment if your property is valued above recent comparable sales could save hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oneida County

via CostByCounty

Oneida County nears state affordability baseline

Oneida County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% sits essentially at Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, indicating typical affordability for the region. With a median household income of $69,621 and rent of $868 monthly, residents are neither significantly strained nor enjoying exceptional savings.

Right at Wisconsin's affordability middle

At 15.0%, Oneida County's rent-to-income ratio matches Wisconsin's state average almost exactly, placing it in the state's moderate affordability tier. This consistency signals predictable housing-cost stability for households considering relocation to the county.

Affordable rents in a competitive region

Oneida County's $868 median rent is $201 less than Milwaukee County and competitive with Oconto County ($796) and Pepin County ($860). For homebuyers, Oneida's $227,500 median home value offers a middle ground between affordable Pepin and pricier Pierce County options.

Housing costs consume predictable income share

Oneida County renters dedicate $868 monthly—roughly $10,416 annually—to housing, a sustainable level that preserves 85% of income for other needs. Homeowners face similar proportional costs at $905 monthly, making both paths economically viable.

Oneida offers reliable affordability benchmarks

If you want housing that matches Wisconsin's typical cost patterns without surprises, Oneida County delivers baseline affordability with reasonable inventory. Your housing budget will align with regional norms, simplifying financial planning for a move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oneida County

via IncomeByCounty

Oneida slightly behind national average

Oneida County's median household income of $69,621 falls $5,134 short of the national median of $74,755, representing about 93% of the U.S. average. This positions Oneida in the lower-middle range compared to all U.S. counties.

Near Wisconsin's state median

At $69,621, Oneida County comes close to Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715, trailing by just $2,094. The county's per capita income of $41,160 notably exceeds the state average of $38,794, reflecting solid individual earning potential.

Mid-tier income among regional peers

Oneida's $69,621 places it above Monroe ($68,213) and Milwaukee ($62,118) but below the stronger-earning Oconto ($75,886) and Pierce ($88,802). The county's position reflects a balanced economy within Wisconsin's north-central region.

Rent costs remain manageable

Oneida County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio hits the healthy benchmark exactly, meaning renters allocate about one-seventh of earnings to housing costs. With median home values at $227,500, both renting and homeownership represent viable paths for median-earning households.

Build assets through consistent investing

Oneida households earning $69,621 can strengthen financial futures by automating contributions to retirement and investment accounts starting today. Even modest regular deposits to diversified portfolios harness compound growth, creating meaningful wealth accumulation over 20, 30, or 40 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oneida County

via CrimeByCounty

Oneida County Safety Exceeds National Standards

Oneida County presents a total crime rate of 857.2 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. This contributes to a strong safety score of 98.6 for the region.

Ranking High Against State Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.6 is higher than the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 857.2 is also well below the statewide average of 1,103.1 per 100,000 residents.

Oneida and Oconto Share Low Crime Profiles

Oneida's crime rate of 857.2 is very similar to nearby Oconto County's rate of 809.2. Both counties represent some of the safest rural regions in the state of Wisconsin.

A Breakdown of Low Local Risks

Violent crime is notably rare in Oneida at 116.4 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 740.8 incidents per 100,000, which is nearly one-third of the national average of 2,015.7.

Keeping Your Oneida Property Safe

Lower crime rates provide peace of mind, but basic security measures remain effective. Installing motion-sensor lights and securing vacation homes are proactive steps for every Oneida resident.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oneida County

via HealthByCounty

Oneida's health metrics closely match national average

Oneida County's life expectancy of 77.9 years sits just 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 79.5 years, reflecting reasonably good population health. With 13.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county is below the national average of 10% but indicates room for improvement in chronic disease management. Overall, Oneida performs at or slightly above national benchmarks.

Oneida ranks slightly above Wisconsin average

At 77.9 years, Oneida County's life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 by 0.1 year, placing it firmly in the state's middle-to-upper tier. The 13.9% poor/fair health rate is better than many Wisconsin counties, suggesting stronger chronic disease prevention efforts. Oneida represents solid, dependable health outcomes compared to state peers.

Competitive provider access across the region

Oneida County's 71 primary care providers per 100K residents exceed most rural neighbors but lag behind suburban hubs like Ozaukee (150 per 100K). Mental health providers number 296 per 100K, placing Oneida in the upper-middle range for psychological services availability. This provider mix supports reasonable access for both medical and behavioral health needs.

Low uninsured rate supports preventive care

At 6.9%, Oneida County's uninsured rate is near the state average of 7.0%, meaning most residents have baseline coverage to seek routine care. With 71 primary care providers per 100K, appointments are more readily available than in rural counties, enabling regular check-ups and chronic disease management. The combination of coverage and provider access supports better health maintenance.

Secure coverage to maintain Oneida's momentum

If you're part of Oneida County's small uninsured population, marketplace plans and Medicaid programs can fill coverage gaps at little or no cost. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore options during open enrollment or after qualifying life events. Continuous coverage ensures you maintain relationships with primary care providers and catch health issues early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oneida County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Heart of the Northwoods

Oneida County manages 15 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 4,035 students. The system is comprised of 7 elementary, 3 middle, and 5 high schools. This focused infrastructure provides specialized education across a large geographic area.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Investment

Oneida County stands out with a 96.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87% average. The county invests $9,143 per pupil, which is $1,000 more than the state average. These resources contribute to a high school score of 61.7, indicating excellent academic health.

Rhinelander and Lakeland Serve the Region

The Rhinelander School District is the county's largest, educating 2,227 students across 6 schools. Lakeland UHS and Three Lakes also play vital roles, with charter schools representing 13.3% of the total options. Rhinelander High is the single largest school in the county with 749 students.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

Almost every school in Oneida County is located in a rural area, where the average school size is a modest 288 students. This rural character is exemplified by schools like Minocqua Elementary, which serves 549 students in a K-8 format. Smaller school sizes often mean more direct interaction between teachers and students.

Relocate for Academic Excellence and Nature

With some of the highest graduation rates in Wisconsin, Oneida County is a premier destination for education-minded families. Living here combines academic success with the beauty of the Northwoods. Consider exploring homes in the Rhinelander or Minocqua areas to benefit from these top-tier districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oneida County

via RiskByCounty

Oneida County faces moderate risk

Oneida County's composite risk score of 62.53 is roughly in line with the national average, placing it in the lower-risk category overall. The county's "Relatively Low" rating reflects Wisconsin's generally safer natural disaster environment.

Close to Wisconsin's average risk

Oneida County's score of 62.53 ranks it slightly above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the mid-lower range of state counties. This positioning reflects moderate but not severe exposure to natural hazards.

Low risk compared to regional peers

Oneida County's score of 62.53 is substantially lower than Outagamie County (79.68) but comparable to Oconto County (61.45). The county's relatively modest tornado and flood scores reflect its location in northern Wisconsin's more stable terrain.

Floods lead tornado and wildfire risks

Flood risk scores 61.10 in Oneida County, while tornado risk reaches 46.72 and wildfire risk is 27.19. The county's low earthquake risk of 5.25 and zero hurricane exposure reflect Wisconsin's remote location from seismic zones and tropical storm paths.

Standard homeowners insurance plus evaluation

Oneida County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider flood coverage if they live near waterways, given the 61.10 flood risk. The moderate tornado risk of 46.72 is manageable with a safe room plan and weather alert system.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oneida County

via WeatherByCounty

One of America’s Coldest Spots

Oneida County's annual average temperature is a bracing 40.3°F. This is more than 13 degrees colder than the national median, placing it in a truly arctic-influenced climate zone.

Well Below Wisconsin Norms

While the state average is 44.4°F, Oneida sits much lower at 40.3°F. It is one of the coldest counties in Wisconsin, characterized by long, punishing winters.

Coldest in the Northwoods

Oneida is significantly colder than neighboring Oconto (42.9°F) and Monroe (45.4°F). It also experiences higher snowfall, totaling 73.5 inches annually compared to the state's more moderate levels.

Epic Snow and Frigid Air

January temperatures average just 11.5°F, and the county is buried under six feet of snow annually. Summer is fleeting, with only 3 days per year topping 90°F and a July average of 66.1°F.

Winter Resilience is Key

High-capacity heating systems and professional-grade snow tires are mandatory here. With only 3 extreme heat days, focus home investments on winterization rather than cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oneida County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Oneida Soil

Oneida County possesses very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.69, significantly lower than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. This profile is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, characteristic of Northwoods forest soils.

Sandy Forest Floor

The soil is comprised of 52.7% sand and 30.2% silt, with only 6.5% clay. This provides a very loose structure that is easy to dig but may struggle to hold onto mobile nutrients like nitrogen.

Peaty Organic Wealth

Oneida holds a high 15.50% organic matter, far surpassing the 2.0% national average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.187 in/in, which is below the state average of 0.204 in/in.

Naturally Draining Landscapes

The high sand content suggests that water moves quickly through the profile, though local bogs and marshes can create wet spots. Homeowners should expect well-aerated soil that may require supplemental irrigation during dry northern summers.

Cold Climate Specialties

In Hardiness Zone 4a, Oneida's acidic soil is perfect for blueberries, cranberries, and potatoes. While the soil score is 54.1, focusing on acid-tolerant plants will yield a very successful garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oneida County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Oneida County

Oneida County's lawn difficulty score of 47.4 falls below the national average, indicating a challenging environment for traditional turf. Located in the cold hardiness zone 4a, lawns here face a shorter window for growth and harsher winter conditions.

Brief Summers and Low Heat

With only 1,745 growing degree days and a late spring frost on May 23, the season for lawn care is remarkably short. The 32.9 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average, but only three days a year exceed 90°F.

Dealing with Highly Acidic Northwoods Soil

The soil pH of 4.69 is very acidic, which can lock out essential nutrients for most grass types. Since the soil is 52.7% sand, it lacks the moisture-holding capacity of the clay-heavy soils found in southern Wisconsin.

Recovering from Significant Drought Cycles

The county endured 24 weeks of drought last year, and currently, 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Using mulch-mowing techniques can return nitrogen to the soil and help retain what little moisture the sandy base provides.

Pick the Hardiest Grass for Oneida

Only the hardiest cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue can thrive in zone 4a's acidic, sandy conditions. Wait until late May to seed so that the young grass doesn't perish in a surprise spring freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oneida County's county score?
Oneida County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Oneida County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Oneida County ranks #5 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 Oneida County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Oneida County is $2,146, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Oneida County a tax score of 42.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oneida County?
The median household income in Oneida County, Wisconsin is $69,621 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oneida County earns an income score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oneida County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Oneida County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Oneida 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 Oneida County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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