countyscore
38.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.8Soil Quality 69.5Lawn Care 69.5

County Report Card

About Racine County, Wisconsin

Challenged by National Benchmarks

Racine County holds a composite score of 38.6, trailing well behind the national median of 50.0. Significant cost and environmental factors drive this lower overall ranking.

Below the Wisconsin Average

Compared to the Wisconsin state average of 50.3, Racine’s score of 38.6 reflects local economic pressures. The county faces tougher conditions than many of its more rural neighbors.

Strong Income and Water

Despite overall challenges, the county maintains a strong income score of 77.8 and a water quality score of 63.2. A median household income of $75,331 suggests a robust workforce.

Taxes and Environmental Risk

Extremely low scores in taxes (7.1) and risk (14.6) highlight deep systemic challenges. The effective tax rate of 1.700% is one of the highest in the region, impacting overall affordability.

Suited for High Earners

Racine County is best for professionals who can leverage high local wages to offset the heavy tax burden and cost of living. It offers urban amenities and good water quality for those willing to pay a premium.

Score breakdown

Tax7.1Cost20.6Safety44.5Health61.4Schools49.1Income77.8Risk14.6Water63.2Weather54.1
🏛7.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠20.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.5
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

Kenosha County
Wisconsin
39.9
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin
24.7
Waukesha County
Wisconsin
51.9
Walworth County
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McHenry County
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Lake County
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Jefferson County
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Ozaukee County
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Deep Dives

Racine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Racine County

via TaxByCounty

Racine County taxes among highest in nation

At 1.700%, Racine County's effective tax rate meets the national median—but on homes valued lower than the national average, meaning real costs climb fast. The median property tax of $4,071 ranks among the highest seen anywhere in the country.

Wisconsin's second-highest rate overall

Racine County's 1.700% effective rate significantly exceeds Wisconsin's 1.436% average, making it one of the state's biggest property tax burdens. Homeowners pay roughly $990 more annually than the typical Wisconsin resident—the highest in this dataset.

Highest rate among regional peers

Racine County's 1.700% dwarfs Rock County (1.692%) and dramatically outpaces Sauk County (1.504%), Richland County (1.411%), and all northern counties. Only Rock County comes close to this exceptionally high rate.

Median bill reaches $4,071 annually

A typical Racine County home valued at $239,400 incurs $4,071 in annual property taxes—the highest in this analysis. Homeowners with mortgages pay $4,194, while mortgage-free owners average $3,866.

Appealing assessments becomes critical here

Given Racine County's exceptionally high tax rates, homeowners must carefully review their assessed values and challenge any inflated valuations. The cost of an appeal is minimal compared to potential savings year after year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Racine County

via CostByCounty

Racine faces above-average housing stress

Racine County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% exceeds the national average, meaning residents dedicate a larger share of income to housing. Despite a median household income of $75,331—nearly matching the U.S. average of $74,755—renters here face noticeably higher affordability pressure.

Racine ranks among Wisconsin's most expensive

At 16.2%, Racine's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Wisconsin, well above the state average of 14.9%. The median rent of $1,017/month represents one of the state's pricier rental markets.

Racine rents lead the comparison group

Racine's median rent of $1,017/month is $59 higher than Rock County and $114 more than Price County, reflecting stronger demand in this southeastern Wisconsin market. Homeowners face the highest ownership costs in this group at $1,278/month.

Homeownership costs run highest here

Racine renters pay $1,017/month while homeowners shoulder $1,278/month—the highest ownership costs in this comparison. With median income of $75,331, housing consumes 16.2% of renters' budgets and 20.3% for homeowners, above comfortable thresholds.

Racine: premium pricing for urban access

Racine works best for those willing to pay more for proximity to Lake Michigan and regional job markets. If you're relocating, weigh Racine's higher costs ($1,017+ rent) against access to amenities and employment opportunities other counties can't match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Racine County

via IncomeByCounty

Racine edges past the nation

Racine County's median household income of $75,331 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 0.8%. While the margin is slim, Racine maintains income parity with the broader American economy.

Strong Wisconsin standing

At $75,331, Racine County surpasses Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $3,616. This consistent edge positions Racine in the state's upper half, with incomes reflecting the county's established manufacturing and service sectors.

Regional income leader

Racine's $75,331 significantly outpaces rural neighbors Price ($58,720, a 28% gap) and Richland County ($62,649, a 20% gap). Among southeastern Wisconsin's income profile, Racine maintains competitive earnings.

Rental costs rise slightly

At 16.2% of household income, Racine's rent-to-income ratio creeps toward the upper comfort zone but remains manageable. A median home value of $239,400 remains accessible for typical households, though affordability requires attention to down payment planning.

Invest beyond the basics

Racine County's per capita income of $39,704 supports wealth diversification—once housing and emergency savings are solid. Consider employer 401(k) matching, IRAs, or taxable brokerage accounts to accelerate long-term asset growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Racine County

via CrimeByCounty

Racine County Stays Below National Rates

Racine County reports a total crime rate of 1,243.2 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 98.0.

Holding Steady Against State Averages

While Racine’s crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1,103.1, its safety score of 98.0 is close to the state average of 98.3. It faces unique challenges as a more urbanized area.

Safer than Neighboring Urban Centers

Racine's 1,243.2 rate is notably lower than Rock County’s 1,736.7. This positioning reflects its role as a safer alternative among the major hubs in the southeast.

Understanding Local Crime Dynamics

The county sees a property crime rate of 1,017.9 and a violent crime rate of 225.3 per 100,000 people. These numbers indicate that property-related offenses are the primary concern for local residents.

Smart Security for Your Household

Given the urban density, securing entry points with deadbolts and alarms is a smart investment. Residents can play an active role in keeping Racine safe by reporting suspicious activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Racine County

via HealthByCounty

Racine County trails national life expectancy

At 75.8 years, Racine County residents live 2 years below the U.S. average, with 18.2% reporting poor or fair health—among the highest rates nationally. This gap reflects chronic disease burden, socioeconomic disparities, and healthcare access challenges concentrated in the county's urban core.

Wisconsin's health equity challenge

Racine County's 75.8-year life expectancy lags Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by 2 years, the largest gap among comparison counties, while its 7.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state norm. These disparities underscore Racine's need for targeted public health investment and provider expansion.

Significant disadvantage across metrics

Racine County's 75.8-year life expectancy trails all regional peers, falling 3.5 years below Portage County and 2.5 years below Rock County (76.3). Its 18.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the region, signaling concentrated health challenges.

Insurance gaps meet provider shortage

Racine County's 43 primary care providers per 100K ranks below most peers, and 7.2% of residents—roughly 6,900 people—lack health insurance entirely. For uninsured residents facing chronic conditions, delayed care often worsens outcomes and increases emergency department reliance.

Health coverage is a right

Nearly 7,000 Racine County residents are uninsured, placing them at financial and health risk when illness strikes without warning. Explore your options today: Wisconsin Medicaid, ACA subsidies, and community health centers can make care affordable—visit HealthCare.gov or call 211 for local resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Racine County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive and Diverse Education Network

Racine County operates 50 public schools across 13 districts, educating a large population of 25,620 students. The system is elementary-heavy with 33 schools, supported by several middle, high, and alternative campuses.

Navigating Challenges in Student Success

The graduation rate of 84.6% sits below the state and national averages, though the county invests $8,752 per pupil. With a school score of 54.5, local districts continue to work toward closing the gap with state benchmarks.

The Influence of Racine Unified

The Racine Unified School District is the largest by far, managing 26 schools and serving over 16,000 students. While charter schools represent only 2.0% of the total, the county offers 4 alternative schools to support diverse learner needs.

Urban Centers and Large Campuses

With 22 schools located in city settings, students here experience a more urban environment than in neighboring counties. Average school size is 523 students, but major institutions like Case High enroll nearly 1,900 students.

Find Your Fit in a Diverse County

From urban centers to suburban neighborhoods, Racine County offers a wide variety of school settings. Families often explore homes near the high-performing Union Grove or Burlington districts for specialized educational paths.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Racine County

via RiskByCounty

Racine County faces above-average risk

Racine County's composite risk score of 85.43 and Relatively Moderate rating place it well above the national average, signaling genuine elevated exposure to multiple hazards. This southeastern Wisconsin county ranks among the nation's more vulnerable regions for natural disaster risk.

Highest-risk county in Wisconsin

At 85.43, Racine County significantly exceeds Wisconsin's 59.08 state average and ranks as the state's most hazard-exposed county by a substantial margin. Its position on Lake Michigan and in southern Wisconsin's severe weather corridor drives this elevated profile.

Riskier than all surrounding counties

Racine County's score of 85.43 dramatically exceeds neighboring Rock County (86.36)—actually tied as the state's two riskiest counties. Both far outpace safer inland counties like Richland (51.56), underscoring the heightened vulnerability of southern Wisconsin's urbanized lakeshore corridor.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes loom

Racine County faces severe tornado risk (93.07), exceptional flood risk (85.66), and surprisingly significant earthquake risk (61.39)—the latter driven by proximity to seismic zones. These three hazards combined create a complex, multi-faceted threat landscape requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Layered insurance essential for safety

Racine County residents must secure robust flood insurance, reinforce homes against tornadoes, and consider earthquake coverage—a rare necessity in Wisconsin. Work with an insurance agent to build a multi-hazard protection plan and establish a detailed home inventory for damage claims.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Racine County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Great Lakes Coastal Climate

Racine County averages 47.0°F annually, staying cooler than the national median but warmer than much of the Upper Midwest. Its position on Lake Michigan helps moderate the local climate.

One of Wisconsin's Warmest Counties

The county ranks as one of Wisconsin's warmest, exceeding the state average of 44.4°F by nearly 3 degrees. It experiences some of the mildest winters in the state.

Mirroring Neighbors Along the Lake

Racine receives 34.8 inches of precipitation, which is very similar to its southern neighbor, Kenosha County. It typically sees less snow than inland counties located further west.

Warm Summers and Moderate Snowfall

Summers bring 7 days over 90°F and a July average of 71.0°F. Winters are manageable by state standards, seeing 39.7 inches of snow and a 21.2°F January average.

Prepare for Humidity and Lake Snow

Efficient air conditioning is a smart investment for the humid July heat. Residents should also prepare for lake-effect snow events that contribute to the 39.7-inch annual total.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Racine County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols provide a stable agricultural base

Racine County's landscape is dominated by Alfisols with a loam texture and an average pH of 5.84. This pH level is healthier than the state average of 5.63, though it remains below the national median of 6.5.

High silt content aids nutrient retention

The composition consists of 31.1% sand, 41.6% silt, and 16.0% clay. The relatively high clay and silt percentages help the soil hold onto nutrients and water better than sandier counties to the north.

Solid fertility despite lower organic matter

The organic matter content stands at 5.41%, which is above the national average but below the 11.02% state average. The soil score of 69.5 reflects a high productivity potential compared to many other Wisconsin regions.

Well-drained land with moderate runoff

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group C, Racine’s soil moves water effectively but can be prone to slower infiltration. This makes it a reliable choice for both large-scale farming and suburban gardening.

Longer growing seasons in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone allows for a wider variety of crops, including peppers and tomatoes. Take advantage of the 0.196 in/in water capacity to grow a lush, productive backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Racine County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growing Conditions in Southeast Wisconsin

Racine County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 69.5, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national average. Its position in Hardiness Zone 5b offers a milder climate that supports a wider variety of turf options.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rain

With 34.8 inches of rain and 2,502 growing degree days, the climate is well-suited for vigorous grass growth. Seven extreme heat days per year suggest a need for occasional supplemental watering during July's peak temperatures.

Rich Loam with Strong Mineral Base

The soil features a healthy 16.0% clay content and 31.1% sand, creating a well-drained loam that holds nutrients well. While the 5.84 pH is slightly acidic, it is very close to the 6.0-7.0 ideal range, requiring only minor adjustments.

Moderate Drought Risk Near the Lake

About 42% of Racine is currently abnormally dry, following 13 weeks of drought over the past year. Utilize rain barrels to capture runoff for your garden, ensuring your lawn stays resilient without over-taxing municipal systems.

An Extended Window for Lawn Success

The long season lasts from May 5th until October 24th, giving you ample time to establish a lush Kentucky Bluegrass lawn. This extended timeframe allows for effective fall over-seeding, which is the best way to thicken a lawn in Zone 5b.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Racine County's county score?
Racine County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 38.7 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 Racine County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Racine County ranks #69 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 Racine County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Racine County is $4,071, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Racine County a tax score of 7.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Racine County?
The median household income in Racine County, Wisconsin is $75,331 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Racine County earns an income score of 77.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Racine County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Racine County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Racine 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 Racine 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.