countyscore
54.3
County Score
Lawn Care 75Safety 73.5Health 70.1

County Report Card

About Richland County, Wisconsin

Solidly Above the Median

Richland County earns a composite score of 53.0, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high quality of life with strengths in community security.

A Reliable State Performer

Richland County’s score of 53.0 outperforms the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It maintains a strong position within the state by balancing safety and housing costs.

Secure and Affordable Housing

The county shines with a safety score of 73.5 and a cost score of 52.0. A median gross rent of $786 makes it an accessible option for those looking to stretch their dollars further.

Water Quality and Taxes

Water quality (32.2) and high taxes (16.8) are the primary areas needing improvement. The effective tax rate of 1.411% places a noticeable burden on property owners.

Great for Peaceful Living

This county is a top choice for individuals seeking a safe, quiet community with very affordable housing. It particularly suits those who prioritize safety and manageable living expenses over high-tech infrastructure.

2040608010015.457.873.570.154.35348.532.250.1Tax15.4Cost57.8Safety73.5Health70.1Schools54.3Income53Risk48.5Water32.2Weather50.154.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Richland County DNA

Foverall

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

Richland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (70.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (15.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
15.4-36.6
Cost
57.8+9.799999999999997
Safety
73.5+18.5
Health
70.1+20.099999999999994
Schools
54.3
Income
53
Risk
48.5
Water
32.2-25.799999999999997
Weather
50.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Richland County?

Many homeowners in Richland County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$197,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$771/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$197,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,420/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Sauk County
Wisconsin
42.4
Iowa County
Wisconsin
56.3
Vernon County
Wisconsin
51.9
Crawford County
Wisconsin
47.1
Allamakee County
Iowa
57.7
Grant County
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49.9
Juneau County
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46.4
Monroe County
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42.4

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richland County

via TaxByCounty

Richland County below U.S. tax average

Richland County's effective tax rate of 1.411% sits below the national median of 1.700%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,579 reflects relatively modest home values in the county.

Near Wisconsin's average, slightly lower

At 1.411%, Richland County's rate sits just 1.75% below Wisconsin's 1.436% average, making it essentially in line with the state. Homeowners pay $2,579 annually on median, about $502 less than the state median tax bill.

Most affordable among southern neighbors

Richland County's 1.411% rate undercuts Rock County (1.692%), Sauk County (1.504%), and Racine County (1.700%), making it the most tax-friendly in its region. Only among northern counties do Polk and Rusk run lower.

Median annual tax totals $2,579

A typical Richland County home valued at $182,800 carries an annual property tax of $2,579. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,565, while mortgage-free owners average $2,598.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Even in a county with moderate tax rates, individual parcels can be overvalued relative to comparable sales. Richland County homeowners should verify their assessed values and consider filing an appeal if their homes appear overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland County

via IncomeByCounty

Richland trails national median

Richland County's median household income of $62,649 falls 16.2% short of the national median of $74,755. This gap indicates economic pressures that many Richland households face compared to typical American earnings.

Below Wisconsin average

At $62,649, Richland County lags Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $9,066. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties, reflecting its rural, agricultural economy.

Mid-range rural income

Richland's $62,649 exceeds Price ($58,720) and Rusk ($58,322) but trails Sauk County ($77,648) by 19.4%. Within its regional cluster, Richland occupies a middle position, stronger than its most rural peers.

Affordable housing helps

Richland County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits in a healthy affordability range, and the median home value of $182,800 is significantly lower than state averages. Housing affordability provides relief for households managing modest incomes.

Leverage low housing costs

Richland County's per capita income of $34,011 combined with affordable housing creates opportunity—focus on maintaining steady employment and maximizing any employer benefits. Use housing savings to fund retirement accounts and build a financial cushion for future growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richland County

via CrimeByCounty

National Leader in Public Safety

Richland County is one of the safest in the nation, with a total crime rate of only 631.6 per 100,000. This translates to an impressive safety score of 99.0, far surpassing national averages.

Richland Sets the State Standard

At 631.6, Richland's crime rate is almost half the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1. It consistently ranks as a leader in public safety within the state.

Outstanding Safety in Southwest Wisconsin

Richland maintains a much lower rate than nearby Sauk County's 1,644.7. This makes it a standout for safety in the southwest region and a very secure place to call home.

Minimal Violent Crime Reports

The breakdown reveals a very low violent crime rate of 75.3 and a property crime rate of 556.3 per 100,000. These figures highlight a community where crime is the exception rather than the rule.

Keep Richland County Secure

Maintaining such high safety standards requires continued community vigilance. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and neighborly awareness ensure Richland County remains a secure place for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richland County

via WeatherByCounty

Distinct Shifts Between the Seasons

Richland County's 45.8°F annual average reflects a temperate but highly seasonal climate compared to the national median. The area experiences wide shifts between humid summers and snowy winters.

Warmer and Wetter Than State Averages

Richland sits above the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. Its 39.5 inches of precipitation also makes it significantly wetter than the state average.

A High-Precipitation Driftless Region

The county sees more precipitation than neighboring Sauk, which averages 37.3 inches. This extra moisture contributes to the lush, hilly landscape of the region.

Active Summers and Standard Winters

Summers are active with 9 days hitting 90°F and a summer average of 68.9°F. Winters bring 40.4 inches of snow and typical lows around 17.5°F in January.

Manage Rainfall and Temperature Swings

Property owners should ensure proper drainage systems to handle the high annual rainfall of 39.5 inches. Dual-stage heating and cooling systems are ideal for managing the wide temperature swings.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland County

via SoilByCounty

Higher pH levels in Richland soil

Richland County enjoys an average pH of 6.01, which is significantly closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of the state. This makes it one of the more chemically balanced soils in Wisconsin for general agriculture.

Silty profiles for excellent workability

With 44.7% silt and 39.3% sand, this soil offers a smooth texture that is easy to till. The 13.0% clay content provides just enough structure to assist with nutrient stability.

Focus on building organic matter

At 4.00%, the organic matter is lower than the state average of 11.02% but still double the national average. The available water capacity of 0.186 in/in means you may need to monitor soil moisture during dry spells.

Steady hydrology for the Driftless Area

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this county. However, the balanced silt and sand levels generally suggest moderate drainage suitable for various land uses.

Thriving harvests in Zone 5a

Richland's 5a climate and 65.4 soil score provide a great environment for brassicas and root vegetables. Your soil's 6.01 pH gives you a head start on many common garden favorites.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland County

via LawnByCounty

Superior Lawn Potential in Richland County

Richland County leads the region with an impressive lawn difficulty score of 75.0, far exceeding both state and national benchmarks. Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, the county offers a perfect balance of temperature and moisture for home landscapes.

Abundant Rainfall for Lush Growth

Receiving 39.5 inches of annual precipitation, Richland is significantly wetter than the Wisconsin average of 34.5 inches. This extra moisture supports 2,479 growing degree days, though 9 extreme heat days mean you should monitor for wilt in mid-summer.

Perfectly Balanced Soil Chemistry

The soil pH of 6.01 sits right at the start of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning nutrients are readily available for your grass. Although specific drainage data is limited, the 39.3% sand content suggests a soil structure that handles the county's high rainfall well.

High Rainfall Buffers Against Drought

Despite 12 weeks of drought last year, Richland's high annual precipitation helps lawns recover quickly. Currently, 38.5% of the county is abnormally dry, but the overall moisture profile makes this one of the most resilient areas in the state.

Seeding Success in Southwest Wisconsin

The generous rainfall makes Richland an excellent place for Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass blends. Start your projects after May 5th to avoid late frosts and enjoy a robust growing season that lasts until early October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland County's county score?
Richland County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Richland County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Richland County ranks #21 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 Richland County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Richland County is $2,735, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, Wisconsin is $66,420 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 53/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Richland County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Richland 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 Richland County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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