countyscore
38.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 76.3Soil Quality 75.2Health 72.3

County Report Card

About Rock County, Wisconsin

Struggling Against National Averages

Rock County’s composite score of 38.9 falls short of the national median of 50.0. This is largely due to low scores in safety and high tax rates compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the State Average

At 38.9, Rock County ranks significantly below the Wisconsin average of 50.3. While it offers high incomes, it lacks the overall balance found in other parts of the state.

Strong Health and Wages

The county maintains a high income score of 76.3 and a health score of 72.3. A median household income of $74,390 provides residents with substantial purchasing power.

Safety and Tax Concerns

With a safety score of 28.0 and a risk score of 13.6, the county faces notable environmental and social challenges. The effective tax rate of 1.692% is also quite steep.

Suited for Health Professionals

Rock County is a good fit for medical workers or high-income earners who want to take advantage of local healthcare infrastructure. Potential residents should be comfortable with a more urban risk profile and higher property taxes.

Score breakdown

Tax7.3Cost24Safety28Health72.3Schools59.9Income76.3Risk13.6Water57.1Weather50.8
🏛7.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.8
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

Jefferson County
Wisconsin
48.6
Winnebago County
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42.4
Green County
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54
Boone County
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Stephenson County
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McHenry County
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Deep Dives

Rock County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rock County

via TaxByCounty

Rock County's taxes run above national norm

At 1.692%, Rock County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.700%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $3,652 reflects both moderate home values and relatively high rates.

Wisconsin's third-highest rate statewide

Rock County's 1.692% effective rate far exceeds Wisconsin's 1.436% average, ranking among the state's costliest counties. Homeowners here pay roughly $571 more annually than the typical Wisconsin resident.

Second only to Racine County locally

Rock County's 1.692% rate trails only Racine County (1.700%) in this region, dramatically exceeding Sauk County (1.504%), Richland County (1.411%), and all northern peers. It's firmly in the high-tax category for southern Wisconsin.

Median bill averages $3,652 yearly

A typical Rock County home valued at $215,900 incurs $3,652 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,701, while mortgage-free owners average $3,566.

Assessment appeals hold real value here

Rock County's high tax rates make careful assessment review essential—even a small reduction in assessed value generates meaningful annual savings. Homeowners should compare their valuations to recent comparable sales and appeal if justified.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rock County

via CostByCounty

Rock County's housing costs outpace income

Rock County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% exceeds both the national average and Wisconsin's state average, signaling tight affordability. Although median household income of $74,390 matches the national average, renters here face higher proportional housing costs.

Rock ranks among Wisconsin's least affordable

At 16.4%, Rock County ties for the highest rent-to-income ratio in this comparison, placing it among Wisconsin's least affordable counties against the state average of 14.9%. The median rent of $1,019/month reflects growing demand in this Janesville-centered market.

Rock rents exceed most surrounding counties

Rock's median rent of $1,019/month ranks second-highest in this group, $2 behind Racine and well above rural counties like Price ($801) and Richland ($786). Homeowners pay $1,129/month, placing Rock squarely in the upper tier.

Renters stretch tight budgets here

Rock County renters pay $1,019/month while homeowners allocate $1,129/month for housing costs. Against a median income of $74,390, renters dedicate 16.4% of annual earnings to housing, while homeowners commit 18.2%—both above comfortable thresholds.

Rock requires higher income to thrive

Rock County suits those with secure above-average incomes, as housing costs here run among Wisconsin's highest at $1,019 rent. If you're relocating, prioritize Rock only if local employment opportunities justify the elevated housing burden of 16.4% of household income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rock County

via IncomeByCounty

Rock matches national pace

Rock County's median household income of $74,390 sits just 0.5% below the national median of $74,755. The county holds steady with typical American household earnings, reflecting a balanced regional economy.

Upper-middle Wisconsin rank

At $74,390, Rock County outearns Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $2,675. This consistent advantage places Rock in the upper-middle tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties, driven by its manufacturing and education base.

Strong regional competitor

Rock's $74,390 exceeds Richland County ($62,649) by 18.7% and outpaces Price County ($58,720) by 26.6%. Among south-central Wisconsin counties, Rock maintains competitive income levels supported by Janesville's economy.

Watch rental proportions

Rock County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% approaches the higher end of comfort; careful budgeting helps. A median home value of $215,900 is accessible for households at the county median, though down payment planning is important.

Build systematic investment

Rock County's per capita income of $37,428 provides a solid foundation for wealth-building once housing is managed. Establish automatic contributions to retirement plans and explore employer matching programs—consistency beats timing in long-term investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rock County

via CrimeByCounty

Rock County Below National Averages

Rock County has a total crime rate of 1,736.7 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.3 based on these figures.

Rock County's Place in Wisconsin

Rock County’s crime rate of 1,736.7 is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1. Its safety score of 97.3 is just below the statewide average of 98.3.

Comparing Rates to Nearby Racine

With a higher rate than neighbors like Racine (1,243.2), Rock County faces more urban safety challenges. However, it still maintains a lower crime profile than many similarly sized counties nationwide.

Property Crime Drives Local Stats

The county reports a violent crime rate of 244.2 and a property crime rate of 1,492.5 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is the most frequent issue, accounting for the vast majority of local reports.

Proactive Security for Rock Residents

Security systems and neighborhood watch programs are effective tools in Rock County. Taking proactive steps to secure your home helps reduce the risk of property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rock County

via HealthByCounty

Rock County trails national life expectancy

At 76.3 years, Rock County residents live 1.5 years below the U.S. average, though the 15.8% poor/fair health rate is near national norms. This gap reflects demographic shifts, economic pressures, and health-limiting occupations that concentrate in the county's industrial base.

Below Wisconsin average health outcomes

Rock County's 76.3-year life expectancy trails Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by 1.5 years, while its 6.6% uninsured rate is one of the lowest in comparison counties. Strong insurance access masks underlying health disparities tied to income and employment patterns.

Middle performer with strong mental health access

Rock County's 76.3-year life expectancy matches Rusk County but trails Portage by 3 years; however, its 228 mental health providers per 100K is the highest in the region. Primary care availability at 51 per 100K is moderate, suggesting some residents face scheduling delays.

Insurance strength doesn't guarantee access

Rock County's 6.6% uninsured rate is among the lowest regionally, protecting most residents from catastrophic medical debt. However, 51 primary care providers per 100K means many appointments require weeks of waiting, and the 76.3-year life expectancy suggests chronic disease management remains uneven across the population.

Ensure continuous coverage

Rock County's strong insurance rates show what coverage can accomplish—but maintaining it is crucial, especially during job changes or family transitions. If your insurance status is uncertain, visit HealthCare.gov or Wisconsin Medicaid to verify enrollment; continuous coverage prevents gaps that derail treatment plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rock County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Regional Education Hub

Rock County hosts an expansive system of 65 public schools across 9 districts, serving 25,692 students. This includes 30 elementary schools and 14 high schools, making it one of the largest educational infrastructures in the state.

Strong Graduation Rates in Major Districts

The county maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national average of 87.0%. Academic performance is consistent, with a school score of 56.1 and per-pupil spending of $7,932.

Janesville and Beloit Lead the County

The Janesville School District is the largest, educating over 9,500 students, followed by Beloit with 5,165. The county offers a healthy variety of choices, with 6 charter schools and 3 alternative schools available.

Urban Variety and Large High Schools

With 37 schools in city settings, Rock County offers a fast-paced urban educational environment. Schools average 401 students, but Craig High and Memorial High each serve over 1,400 students, offering vast extracurricular opportunities.

Home Options Near Academic Powerhouses

Rock County's diverse districts like Janesville and Milton make it a prime location for families moving to Southern Wisconsin. High-performing high schools and a wide range of charter options are key draws for local homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rock County

via RiskByCounty

Rock County faces elevated national risk

Rock County's composite risk score of 86.36 and Relatively Moderate rating place it among the most hazard-exposed counties in the nation. This south-central Wisconsin county's risk profile rivals some of America's most vulnerable regions.

Tied as Wisconsin's highest-risk county

Rock County's 86.36 score essentially ties Racine County (85.43) as Wisconsin's most hazard-exposed county, far exceeding the state average of 59.08. These two southern counties represent a distinct tier of elevated risk within Wisconsin.

Riskiest in its region by far

Rock County's 86.36 dramatically exceeds all nearby counties, including Richland (51.56), Sauk (72.11), and Racine (85.43). Its position in the state's vulnerable south-central corridor, combined with active severe weather patterns, creates a uniquely hazardous environment.

Tornadoes and floods are primary threats

Rock County residents face exceptional tornado risk (94.34) and flood risk (87.60), making it one of the nation's most tornado-active areas. Earthquake risk (59.32) is also notably elevated, creating a three-part hazard profile uncommon in the Midwest.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Rock County homeowners must prioritize flood insurance, tornado-resistant construction upgrades, and earthquake coverage—a rare but warranted combination in Wisconsin. Work with an insurance professional to ensure your policy covers all three primary hazards and review it annually given the county's exceptional risk level.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rock County

via WeatherByCounty

A Southern Great Lakes Profile

Rock County averages 46.7°F annually, which is cooler than the national median but high for the Great Lakes. The climate is characterized by four distinct and robust seasons.

Among Wisconsin's Warmest Southern Tier

Positioned on the Illinois border, Rock is among Wisconsin's warmest counties, surpassing the state average of 44.4°F. It records some of the highest extreme heat counts in the state.

Wetter and Warmer Than Neighbors

With 37.9 inches of precipitation, Rock is slightly wetter than its eastern neighbor, Walworth County. It shares a southern-tier warmth that sets it apart from central Wisconsin.

Significant Heat and Moderate Snow

Heat is a major factor here, with 10 days per year reaching or exceeding 90°F. Winters are relatively dry compared to the north, seeing 36.7 inches of annual snow.

Ready for Summer Heat Waves

Residents should prepare for summer heat by maintaining efficient cooling systems. The 10 extreme heat days require community awareness and hydration planning for outdoor work.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rock County

via SoilByCounty

Top-tier agricultural soils in Rock County

Rock County features Alfisols with a loam texture and a pH of 6.18, the highest in this group. This approaches the national median of 6.5 and is much more alkaline than the Wisconsin average of 5.63.

The ideal loam for diverse farming

The soil contains 40.8% silt, 38.2% sand, and 16.5% clay. This 'Goldilocks' mix provides excellent drainage, good aeration, and high nutrient-holding capacity for local farmers.

Wisconsin's leading soil health score

Rock County earns an impressive soil score of 75.2, well above the state average of 68.2. While organic matter is 4.67%, the soil's structure and 0.198 in/in water capacity make it highly productive.

Reliable drainage for development and crops

The soil is well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. These conditions are perfect for maintaining healthy root systems and providing stable ground for building projects.

Maximum productivity in Zone 5b

With a 5b hardiness zone and high-quality loam, Rock County is a gardener's paradise. You can successfully grow everything from corn to delicate flowering perennials in this prime soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rock County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Lawn Conditions on the Southern Border

Rock County's 69.8 lawn difficulty score makes it one of the easier places in Wisconsin to maintain a healthy yard. Hardiness Zone 5b allows for a more resilient selection of grasses that can handle both cold winters and warmer summer peaks.

High Energy for Maximum Growth

With 2,633 growing degree days and 10 extreme heat days, grass in Rock County grows faster than in most of the state. The 37.9 inches of annual precipitation is well above the state average, providing the fuel needed for this high-energy growth.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

Rock County features an ideal soil pH of 6.18, falling perfectly within the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot for turfgrass. The well-drained loam, comprised of 16.5% clay and 38.2% sand, provides an excellent foundation for deep root systems.

Navigating a History of Dry Spells

The county endured 25 weeks of drought over the past year, significantly more than its northern neighbors. While only 34.6% is currently dry, the high heat suggests you should invest in drought-tolerant seed mixes to weather future dry spells.

Early Starts and Late Finishes

Rock County enjoys an early start to the season with the last frost typically hitting April 30th. This long window, stretching until October 12th, is perfect for establishing heat-tolerant Turf-Type Tall Fescues.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rock County's county score?
Rock County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 38.9 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 Rock County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Rock County ranks #68 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 Rock County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Rock County is $3,652, with an effective tax rate of 1.69%. This earns Rock County a tax score of 7.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rock County?
The median household income in Rock County, Wisconsin is $74,390 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rock County earns an income score of 76.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rock County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Rock County scores 38.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Rock 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 Rock 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.