countyscore
59.4
County Score
Schools 82Health 76.4Safety 72

County Report Card

About Price County, Wisconsin

Top-Tier National Ranking

Price County achieves a high composite score of 59.4, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the upper echelon of livability across the United States.

Surpassing State Standards

At 59.4, Price County is a standout in Wisconsin, far exceeding the state average of 50.3. It offers a level of affordability and safety that is difficult to find in more urbanized regions.

Safe, Affordable, and Scholarly

Strong scores in schools (82.0), safety (72.0), and cost (60.4) define the local landscape. With a median home value of $146,000 and low rent of $801, housing is exceptionally accessible.

Lower Earning Potential

The income score of 34.5 and water score of 32.8 represent areas where the county lags. The median household income of $58,720 is lower than state and national benchmarks.

Best for Budget-Minded Families

Price County is ideal for families and retirees who prioritize safety, great schools, and low housing costs over high-salary careers. It is a haven for those seeking a high-quality, low-cost rural lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax15.3Cost60.4Safety72Health76.4Schools82Income34.5Risk67.7Water32.8Weather49.8
🏛15.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53
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

Taylor County
Wisconsin
51.7
Lincoln County
Wisconsin
45.6
Sawyer County
Wisconsin
48.6
Rusk County
Wisconsin
53.8
Oneida County
Wisconsin
60.2
Iron County
Wisconsin
65.4
Vilas County
Wisconsin
65.2
Gogebic County
Michigan
55.5

Deep Dives

Price County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Price County

via TaxByCounty

Price County's rates align with U.S. average

At 1.445%, Price County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.700%, placing it firmly in the middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,110 reflects the county's lower home values rather than exceptionally low rates.

Slightly above Wisconsin's average rate

Price County's effective rate of 1.445% runs just 0.9% above Wisconsin's average of 1.436%, making it essentially typical for the state. Residents pay $2,110 in median annual property taxes, about $971 below the state median.

Moderate among northern Wisconsin counties

Price County's 1.445% rate falls between Polk County (1.222%) and Portage County (1.474%), making it competitive regionally. Rusk County's 1.207% remains lower, but Price County undercuts several other northern peers.

Annual tax bill averages just $2,110

A typical Price County home valued at $146,000 carries an annual property tax of $2,110—among the lowest in the state due to modest home values. Those with mortgages pay $2,211, while mortgage-free owners average $2,027.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Even in a relatively affordable county like Price, individual homes can be overassessed. Homeowners should verify their assessed value matches recent comparable sales and file appeals during the designated review period if discrepancies exist.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Price County

via CostByCounty

Price County struggles with housing affordability

Price County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% significantly exceeds both the national average and Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%. With a median household income of just $58,720—21.4% below the U.S. average—housing costs consume a larger share of household budgets here.

Price ranks among Wisconsin's least affordable

At 16.4%, Price County ranks among the state's least affordable counties, with housing costs eating into household budgets more than the 14.9% state average. The county's below-average median income of $58,720 compounds affordability challenges despite modest home values of $146,000.

Price offers lowest rents in the region

Price County's median rent of $801/month represents the lowest in the area, offering relief compared to larger counties. However, the rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% remains higher than neighbors because local incomes are significantly lower.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Renters spend $801/month on housing while homeowners pay $772/month—among Wisconsin's lowest absolute costs. Yet with a median income of $58,720, housing consumes 16.4% of renters' budgets, straining finances compared to state and national averages.

Price works only for lowest-cost seekers

Price County offers the lowest nominal housing costs in this comparison, but the high rent-to-income ratio signals real affordability strain. Consider relocating here only if you prioritize absolute lowest rents over financial comfort, or if local employment opportunities offset housing cost burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Price County

via IncomeByCounty

Price lags national earnings

Price County's median household income of $58,720 trails the national median of $74,755 by 21.5%. The county faces an earnings gap that affects housing, savings, and overall household financial security.

Below-average for Wisconsin

At $58,720, Price County falls $13,005 short of Wisconsin's state median of $71,715. This positions Price in the lower third of Wisconsin's 72 counties, indicating economic pressures compared to state averages.

Struggling alongside peers

Price County's $58,720 median closely mirrors Rusk County ($58,322), both among the region's lowest earners. Polk County ($76,208) outearns Price by 29.7%, highlighting income disparities within northwest Wisconsin.

Rent pressures are real

Price County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% pushes toward affordability strain compared to healthier thresholds of 14-15%. A median home value of $146,000 offers some relief, but lower incomes create meaningful household budget constraints.

Start small, build steady

At $35,095 per capita, Price County households face tighter financial margins; focus first on stable emergency savings before investing. Even modest contributions to low-cost index funds or retirement accounts compound over time—consistency matters more than starting large.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Price County

via CrimeByCounty

Price County is Exceptionally Safe

Price County posts a total crime rate of just 668.2 per 100,000 residents. This figure is nearly four times lower than the national average, earning the county an elite safety score of 98.9.

Among the Safest in Wisconsin

Ranking among the top performers in Wisconsin, Price County's crime rate is significantly lower than the state average of 1,103.1. Its safety score of 98.9 is higher than the state mean of 98.3.

Setting a Regional Safety Standard

Price County's rate of 668.2 compares favorably to neighbor Rusk County's rate of 684.1. Both counties represent the high safety standards found in the northern Wisconsin woods.

Violent Crime is Rare Here

Violent crime is very rare here with a rate of 99.5 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 568.7. These low numbers reflect a community where serious incidents are infrequent.

Vigilance in the North Woods

In rural areas, remote monitoring can be a vital tool for property security. Maintaining good visibility around your home helps preserve Price County’s reputation for safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Price County

via HealthByCounty

Price County meets U.S. life expectancy

At 78.4 years, Price County residents live 0.6 years above the national average, though 16.1% report poor or fair health—roughly in line with U.S. norms. This modest health profile masks significant challenges in healthcare infrastructure for a rural county.

Slightly above Wisconsin average

Price County's 78.4-year life expectancy edges 0.6 years above Wisconsin's 77.8-year average, while its 7.1% uninsured rate matches the state norm. Despite holding health metrics steady, the county's provider infrastructure lags significantly behind state peers.

Facing rural healthcare challenge

Price County's 14 primary care providers per 100K is dramatically lower than Polk County (79 per 100K) and Sauk County (101 per 100K), ranking it as the most provider-sparse county in the region. Mental health provider availability at 99 per 100K also trails peers, suggesting residents travel long distances for specialty care.

Rural isolation compounds care access

With only 14 primary care providers per 100K, Price County residents often drive 30+ minutes for routine checkups, delaying preventive care and early interventions. The 7.1% uninsured rate affects roughly 1,400 residents, many of whom lack means to travel for distant, more costly emergency services.

Coverage matters in remote areas

In rural Price County, health insurance isn't just important—it's essential when emergency care means a long drive to the nearest hospital. If you're uninsured, contact a local health department or visit HealthCare.gov to enroll in Wisconsin Medicaid, which often covers telehealth services ideal for remote communities.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Price County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools in the Northwoods

Price County maintains a small, focused education system with 9 public schools serving 1,557 students across just 2 districts. This streamlined infrastructure includes 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates and Quality Scores

The county achieves an exceptional 95.9% graduation rate, nearly nine points higher than the national average. Its school score of 59.9 is one of the highest in the region, reflecting strong results for its per-pupil investment of $8,529.

Phillips District Sets the Standard

The Phillips School District is the largest provider in the county, educating 700 students across 3 schools. While most education is traditional, the county does host one charter school, offering a bit of variety in its rural setting.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every single school in Price County is classified as rural, creating a consistent and tight-knit learning environment. Schools are very small, averaging just 173 students, with Phillips Elementary being the largest at 329 students.

Discover Peace and Academic Excellence

Price County offers some of the highest graduation rates in the state, making it a hidden gem for families. Looking for a home near Phillips or Park Falls ensures your children attend schools with high composite scores.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Price County

via RiskByCounty

Price County among nation's safest

With a composite risk score of just 32.32 and a Very Low rating, Price County ranks among the safest counties nationally for natural disaster exposure. This low-risk profile gives residents a significant advantage in terms of both disaster frequency and severity.

Wisconsin's least risky county

Price County's 32.32 score falls far below Wisconsin's 59.08 state average, making it the safest county in the state by this measure. Its position in northern Wisconsin contributes to lower exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and storms compared to the state's southern regions.

Safest among surrounding counties

Price County's very low risk of 32.32 significantly outpaces all nearby counties, including Rusk County (37.28) and Portage County (62.72). This makes Price County an exceptional refuge from natural disasters within its region.

Minimal but monitor flood risk

Price County's greatest hazard is modest flood risk at 38.68, with tornado (34.32) and wildfire (13.71) risks remaining very low. Even the county's highest-risk hazard ranks well below state and national averages, reflecting genuinely limited disaster exposure.

Standard insurance suffices here

Price County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Still, maintain basic emergency supplies and stay informed about severe weather—complacency, not risk, is the real danger in safe areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Price County

via WeatherByCounty

Significantly Cooler Than the National Median

Price County stays cool with an annual average of 40.4°F, falling well below the national median. It maintains a classic humid continental climate with long, robust winters.

Among Wisconsin's Coldest Northern Counties

This is one of Wisconsin's colder regions, falling 4 degrees below the state average of 44.4°F. It ranks in the lower tier of counties for annual warmth.

Consistent Moisture in the North Woods

With 34.1 inches of annual precipitation, Price matches the moisture levels of nearby Taylor County. It remains consistently cooler than southern neighbors due to its northern latitude.

Winter Dominates the Price County Calendar

The December-to-February average is a frigid 14.2°F. Extreme heat is rare here, as temperatures hit 90°F only 2 days per year on average.

Focus on Heating and Cold Protection

While specific snowfall data is limited, residents must prepare for deep freezes. Investing in a reliable furnace and heavy winter gear is essential for the 10.8°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Price County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply acidic soils in the Northwoods

Price County features very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.94, well below the state average of 5.63. This low pH level significantly impacts which plants can naturally thrive without soil amendments.

Balanced silt and sand proportions

The soil mix contains 33.7% sand and 33.6% silt, with a low clay content of 6.8%. This creates a unique texture that balances workability with the ability to hold onto some moisture.

Exceptional organic richness and water storage

Price County leads with a massive 23.96% organic matter content and an available water capacity of 0.254 in/in. Both figures far exceed state averages, indicating a high potential for moisture retention and nutrient cycling.

Managing high water storage capacity

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high water capacity of 0.254 in/in suggests these soils stay moist longer than those in neighboring counties. This is ideal for wetland-adjacent gardening but requires careful site selection for construction.

Zone 4a favors the cold-hardy

Price County's 4a climate is perfect for blueberries and other acid-loving, cold-tolerant species. With a 67.6 soil score, you have a strong foundation for a productive northern garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Price County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Growing Conditions in the Northwoods

Price County’s lawn difficulty score of 53.0 is notably lower than the state average, signaling a more challenging environment for traditional turf. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 4a, your lawn must endure some of the coldest winters in the state.

Short Seasons and Rare Heat

A short, intense growing season is fueled by just 1,813 growing degree days and a mere 2 days of extreme heat. While 34.1 inches of rain provides sufficient moisture, the lack of warmth means grass grows more slowly than in southern Wisconsin.

Combatting Highly Acidic Forest Soils

The soil pH of 4.94 is among the most acidic in the state, falling far below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass. With sand at 33.7% and clay at 6.8%, the soil lacks a heavy mineral foundation, making lime and organic matter essential additions.

Extended Drought Hits 100% of Price

The entire county currently faces abnormally dry conditions after enduring 19 weeks of drought over the past year. Prioritize water conservation by letting your grass grow taller, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation.

Hardy Turf for a Brief Summer

Select the most cold-tolerant Fine Fescues to survive the deep freezes of Zone 4a. With the first frost arriving as early as September 24th, your window for seeding and establishment is much tighter than your southern neighbors.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Price County's county score?
Price County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 59.4 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 Price County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Price County ranks #6 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 Price County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Price County is $2,110, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Price County a tax score of 15.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Price County?
The median household income in Price County, Wisconsin is $58,720 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Price County earns an income score of 34.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Price County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Price County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Price 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 Price 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.