countyscore
48.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.7Health 86.6Soil Quality 79.5

County Report Card

About Outagamie County, Wisconsin

Competitive with the national average

Outagamie County posts a composite score of 48.1, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive location for residents looking for standard Midwestern livability.

Close to the Wisconsin state average

The county's 48.1 score is slightly behind the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It maintains a consistent presence as a major population hub with a balanced quality of life.

Excellent income and healthcare outcomes

Outagamie boasts impressive scores in income at 86.7 and health at 86.6. The median household income of $82,857 supports a high level of economic well-being for the region.

Tax burden and environmental risk

Lower scores in tax at 14.6 and risk at 20.3 suggest areas where the county could improve. Residents face an effective tax rate of 1.467%, which is high relative to its overall score.

A hub for high-earning professionals

This county is best suited for professionals who value high income potential and excellent health facilities. It offers a strong economic environment for those willing to accept moderate tax rates.

2040608010014.623.655.586.656.386.720.366.251.8Tax14.6Cost23.6Safety55.5Health86.6Schools56.3Income86.7Risk20.3Water66.2Weather51.848.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Outagamie County DNA

Foverall

How Outagamie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Outagamie County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (86.6/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.6-37.4
Cost
23.6-24.4
Safety
55.5
Health
86.6+36.599999999999994
Schools
56.3
Income
86.7+35.7
Risk
20.3-26.7
Water
66.2+8.200000000000003
Weather
51.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Outagamie County?

Many homeowners in Outagamie 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

$244,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$998/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$244,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,857/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.0

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 Outagamie County with Clarke County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Waupaca County
Wisconsin
54.7
Brown County
Wisconsin
44.1
Winnebago County
Wisconsin
45.9
Shawano County
Wisconsin
53.2
Calumet County
Wisconsin
39.2
Manitowoc County
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52.7
Menominee County
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57.5
Oconto County
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56.1

Deep Dives

Outagamie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Outagamie County

via TaxByCounty

Outagamie taxes above national median

Outagamie County's effective tax rate of 1.467% exceeds the national median of 1.036%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $3,580 significantly surpasses the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above state average for taxes

Outagamie County ranks slightly above the state average with an effective tax rate of 1.467% versus Wisconsin's 1.436%. Its median tax of $3,580 exceeds the state median of $3,081 by roughly $500 annually.

Among region's pricier tax counties

Outagamie County's 1.467% rate sits between Pepin County (1.466%) and Pierce County (1.475%), and well above Oconto County (1.250%) and Oneida County (0.943%). A homeowner with a $244,100 property here pays roughly $400 more annually than a similar property in Oconto County.

What Outagamie homeowners actually pay

The median Outagamie home valued at $244,100 carries an annual property tax of $3,580. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,603, while those without mortgages pay $3,543.

Contest your assessment if overvalued

Many Outagamie County homeowners are overassessed relative to current market conditions and can appeal their evaluations. Filing a formal appeal with supporting comparable sales data could reduce your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Outagamie County

via CostByCounty

Outagamie County excels at housing affordability

Outagamie County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% sits below both the state average of 14.9% and reflects strong affordability relative to the national context. With the highest median household income in this cohort at $82,857, residents here earn well above the national median of $74,755 while managing housing costs efficiently.

Ranked among Wisconsin's most affordable

Outagamie County ranks in the top tier of Wisconsin counties for rental affordability, with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio that edges below the state average. At $998 monthly, median rent is only modestly higher than the state average of $891, delivering strong value for renters.

Strong affordability paired with higher incomes

Outagamie County combines competitive rent ($998) with the highest median household income ($82,857) among these eight counties, creating superior purchasing power. Compared to Milwaukee County ($1,069 rent), Outagamie renters save $71 monthly while earning significantly more.

Income growth outpaces housing costs

Outagamie County homeowners spend roughly 14.4% of income on rent and about 17% on mortgage costs, leaving 69% for other priorities. The combination of $998 monthly rent and $82,857 median income creates a favorable ratio that supports household financial stability.

Outagamie County rewards earning families

If your household income has grown, Outagamie County offers affordability that doesn't require compromise—you get competitive rents and strong regional economic opportunity. The favorable ratio here means housing absorbs less of your income, maximizing financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Outagamie County

via IncomeByCounty

Outagamie exceeds national income median

Outagamie County's median household income of $82,857 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $8,102. This 11% advantage places Outagamie in the upper tier nationally, signaling strong earning capacity across the county.

Well above Wisconsin average

At $82,857, Outagamie County significantly outpaces Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715 by $11,142. The county's per capita income of $45,323 also substantially exceeds the state average of $38,794, reflecting robust economic opportunity.

Top earner among regional counties

Outagamie's $82,857 ranks second only to nearby Ozaukee County ($96,734) and well above Monroe ($68,213), Oneida ($69,621), and Oconto ($75,886). The county's strong income position reflects a diverse manufacturing, healthcare, and services-based economy.

Housing costs align efficiently

Outagamie's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio falls just below the 15% benchmark, meaning renters enjoy good affordability relative to earnings. With median home values at $244,100, homeownership remains accessible for households earning near the county median.

Multiply gains through strategic wealth building

Outagamie residents earning $82,857 possess substantial capacity to accelerate wealth creation through diversified investments and retirement account maximization. Consider consulting a financial planner about leveraging higher income for real estate diversification, tax optimization, and long-term asset appreciation strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Outagamie County

via CrimeByCounty

Outagamie County Maintains High Safety Standard

Outagamie County reports a total crime rate of 1,013.0 per 100,000, less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 98.4, indicating a very safe environment.

Comparing Well to Wisconsin Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,013.0 is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1. Its safety score also slightly edges out the statewide average of 98.3.

Local Performance vs Regional Neighbors

Outagamie's crime rate is slightly higher than Oconto County's 809.2 but remains very low overall. Nine reporting agencies work across the county to maintain these high standards of public safety.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Outagamie is exceptionally low at 87.6 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 925.4, which is also well below the national rate of 2,015.7.

Staying Vigilant in Outagamie County

While property crime is low, it remains the most common threat in the county. Residents can improve home safety by using smart security systems and keeping vehicle doors locked at all times.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Outagamie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Hub in Fox Valley

Outagamie County operates 71 public schools across 7 districts, supporting a large student body of 31,546. The system includes 34 elementary, 14 middle, and 17 high schools, along with 6 specialized campuses. It is one of the more significant educational corridors in the state.

High Efficiency and Consistent Results

The county maintains a graduation rate of 91.7%, nearly identical to the Wisconsin state average. Despite spending only $7,428 per pupil—lower than both state and national averages—the county achieves a respectable school score of 55.3. This demonstrates a strong return on investment for the community's education dollars.

Appleton Leads a Diverse District Landscape

Appleton Area School District is the powerhouse of the county, overseeing 38 schools and 15,270 students. Charter schools are a major feature here, accounting for over 25% of all schools. Hortonville and Kaukauna districts also serve large populations, with each educating over 4,000 students.

Urban Centers and Large High Schools

Over 75% of schools are located in city or suburban settings, contributing to an average school size of 451 students. Kimberly High is the county's largest with 1,595 students, followed closely by Appleton North High. These schools offer extensive extracurricular programs and a bustling campus atmosphere.

Join a Growing Community Near Top Schools

Outagamie County's high-performing schools and diverse charter options make it a top choice for families moving to the Fox Valley. From urban Appleton to suburban Kimberly, there are homes to fit every lifestyle. Prioritize your home search near these districts to ensure your children have access to the region's best resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Outagamie County

via RiskByCounty

Outagamie faces moderately high risk

Outagamie County's composite risk score of 79.68 exceeds the national average, placing it in the higher-risk tier despite its "Relatively Low" Wisconsin state designation. Tornado risk is the primary driver of this score.

Upper-tier risk among Wisconsin counties

Outagamie County ranks in the top tier of Wisconsin counties with a score of 79.68, well above the state average of 59.08. Only Milwaukee County (98.38) and a handful of others exceed this risk level statewide.

Riskier than most surrounding areas

Outagamie County's score of 79.68 significantly exceeds neighbors Oconto (61.45) and Oneida (62.53), driven primarily by exceptionally high tornado risk. This makes Outagamie a notable outlier in its region for severe weather exposure.

Tornado risk ranks among state's highest

Tornado risk reaches 86.83 in Outagamie County—one of the highest scores in Wisconsin—while flood risk scores 77.10. These two hazards dominate the county's risk profile and should be the focus of preparedness efforts.

Tornado preparedness is critical priority

Outagamie County residents must prioritize tornado safety with reinforced safe rooms, weather alert systems, and regular preparedness drills given the 86.83 tornado score. Flood insurance should also be obtained for properties near the Fox River and tributary areas, as the 77.10 flood risk is substantial.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Outagamie County

via WaterByCounty

Resilient Drinking Water Systems

Outagamie County achieves a Grade B with a low violation rate of 2.9 per 100,000 people. With only 5 violations in five years, its performance significantly outpaces the Wisconsin state average of 76.3.

PCBs and Phosphorus Impairments

Approximately 6.9% of assessed water bodies are impaired, slightly better than the 7.6% state average. The 2022 data highlights phosphorus, suspended solids, and legacy PCBs as the primary environmental challenges.

Targeted Nutrient and Pesticide Data

Monitoring efforts at 53 sites have yielded 13,424 measurements over the last five years. Officials prioritize tracking physical changes, nutrients, and the presence of organic pesticides across the county.

Fox River Basin Monitoring

The USGS gauge at Rapide Croche Dam monitors a massive 6,010-square-mile drainage area on the Fox River. Although live flow percentages are currently unavailable, this station is vital for managing one of the state's largest industrial rivers.

Strong Compliance, Watershed Awareness

Enjoy the high reliability of local drinking water, but be mindful of PCB impairments in local fish and waterways. Reducing runoff from lawns and farms will help address the phosphorus levels noted in the 2022 watershed report.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Outagamie County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate for the Upper Midwest

At 45.2°F, Outagamie County is about 9 degrees cooler than the national median. It serves as a classic example of a four-season humid continental climate.

A True Wisconsin Representative

The county's average temperature of 45.2°F is very close to the state average of 44.4°F. Its 33.7 inches of annual precipitation also mirrors the state average of 34.5 inches.

Warmer Than Northern Peers

Outagamie is notably warmer than Oconto (42.9°F) but slightly cooler than Ozaukee (46.7°F). It sits in a transitional zone where winter is tough but summers remain warm.

Snowy Winters and Humid Summers

The county sees 50.9 inches of snow and a winter average of 20.1°F. In July, temperatures climb to an average of 70.8°F, with 6 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Prepare for All Extremes

With 50 inches of snow and several 90-degree days, residents need versatile wardrobes and reliable HVAC. Proper attic ventilation is recommended to manage the winter cold and summer humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Outagamie County

via SoilByCounty

Outagamie's Versatile Entisols

Dominant Entisols define Outagamie's soil, which features a healthy pH of 6.16. This is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most Wisconsin counties and well above the state average of 5.63.

Balanced Texture for Growth

The composition is nearly an even split with 38.4% sand and 36.7% silt. This balance, combined with 14.9% clay, provides enough structure for nutrient retention while remaining manageable for tillage.

Solid Nutrient Potential

With 6.99% organic matter, the county stays well above the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.202 in/in is almost identical to the state average, offering stable moisture levels for crops.

Excessively Well-Drained

Classified as somewhat excessively drained and belonging to hydrologic group A, this soil moves water away quickly. This is ideal for avoiding mud and building foundations, but may require more attention during a drought.

Gardening Gold in Zone 5b

Outagamie's impressive soil score of 79.5 is one of the highest in the region. The Zone 5b climate combined with this high-quality soil makes it an excellent place for a diverse and productive vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Outagamie County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Prospects in Outagamie

Outagamie County's lawn difficulty score of 68.9 is higher than the state average, making it a relatively friendly place for gardening. The county sits in hardiness zone 5b, which supports a wide variety of standard Wisconsin turfgrasses.

Moderate Temperatures and Rainfall

The region receives 33.7 inches of rain per year, providing a consistent water source for the 2,452 growing degree days. With only six days over 90°F, grass is less likely to go dormant from heat stress compared to more southern latitudes.

Managing Fast-Draining Variable Soils

The local soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through the 38.4% sand profile quickly. A pH of 6.16 is nearly perfect for lawn health, though you may need to water more frequently to keep up with the rapid drainage.

Staying Alert During Dry Spells

Despite 19 weeks of drought over the past year, the current D2+ severe drought status is at 0.0%. However, with 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, keeping grass at a height of 3.5 inches can help protect the soil from drying out.

Establish Your Lawn in Early May

Kentucky Bluegrass and Ryegrass blends work well in zone 5b's climate. Aim to get your seeds in the ground after May 4 to maximize the growing season before the first fall frost on October 6.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Outagamie County's county score?
Outagamie County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Outagamie County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Outagamie County ranks #50 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 Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Outagamie County is $3,580, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Outagamie County a tax score of 14.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Outagamie County?
The median household income in Outagamie County, Wisconsin is $82,857 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Outagamie County earns an income score of 86.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Outagamie County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Outagamie County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Outagamie 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 Outagamie 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.