countyscore
53.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.4Health 90.4Lawn Care 75.6

County Report Card

About Pierce County, Wisconsin

Better than the national median

Pierce County secures a composite score of 53.4, ranking above the national median of 50.0. It provides a solid quality of life that competes effectively on a national scale.

Beating the Wisconsin state average

With a score of 53.4, Pierce County sits comfortably above the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It maintains a strong position by balancing high income potential with good health outcomes.

Excellent income and health profile

Strengths include a high income score of 91.4 and a health score of 90.4. A median household income of $88,802 supports a prosperous and healthy lifestyle for its citizens.

Tax burden and cost of living

Pierce County faces hurdles in tax and cost of living, scoring 13.9 and 17.5 respectively. The median home value of $308,600 reflects a more expensive housing market than many neighbors.

Top pick for healthy commuters

This county is a great fit for high-earning individuals who value wellness and safe neighborhoods. It appeals to those who are willing to pay a premium for a healthy, high-income community.

Score breakdown

Tax13.9Cost17.5Safety74.1Health90.4Schools64.3Income91.4Risk57.7Water48.2Weather48.3
🏛13.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡57.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨62.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.6
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

Goodhue County
Minnesota
47.8
Pepin County
Wisconsin
56.5
St. Croix County
Wisconsin
50.8
Dakota County
Minnesota
43
Washington County
Minnesota
47.6
Wabasha County
Minnesota
64.4
Ramsey County
Minnesota
32.6
Dunn County
Wisconsin
49.2

Deep Dives

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pierce County

via TaxByCounty

Pierce taxes above national levels

Pierce County's effective tax rate of 1.475% exceeds the national median of 1.036%, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. The median tax bill of $4,552 significantly outpaces the national median of $2,690.

Above average for Wisconsin counties

Pierce County ranks above the state average with an effective tax rate of 1.475% versus Wisconsin's 1.436%. Its median tax of $4,552 considerably exceeds the state median of $3,081, reflecting higher property values.

Highest rate among all profiled counties

Pierce County's 1.475% rate edges Pepin County (1.466%) as the second-highest profiled rate after Milwaukee's 2.035%. A Pierce homeowner with a $308,600 property pays roughly $600 more annually than a similar property in nearby Pepin County.

What Pierce homeowners actually pay

The median Pierce home valued at $308,600 carries an annual property tax of $4,552—the second-highest across all profiled counties. Homeowners with mortgages pay $4,669, while those without mortgages pay $4,287.

Appeal overvaluations to reduce taxes

Many Pierce County homeowners are overassessed relative to market value and can file appeals to lower their tax bills. Contesting your assessment with recent comparable sales data could save hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pierce County

via CostByCounty

Pierce County balances premium costs with strong income

Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% ranks among Wisconsin's best despite the highest median household income in this cohort at $88,802, well above the national median of $74,755. This favorable ratio reflects Pierce's affluent profile where income growth outpaces housing-cost inflation.

Strong affordability in Wisconsin's affluent corridor

Pierce County ranks among Wisconsin's most affordable counties with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, achieved through the combination of median rent of $1,025 and exceptional household incomes. This affordability level serves the county's growing professional and affluent demographic.

Premium pricing aligned with premium incomes

Pierce County's $1,025 median rent and $308,600 median home value position it among the region's higher-cost markets, second only to Ozaukee County. However, with a median household income of $88,802, Pierce residents earn substantially more than most regional peers, justifying these elevated costs.

Higher housing costs supported by strong earnings

Pierce County residents dedicate 13.8% of income to rent and roughly 20% to ownership costs, the second-highest absolute housing expenses in this cohort. The $308,600 median home value and $1,480 monthly ownership cost reflect a county where growing professional incomes support premium housing investment.

Pierce County for upwardly mobile professionals

If you're earning a professional-class income and seeking suburban quality of life, Pierce County offers premium housing with excellent affordability ratios. Your income here supports meaningful home equity building while maintaining proportional housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pierce County

via IncomeByCounty

Pierce exceeds national income benchmark

Pierce County's median household income of $88,802 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $14,047, representing 19% above the U.S. average. This positions Pierce in the upper tier of American counties by income.

Top earner in Wisconsin

At $88,802, Pierce County significantly outpaces Wisconsin's median household income of $71,715 by $17,087. The county's per capita income of $42,456 also exceeds the state average of $38,794, reflecting strong economic vitality.

Second-highest among regional peers

Pierce's $88,802 trails only Ozaukee County ($96,734) and leads all other nearby counties, including Outagamie ($82,857) and Oconto ($75,886). The county's strong position reflects a prosperous mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services.

Housing affordability excellent

Pierce County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 15% benchmark, meaning renters enjoy solid housing affordability. Despite median home values of $308,600, households earning the county median can access homeownership and rental housing without financial strain.

Invest strategically for generational wealth

Pierce residents earning $88,802 have powerful capacity to build substantial assets through tax-optimized retirement contributions and diversified investments. Consult a financial advisor about accelerating wealth accumulation through real estate leverage, equity diversification, and long-term growth strategies matched to your family goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pierce County

via CrimeByCounty

Pierce County Offers High Security Levels

Pierce County reports a total crime rate of 613.9 per 100,000, which is roughly 25% of the national average. This earns the county an excellent safety score of 99.0.

Exceeding Wisconsin's High Safety Bars

The county's safety score of 99.0 is better than the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 613.9 is also much lower than the state's average of 1,103.1 per 100,000.

Comparing Pierce to Neighboring Pepin

Pierce County's crime rate of 613.9 is higher than Pepin County's 258.1, but it remains very low compared to the state. Seven local reporting agencies collaborate to keep Pierce highly secure.

Analyzing Low Violent and Property Risks

Violent crime in Pierce stands at just 71.1 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 542.8, compared to 2,015.7 nationally.

Protecting Your Pierce County Home

Low crime rates make Pierce a safe place to live, but staying aware of home security is always beneficial. Installing a security camera or a smart doorbell provides an easy extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pierce County

via HealthByCounty

Pierce's life expectancy slightly exceeds U.S. average

At 79.8 years, Pierce County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 79.5 years by 0.3 years, placing the county in the upper range nationally. With 14.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health status, Pierce is below the national average of 10%, indicating reasonable disease prevention and health management. Pierce performs solidly above average on major U.S. health benchmarks.

Pierce ranks above Wisconsin average

At 79.8 years, Pierce County's life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 years by 2.0 years, placing it in the state's upper tier. The 14.7% poor/fair health rate is better than many Wisconsin peers, suggesting effective chronic disease management. Pierce consistently ranks among Wisconsin's healthiest counties across multiple indicators.

Limited primary care but adequate mental health

Pierce County has only 38 primary care providers per 100K residents, placing it among the lowest-resourced counties in this group and forcing residents to travel for routine care. However, 81 mental health providers per 100K shows stronger behavioral health infrastructure than many rural neighbors, suggesting investment in psychological services. The provider imbalance may reflect the county's aging population and priority on mental health support.

Low uninsured rate mitigates access barriers

Pierce County's 5.0% uninsured rate is one of the lowest in Wisconsin and well below the state average of 7.0%, meaning nearly all residents have coverage. Despite only 38 primary care providers per 100K, insurance coverage enables residents to seek care outside the county when needed and strengthens negotiating power with available providers. Universal coverage partially offsets geographic care shortages.

Preserve coverage to bridge care distances

Pierce County residents should maintain health insurance coverage during annual enrollment to sustain access across county lines when local providers are unavailable. If you're uninsured or between plans, marketplace options and Medicaid offer low-cost entry points to regional healthcare networks. Continuous coverage enables you to reach primary care and mental health services even when they require travel.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pierce County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Education in Western Wisconsin

Pierce County manages 25 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 7,624 students. The network includes 9 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools, along with 4 specialized learning centers. This infrastructure provides a strong academic backbone for the county's growing towns.

High Achievement and Efficient Spending

Pierce County achieves a graduation rate of 94.7%, significantly outpacing the state average of 91.8%. This success comes with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,205, showcasing the county's ability to achieve high results with lean budgets. The school score of 56.4 is nearly identical to the state average.

River Falls and Ellsworth Lead Enrollment

River Falls School District is the largest in the county, educating 3,488 students across 9 schools. Prescott and Ellsworth also serve significant populations, with Ellsworth Elementary hosting 730 students. Charter schools make up 16% of the county's public offerings, providing diverse learning pathways.

Town and Country Educational Mix

The county's 25 schools are divided between town and rural settings, with an average school size of 305 students. River Falls High is the largest school in the area, serving 1,112 students. This mix offers families a choice between a more central town school or a smaller, rural campus.

Invest in a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Pierce County is a standout for families looking for high graduation rates and community-oriented districts. Whether you prefer the college-town feel of River Falls or the rural beauty of Ellsworth, great schools are always nearby. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in this high-achieving county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pierce County

via RiskByCounty

Pierce County faces low disaster risk

Pierce County's composite risk score of 42.33 sits below the national average, placing it in the lower-risk category overall. The county's "Very Low" rating reflects Wisconsin's generally favorable natural disaster environment.

Among Wisconsin's safest counties

Pierce County's score of 42.33 ranks it well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it among the state's lowest-risk communities. Only Pepin County (7.19) significantly outperforms Pierce on safety.

Safer than most regional peers

Pierce County's score of 42.33 is substantially lower than Monroe County (78.85) and Outagamie County (79.68), reflecting its distance from Wisconsin's tornado hotspots. The county benefits from a safer geographic position in west-central Wisconsin.

Tornado risk is primary concern

Tornado risk reaches 73.41 in Pierce County, making it the dominant natural hazard despite the county's overall low composite score. Flood risk of 48.70 presents a secondary but manageable threat, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Standard coverage with tornado awareness

Pierce County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and develop a basic tornado safety plan given the 73.41 tornado score. Limited hurricane data is available for this county, but standard wind coverage within homeowners policies addresses the county's low coastal-weather exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pierce County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Crisp Northwest Edge

Pierce County's 42.8°F average temperature is more than 11 degrees colder than the national median. This reflects its northern latitude and distance from moderating Great Lakes influences.

Colder Than State Norms

At 42.8°F, the county is notably chillier than the 44.4°F Wisconsin average. Residents here face longer freeze periods than those in the central or southern parts of the state.

Chillier than Nearby Pepin

Pierce is significantly colder than neighboring Pepin County (45.1°F) and Monroe (45.4°F). Despite the cold, it maintains a healthy 35.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Icy Winters and Moderate Summers

January is particularly harsh with an average temperature of 12.6°F. Summers remain mostly comfortable, though the county still sees 6 days per year reaching 90°F.

Winterize for Extreme Cold

Though local snowfall records are limited for this county, the 12.6°F January average demands high-efficiency heating. Prepare for 35 inches of rain with proper gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pierce County

via SoilByCounty

Pierce's High-pH Advantage

Pierce County soil features a pH of 6.19, which is the highest in this group and approaches the national median of 6.5. This makes it significantly more alkaline than the Wisconsin average of 5.63, benefiting nutrient availability.

A Silty Foundation

The soil composition is dominated by 46.0% silt and 40.9% sand, with 13.0% clay. This silty mix is excellent for capturing moisture while remaining porous enough for healthy root respiration.

Lower Organic Reserves

At 2.45%, the organic matter is the lowest in this list, though still above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.189 in/in falls just short of the state average, suggesting a need for mulching.

Navigating Silt Drainage

High silt content can sometimes lead to surface crusting after rain, which affects how water enters the soil. Gardeners should use compost to improve the structure and prevent the soil from becoming too compact over time.

Zone 4b Growing Success

Pierce County's soil score of 62.9 and its 4b hardiness zone provide a solid foundation for apple orchards and berries. Start a garden here by adding organic amendments to boost the soil's naturally lower organic matter levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pierce County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty Score for Pierce County Lawns

Pierce County scores a 75.6 on the lawn difficulty index, making it one of the easier places in the state to maintain a yard. Even in hardiness zone 4b, the balance of rainfall and temperature creates a hospitable environment for turf.

Ample Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The area enjoys 35.0 inches of precipitation annually, which perfectly matches the needs of most cool-season grasses. With six days of extreme heat and 2,207 growing degree days, the mowing season is productive but rarely overwhelming.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

The soil pH of 6.19 is almost perfect for turfgrass, ensuring that fertilizers and natural nutrients are easily absorbed. The mix of 40.9% sand and 13.0% clay provides a well-balanced structure for root growth and air circulation.

Strong Resistance to Dry Weather

With only three weeks of drought in the past year and 0% current drought coverage, Pierce County lawns are in great shape. To maintain this, use a sharp mower blade to reduce grass stress and prevent moisture loss from the leaf tips.

Seeding After the Mid-May Frost

Focus on Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue blends that can handle the cold zone 4b winters. Start your lawn projects after the May 13 frost date to ensure your new grass has the best chance to take hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pierce County's county score?
Pierce County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Pierce County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Pierce County ranks #24 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 Pierce County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Pierce County is $4,552, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Pierce County a tax score of 13.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pierce County?
The median household income in Pierce County, Wisconsin is $88,802 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pierce County earns an income score of 91.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pierce County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Pierce County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Pierce 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 Pierce 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.