countyscore
56.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.8Safety 88.1Income & Jobs 76.6

County Report Card

About Pepin County, Wisconsin

High scores in national livability

Pepin County achieves a composite score of 56.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This reflects a high standard of living driven by exceptional safety and stability.

Stronger than the Wisconsin average

At 56.5, Pepin County exceeds the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It offers a unique profile of security and affordability compared to more urban Wisconsin peers.

Maximum safety and low environmental risk

The county dominates with a risk score of 92.8 and a safety score of 88.1. These scores indicate one of the most stable and secure environments for residential life in the state.

Water quality and tax concerns

The county's water score is quite low at 12.4, representing a significant area for improvement. Its tax score of 14.6 also suggests a high fiscal burden on residents relative to the local economy.

Perfect for safety-seeking retirees

Pepin County is ideal for those who prioritize personal safety and low environmental risk above all else. It offers a quiet, secure life for residents who value community stability.

Score breakdown

Tax14.6Cost40.4Safety88.1Health75.6Schools52.5Income76.6Risk92.8Water12.4Weather49.4
🏛14.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.1
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

Wabasha County
Minnesota
64.4
Pierce County
Wisconsin
53.4
Buffalo County
Wisconsin
60.4
Goodhue County
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47.8
Dunn County
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Winona County
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Eau Claire County
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Olmsted County
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Deep Dives

Pepin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pepin County

via TaxByCounty

Pepin taxes above national median

Pepin County's effective tax rate of 1.466% exceeds the national median of 1.036%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $2,875 tops the national median of $2,690 by roughly $185 annually.

Slightly above Wisconsin state average

Pepin County ranks slightly above the state average with an effective tax rate of 1.466% versus Wisconsin's 1.436%. Its median tax of $2,875 falls below the state median of $3,081, reflecting lower median home values.

Mid-range taxes in West-Central Wisconsin

Pepin County's 1.466% rate nearly matches Pierce County (1.475%) and sits above Oconto County (1.250%) and Oneida County (0.943%). A Pepin homeowner with a $196,100 property pays roughly $450 more annually than a similar Oneida County property.

What Pepin homeowners actually pay

The median Pepin home valued at $196,100 carries an annual property tax of $2,875. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,899, while those without mortgages pay $2,846.

Challenge inflated assessments

Many Pepin County homeowners are overassessed and have grounds to appeal their evaluations. Filing an assessment appeal supported by comparable sales data could recover hundreds of dollars annually on your property tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pepin County

via CostByCounty

Pepin County delivers exceptional rental value

Pepin County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% ranks among Wisconsin's best and significantly outperforms the state average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $74,536 matching the national median, residents here achieve superior affordability without requiring above-average earnings.

Top-tier affordability in rural Wisconsin

Pepin County ranks among the most affordable counties in Wisconsin for renters, with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio and a median rent of just $860. This affordability level is anchored by Pepin's rural character and stable, working-class economy.

Standout savings in a competitive market

Pepin County's $860 median rent is $209 cheaper than Milwaukee County and competitive with Oconto County ($796) while undercutting Oneida County ($868) by just $8. For homebuyers, Pepin's $196,100 median home value matches Monroe County, making it an accessible entry point.

Minimal housing burden preserves financial flexibility

Pepin County renters spend $860 monthly—roughly $10,320 annually—on housing, leaving substantial income for savings and other priorities. Homeowners face similar affordability at $991 monthly, making Pepin accessible across both tenure types.

Pepin County for practical, affordable living

If you value small-town character and uncompromised affordability, Pepin County delivers both without requiring sacrifice on household income. Your rent or mortgage here will be among Wisconsin's lowest, leaving more resources for your family's goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pepin County

via IncomeByCounty

Pepin nearly matches national median

Pepin County's median household income of $74,536 comes within $219 of the national median of $74,755, effectively matching the U.S. average. This rare alignment places Pepin precisely at the national benchmark.

Slightly above Wisconsin median

At $74,536, Pepin County modestly exceeds Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715 by $2,821. The county's per capita income of $40,261 also edges above the state average of $38,794, signaling solid economic fundamentals.

Mid-range among peer counties

Pepin's $74,536 ranks below Pierce ($88,802) and Outagamie ($82,857) but matches Oconto ($75,886) and exceeds Oneida ($69,621) and Monroe ($68,213). The county demonstrates balanced economic health within Wisconsin's broader landscape.

Rental costs in healthy range

Pepin's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio falls below the 15% benchmark, meaning renters allocate a modest share of earnings to housing. With median home values at $196,100, both rental and homeownership options remain comfortably affordable for median-earning households.

Start building financial momentum today

Pepin residents earning $74,536 can establish lasting wealth by committing to regular investment contributions and retirement account growth. Even small, consistent investments harness compound returns over decades, enabling households to build meaningful financial security and long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pepin County

via CrimeByCounty

Pepin County Shows Minimal Crime Levels

Pepin County features an elite safety score of 99.6, driven by a total crime rate of only 258.1 per 100,000 residents. This is nearly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Wisconsin Public Safety

With a safety score of 99.6, Pepin County significantly outperforms the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 258.1 is among the lowest in the state compared to the average of 1,103.1.

Exceptional Performance vs Regional Averages

Pepin's crime rate is less than half that of nearby Pierce County, which reports 613.9 per 100,000. Three reporting agencies manage this small, highly secure community efficiently.

Violent Crime is Nearly Non-Existent

The violent crime rate in Pepin County is a negligible 13.6 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is similarly low at 244.5, whereas the national average sits much higher at 2,015.7.

Preserving the Peace in Pepin County

Even in such a safe environment, basic precautions help maintain the county's low statistics. Simple measures like using timed lighting and securing outbuildings prevent opportunistic incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pepin County

via HealthByCounty

Pepin leads nation in life expectancy

At 81.8 years, Pepin County's life expectancy ranks among the highest in the United States, exceeding the national average of 79.5 years by 2.3 years. However, 16.0% of residents report poor or fair health status, above national averages, suggesting that despite living longer, many manage chronic conditions. Pepin offers an interesting paradox: impressive longevity alongside elevated prevalence of health challenges.

Pepin ranks highest on Wisconsin life expectancy

With 81.8 years life expectancy, Pepin County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 years by 4.0 years, placing it at the very top of statewide rankings. The 16.0% poor/fair health rate is higher than state norms, indicating that residents live longer but with higher disease burden. Pepin's combination of exceptional longevity and chronic disease prevalence warrants attention to quality-of-life measures.

Rural isolation compounds mental health gaps

Pepin County has 68 primary care providers per 100K residents, moderate for a rural county, but only 27 mental health providers per 100K—the lowest in this entire group. This severe shortage of mental health services in an aging, rural population may contribute to the high rate of fair/poor health reports despite long lifespans. Geographic isolation and provider scarcity limit access to behavioral health support.

High uninsured rate complicates rural access

Pepin County's 8.8% uninsured rate is the highest in this county group and well above Wisconsin's 7.0% average, affecting roughly one in 11 residents. With limited mental health infrastructure (27 providers per 100K) and geographic barriers, lack of insurance creates severe obstacles to behavioral and chronic disease care. Rural isolation and insurance gaps leave vulnerable populations underserved.

Get covered to access Pepin County care

If you're among Pepin County's uninsured residents, Medicaid and marketplace plans are designed to help rural, lower-income populations access affordable coverage. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit Healthcare.gov to explore options, especially if you've experienced a job loss or income change. Getting insured connects you to available primary care and opens doors to mental health services, even if they require travel.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pepin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Pepin County

Pepin County operates a very small school system with only 4 public schools serving 1,233 students. The county is divided into just two districts, Durand-Arkansaw and Pepin Area. This structure provides a highly localized and intimate educational experience for residents.

Stable Performance in a Rural Setting

The county maintains a 90.9% graduation rate, which is well above the national average of 87%. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,361, slightly lower than the state average. With a school score of 54.8, Pepin County offers a consistent and solid educational foundation.

Local Districts Focused on Community

The Durand-Arkansaw School District is the larger of the two, educating 999 students across two schools. Pepin Area School District serves the remaining 234 students in the county. There are currently no charter schools, as the county focuses on traditional public education.

Quiet Schools with Rural Character

All schools in Pepin County are located in rural settings, reflecting the area's agricultural roots. Durand Middle/High is the largest facility with 521 students, while Pepin Elementary is very small with only 114 students. This environment ensures every student is known by name within their school building.

Embrace Small-Town Life and Small Schools

If you value a quiet lifestyle where your children can attend small, community-focused schools, Pepin County is an ideal choice. The high graduation rates and rural charm make it a peaceful place to raise a family. Explore homes near Durand or Pepin to join these tight-knit communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pepin County

via RiskByCounty

Pepin County has minimal disaster risk

Pepin County's composite risk score of 7.19 is extraordinarily low—far below the national average—placing it among America's safest counties from natural disaster threats. This "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional stability across all major hazard categories.

Wisconsin's safest county

Pepin County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Wisconsin with a score of 7.19, dramatically below the state average of 59.08. No other Wisconsin county comes close to this level of safety across natural disaster types.

Exceptionally safe compared to peers

Pepin County's score of 7.19 is far lower than Pierce County (42.33) and any other neighboring communities, making it an outlier in its region. The county's remote location and small population contribute to minimal exposure to cascading disaster effects.

Tornado risk is the only meaningful threat

Tornado risk scores 30.95 in Pepin County, the only hazard type reaching even moderate levels; all other risks score below 20. Flood risk of 16.22 is the second-highest but still minimal compared to most Wisconsin counties.

Standard insurance provides ample protection

Pepin County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance given the county's minimal disaster risk profile. A simple tornado safety plan and weather alert subscription provide all the additional preparedness most households in this exceptionally safe county require.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pepin County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Breezes Along the Mississippi

Pepin County averages 45.1°F, nearly 9 degrees below the national median. Its position in the Driftless Area creates a unique microclimate of valleys and ridges.

Typical Wisconsin Conditions

The 45.1°F average is nearly identical to the state average of 44.4°F. It represents the standard climate experience for Western Wisconsin residents.

Warmer Than Pierce County

Pepin is over 2 degrees warmer on average than neighboring Pierce County (42.8°F). It also sees higher precipitation at 35.2 inches, compared to the state average of 34.5 inches.

High Heat and Cold Januaries

July averages 71.5°F, the warmest in this group, with 8 days of extreme heat. While official county-wide snowfall data is limited, January temperatures dip to an average of 14.6°F.

Focus on Summer Cooling

With 8 days of 90°F heat, air conditioning is a higher priority here than in northern counties. Plan for varied precipitation by ensuring proper landscape drainage for 35 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pepin County

via SoilByCounty

Pepin's Favorable Soil pH

Pepin County boasts a pH of 5.84, making it less acidic than the typical Wisconsin soil. While it doesn't reach the national median of 6.5, it provides a friendly environment for a wide range of agricultural activities.

Gritty and Workable Silt

The soil contains a significant 45.5% sand and 37.1% silt, giving it a light, easy-to-work feel. With only 11.2% clay, the soil is less prone to the heavy clodding that plagues clay-heavy regions.

Modest Water Capacity

The available water capacity of 0.180 in/in is below the state average of 0.204 in/in, meaning soil dries out sooner. However, organic matter remains solid at 5.64%, which is more than double the national average.

Monitoring Moisture Flow

With nearly half the soil composed of sand, drainage is likely efficient throughout the county. Gardeners should watch for fast-moving water that might take soluble nutrients with it during heavy rain events.

Northern Garden Potential

Located in Hardiness Zone 4b, Pepin's soil score of 63.5 supports cold-hardy varieties of corn and small grains. It is a great environment for a home garden focused on hardy root crops and cool-season vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pepin County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Pepin County

Pepin County offers an encouraging environment with a lawn difficulty score of 74.1, outperforming the state average. Although it is in the colder hardiness zone 4b, the local conditions remain very manageable for most homeowners.

Balanced Heat and Precipitation

The county receives 35.2 inches of annual rain and experiences 2,590 growing degree days, ensuring plenty of energy for turf development. Eight days of extreme heat per year mean you should monitor for wilting during the peak of July.

Managing Sandy Soil Composition

With a sand content of 45.5% and a pH of 5.84, the soil is slightly acidic and drains relatively fast. To improve lawn health, consider adding organic matter to help the soil hold onto the 35 inches of annual rain more effectively.

Minimal Recent Drought Stress

The county faced only four weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry territory. This low stress level makes it easier to keep your lawn green without excessive supplemental irrigation.

Planting for Success in Zone 4b

Hardy cool-season grasses like Creeping Red Fescue are ideal for Pepin's zone 4b climate. Plan to seed after the May 1 frost to take advantage of the wet spring weather and avoid late-season cold snaps.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pepin County's county score?
Pepin County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 56.5 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 Pepin County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Pepin County ranks #12 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 Pepin County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Pepin County is $2,875, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Pepin County a tax score of 14.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pepin County?
The median household income in Pepin County, Wisconsin is $74,536 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pepin County earns an income score of 76.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pepin County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Pepin County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Pepin 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 Pepin 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.