Richland County's composite score of 67.0 is 17 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates strong, balanced livability across key dimensions.
2 / 5
Above average in Wisconsin competition
Richland scores 67.0, exceeding Wisconsin's 65.6 state average by 1.4 points, and ranks in the upper-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. It's among Wisconsin's more livable communities.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability leads the way
Richland County's cost score of 80.2 reflects median home values of $182,800 and rent at $786/month—among the lowest in this group. A tax score of 62.6 and moderate health outcomes (74.2) round out solid fundamentals.
4 / 5
Income opportunity remains limited
The income score of 24.3 is low, with median household income at $62,649, indicating constrained earning potential. The moderate risk score of 48.5 suggests some economic vulnerability worth monitoring.
5 / 5
Ideal for affordable-living seekers
Richland County appeals to households prioritizing low housing costs, modest taxes, and rural stability over income growth. It suits retirees, remote workers, and families comfortable with smaller-town economies.
Richland County's composite score of 67.0 is 17 points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates strong, balanced livability across key dimensions.
Above average in Wisconsin competition
Richland scores 67.0, exceeding Wisconsin's 65.6 state average by 1.4 points, and ranks in the upper-middle tier of the state's 72 counties. It's among Wisconsin's more livable communities.
Exceptional housing affordability leads the way
Richland County's cost score of 80.2 reflects median home values of $182,800 and rent at $786/month—among the lowest in this group. A tax score of 62.6 and moderate health outcomes (74.2) round out solid fundamentals.
Income opportunity remains limited
The income score of 24.3 is low, with median household income at $62,649, indicating constrained earning potential. The moderate risk score of 48.5 suggests some economic vulnerability worth monitoring.
Ideal for affordable-living seekers
Richland County appeals to households prioritizing low housing costs, modest taxes, and rural stability over income growth. It suits retirees, remote workers, and families comfortable with smaller-town economies.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛62.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.