countyscore
56.2
County Score
Health 97.7Income & Jobs 93.6Schools 78.4

County Report Card

About Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

Outperforming the national livability median

Ozaukee County earns a composite score of 56.1, which is notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall quality of life.

Exceeding the Wisconsin state average

With a 56.1 score, Ozaukee County outperforms the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It is recognized as one of the state's most affluent and well-resourced communities.

Stellar health and high incomes

The county features an elite health score of 97.7 and an income score of 94.6. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $96,734, the highest among these Wisconsin counties.

High cost of housing and living

Affordability is the main challenge, with a cost score of 13.7. The median home value of $368,900 and rent of $1,112 reflect the premium price of living in this area.

The choice for affluent professionals

Ozaukee County is the premier choice for high-income families who can afford premium housing. It rewards residents with exceptional safety, health services, and top-performing schools.

204060801002413.868.797.778.493.649.745.256Tax24Cost13.8Safety68.7Health97.7Schools78.4Income93.6Risk49.7Water45.2Weather5656.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Ozaukee County DNA

Foverall

How Ozaukee County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ozaukee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (97.7/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (13.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24-28
Cost
13.8-34.2
Safety
68.7+13.700000000000003
Health
97.7+47.7
Schools
78.4+24.400000000000006
Income
93.6+42.599999999999994
Risk
49.7
Water
45.2-12.799999999999997
Weather
56
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Ozaukee County

Whether buying or refinancing in Ozaukee County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$390,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,154/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$390,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,996/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

44.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Ozaukee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ozaukee County

via TaxByCounty

Ozaukee taxes low despite high values

Ozaukee County's effective tax rate of 1.255% sits slightly above the national median of 1.036%, yet its median tax bill of $4,629 reflects the region's highest home values. The median Ozaukee home at $368,900 is significantly more valuable than the national median of $281,900.

Below average rate, highest home values

Ozaukee County ranks below the state average with an effective tax rate of 1.255% versus Wisconsin's 1.436%, but boasts the highest median home value of all profiled counties at $368,900. Its median tax of $4,629 reflects this premium real estate market.

Best tax rate with highest property values

Ozaukee County's 1.255% rate matches Oconto County and sits well below Milwaukee (2.035%) and Outagamie (1.467%). Despite its highest home values, Ozaukee offers comparatively lower tax burden than Milwaukee County—residents pay roughly $400 more annually despite $152,000 higher median home values.

What Ozaukee homeowners actually pay

The median Ozaukee home valued at $368,900 carries an annual property tax of $4,629—the highest among all profiled counties due to premium values. Homeowners with mortgages pay $4,736, while those without mortgages pay $4,445.

Verify accurate market-based assessment

Even in high-value Ozaukee County, some homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable luxury properties and can appeal. Reviewing your assessment against recent sales of similar homes could save substantial tax dollars annually.

Income & Jobs in Ozaukee County

via IncomeByCounty

Ozaukee leads national income rankings

Ozaukee County's median household income of $96,734 towers $21,979 above the national median of $74,755, ranking in the top tier nationally. This 29% premium positions Ozaukee among the nation's highest-earning counties.

Wisconsin's income powerhouse

At $96,734, Ozaukee County dramatically exceeds Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715 by $25,019. The county's per capita income of $57,651 also far outpaces the state average of $38,794, indicating exceptional earning capacity across the population.

Unmatched among surrounding counties

Ozaukee's $96,734 income substantially leads all nearby peers, including Pierce County ($88,802) and Outagamie County ($82,857). The county's premium income reflects its affluent suburban character and proximity to Milwaukee's white-collar employment centers.

Housing costs remain manageable

Despite median home values of $368,900, Ozaukee's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio stays well below the 15% benchmark, indicating strong affordability for high-earning households. Residents earning the county median comfortably service both rental and mortgage obligations.

Accelerate wealth through diversification

Ozaukee households earning $96,734 possess exceptional opportunity to build substantial assets through strategic diversification across stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. Working with a wealth advisor to optimize tax strategies, maximize retirement contributions, and explore higher-yield opportunities can compound your income advantage significantly.

Safety in Ozaukee County

via CrimeByCounty

Ozaukee County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Ozaukee County boasts a total crime rate of only 733.6 per 100,000 residents, far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county's impressive safety score of 98.8 reflects this tranquil environment.

Top-Tier Safety Within Wisconsin

Ozaukee's safety score of 98.8 is higher than the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 733.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,103.1 per 100,000.

Sharp Contrasts with Neighboring Milwaukee

Ozaukee's crime rate of 733.6 is remarkably low compared to Milwaukee County's rate of 3,958.9. Eight local reporting agencies contribute to this high level of public safety just north of the city.

Minimal Violent Crime Reported Locally

Violent crime in Ozaukee is a mere 56.7 per 100,000, which is a fraction of the national average. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 676.9, compared to 2,015.7 nationally.

Simple Security for a Safer Ozaukee

The low crime rates in Ozaukee are a point of pride, but property protection is still important. Utilizing smart home technology and alarm systems can help deter any rare attempts at theft.

Weather & Climate in Ozaukee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Lake-Moderated Climate

Ozaukee County averages 46.7°F annually, which is about 7 degrees cooler than the U.S. median. Proximity to Lake Michigan helps buffer the temperature extremes seen further inland.

Warmest on the List

Ozaukee is significantly warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. This 46.7°F average makes it one of the most temperate spots in the state.

Milder Than Inland Neighbors

Compared to Outagamie (45.2°F) or Monroe (45.4°F), Ozaukee stays noticeably warmer in the winter. Its 42.3 inches of snow is also much lower than the 50-70 inches seen elsewhere.

Milder Winters and Pleasant Summers

The winter average of 25.2°F is the highest among these counties, while snowfall remains a manageable 42.3 inches. Summers stay comfortable with a July average of 70.1°F.

Watch for Lake Effects

While winters are warmer, residents should still prepare for lake-effect snow events that can cause sudden accumulation. Summer cooling needs are moderate with only 5 days over 90°F annually.

Soil Quality in Ozaukee County

via SoilByCounty

Ozaukee's Standard Acid Profile

Ozaukee's soil features an average pH of 5.50, which sits just below the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though suitable for many regional plants.

Silty and Fine-Textured

The soil contains 29.8% sand and a higher 38.8% silt, creating a fine texture that holds nutrients well. The 14.9% clay content adds enough body to prevent the rapid leaching often seen in sandier counties.

Above-Average Organic Matter

Organic matter levels reach 6.72%, more than triple the national average but below the 11.02% state mean. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in suggests a slightly lower moisture-holding ability than the state average.

Managing Moderate Hydrology

Though specific drainage classes are not specified for the dominant soil, the high silt and clay levels indicate moderate permeability. Gardeners should ensure their soil remains aerated to prevent water from sitting in the root zone.

Reliable Growth in Zone 5b

With a soil score of 64.0 and a 5b hardiness zone, Ozaukee is a reliable place for a traditional garden. Try growing brassicas and hardy perennials that thrive in slightly acidic, silty conditions.

Lawn Care in Ozaukee County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth Along the Lakeshore

Ozaukee County matches the state's positive trend with a lawn difficulty score of 68.8. Its position in hardiness zone 5b offers a moderate climate that avoids the extreme temperature swings found further inland.

Cooler Summers Near the Lake

Homeowners benefit from only five extreme heat days per year and 33.9 inches of annual precipitation. The growing season is well-defined, starting after the April 27 frost and continuing through late October.

Lime Treatments for Acidic Soil

A soil pH of 5.50 is lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which may require lime to help grass absorb nutrients. The soil contains a healthy mix of 14.9% clay and 29.8% sand, providing a stable foundation for root development.

Excellent Current Drought Resilience

Ozaukee has seen only two weeks of drought in the past year and remains at 0% for abnormally dry conditions today. This stability allows for standard maintenance without the need for emergency water conservation measures.

Start Your Lawn in Late April

Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite for this zone, providing a lush carpet that handles the local 5b winters. Seeding in late April after the final frost allows the lawn to establish before the peak growing months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ozaukee County's county score?
Ozaukee County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Ozaukee County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Ozaukee County ranks #15 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 Ozaukee County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Ozaukee County is $4,631, with an effective tax rate of 1.19%. This earns Ozaukee County a tax score of 24/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ozaukee County?
The median household income in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin is $96,996 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ozaukee County earns an income score of 93.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ozaukee County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Ozaukee County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Ozaukee 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 Ozaukee County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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