countyscore
53
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.

Score breakdown

Tax16.8Cost52Safety73.5Health70.1Schools54.3Income47.2Risk48.5Water32.2Weather50.1
🏛16.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75
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 →
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

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
Compare Richland County with Hart County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Hart County
Georgia
Median income: $57,241
53
Bell County
Kentucky
Median income: $32,403
53
Cumberland County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $85,634
53
Indiana County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $58,739
53
Tioga County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $62,932
53
Roane County
Tennessee
Median income: $66,218
53
Blount County
Alabama
Median income: $61,096
52.9
Taylor County
Florida
Median income: $44,985
52.9

Nearby counties

Sauk County
Wisconsin
42.5
Iowa County
Wisconsin
56.2
Vernon County
Wisconsin
51.6
Crawford County
Wisconsin
46.1
Allamakee County
Iowa
60.2
Grant County
Wisconsin
49.2
Juneau County
Wisconsin
46.2
Monroe County
Wisconsin
41.9

Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Richland County

via CostByCounty

Richland balances low income with low rents

Richland County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits slightly above the national average, though the median household income of $62,649 falls 16.2% below the U.S. average. Low rents of $786/month partially offset income challenges.

Richland ranks solidly among state affordability

At 15.1%, Richland's rent-to-income ratio sits just above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, positioning the county in the middle range. The median rent of $786/month runs $105 below the state average, offering meaningful relief.

Richland rents beat most comparisons

Richland's median rent of $786/month ranks among the lowest in this group, undercut only by Price County ($801). Homeowners benefit similarly, paying $930/month—well below the regional average.

Low costs offset lower incomes

Renters spend $786/month while homeowners pay $930/month on housing in Richland, both among the region's lowest costs. The median income of $62,649 means housing consumes 15.1% of renters' budgets and 17.8% for homeowners—manageable despite lower wages.

Richland offers rural affordability balance

If you're relocating from a high-cost area but don't require high local wages, Richland delivers genuine affordability at $786/month rent. The median home value of $182,800 and low housing costs make this county ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking rural living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Richland County

via HealthByCounty

Richland County's life expectancy holds steady

At 78.5 years, Richland County residents live 0.7 years above the U.S. average, with 17.1% reporting poor or fair health slightly above national norms. While overall longevity appears solid, the poor/fair health rate suggests underlying chronic disease management challenges.

Above Wisconsin average, higher uninsured

Richland County's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's 77.8-year average, but its 7.9% uninsured rate—the highest among comparison counties—stands 0.9 percentage points above the state norm. This insurance gap contradicts the county's relatively strong health outcomes.

Strong providers, vulnerable population

Richland County boasts 76 primary care providers per 100K, competitive with Polk County (79 per 100K), yet its 7.9% uninsured rate is the highest in the region and 1.6 points above Portage County. This mismatch suggests that while providers exist, affordability barriers prevent many residents from accessing care.

Good capacity, access barriers persist

Richland County has solid primary care capacity at 76 providers per 100K and 151 mental health providers per 100K, yet 7.9% of residents—roughly 1,200 people—lack insurance. Uninsured status often means delayed preventive visits and emergency-focused care that costs more and yields worse outcomes.

Insurance removes cost barriers

Despite Richland County's adequate provider network, being uninsured creates financial fear that delays care-seeking until crises occur. If you're among the 7.9% without coverage, visit HealthCare.gov or Wisconsin Medicaid today—subsidized plans and financial assistance make coverage affordable for most households.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Learning in Richland

Richland County serves 1,506 students across 7 public schools and 2 main districts. This small network includes 3 elementary schools and 2 high schools, providing a high ratio of educators to students.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Values

The county maintains an 88.8% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average. Despite a lean budget of $8,110 per pupil, the county's school score of 55.3 shows steady performance near state averages.

Richland School District at the Core

The Richland School District is the county's largest, educating 1,139 students across 4 schools. The county also features one charter school, providing an alternative educational path within this rural community.

Close-Knit Rural Schools

Six of the county's seven schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of 215 students. Richland Center High is the largest school with 563 students, while several primary schools offer very small, personalized class sizes.

Perfect for a Small-Town Lifestyle

For those who value a rural education where everyone knows your name, Richland County is ideal. Researching homes near Richland Center offers access to the county's most comprehensive school facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland County

via RiskByCounty

Richland County below national risk average

With a composite risk score of 51.56 and a Relatively Low rating, Richland County sits comfortably below the national average for natural disaster exposure. This southwestern Wisconsin county enjoys meaningful protection from the most severe hazard scenarios.

Safer than Wisconsin overall

Richland County's 51.56 score sits well below Wisconsin's 59.08 state average, placing it in the safer half of the state's counties. Its inland location and distance from Lake Michigan contribute to reduced flood and hurricane exposure compared to eastern regions.

Safer than Sauk, riskier than Price

Richland County's score of 51.56 places it between safer Price County (32.32) to the north and riskier Sauk County (72.11) to the east. Its position in a transitional zone between Wisconsin's safest and more exposed regions is reflected in moderate-but-manageable risk levels.

Floods pose the primary hazard

Flood risk dominates Richland County at 62.95, while tornado risk is moderate at 50.99 and wildfire risk remains low at 14.82. The county's hilly terrain and river systems create localized flood exposure that deserves specific attention.

Flood insurance and storm prep matter

Richland County residents, particularly those near rivers and low-lying areas, should secure flood insurance as a priority—standard policies exclude water damage. Maintain gutters, elevate utilities where possible, and develop a tornado safety plan for your household.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 53 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 #27 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 $2,579, with an effective tax rate of 1.41%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 16.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, Wisconsin is $62,649 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Richland County scores 53/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 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.

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.