countyscore
42.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.1Schools 74.5Lawn Care 71

County Report Card

About Sauk County, Wisconsin

Trailing the National Benchmark

Sauk County earns a composite score of 42.5, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. High costs and safety concerns are the primary factors weighing down the score.

Behind the Wisconsin Average

With a score of 42.5, Sauk County sits below the Wisconsin average of 50.3. While it has pockets of excellence, it faces more livability challenges than the average Badger State county.

High Earnings and Quality Schools

Income is a major strength with a score of 81.1, supported by a median household income of $77,648. The school score of 74.5 also indicates a strong environment for education.

Safety and High Taxes

The county struggles with a safety score of 30.6 and a tax score of 12.7. An effective tax rate of 1.504% and a low risk score of 27.9 make the area more expensive and vulnerable.

Best for High-Earning Families

Sauk County is a strong choice for families who prioritize high-quality schools and have the income to support higher taxes. It caters well to those seeking professional opportunities within a strong local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax12.7Cost24.5Safety30.6Health68.9Schools74.5Income81.1Risk27.9Water44.4Weather52.3
🏛12.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71
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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Deep Dives

Sauk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sauk County

via TaxByCounty

Sauk County taxes run above U.S. median

At 1.504%, Sauk 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 $3,646 reflects moderate home values paired with moderately high rates.

Among Wisconsin's higher-tax counties

Sauk County's 1.504% effective rate exceeds Wisconsin's 1.436% average by about 4.7%, ranking it in the upper third statewide. Homeowners pay roughly $565 more annually than the typical Wisconsin resident.

Second-highest in southern region

Sauk County's 1.504% rate trails only Rock County (1.692%) and Racine County (1.700%) locally, but exceeds Richland County (1.411%). Among central Wisconsin counties, it ranks in the middle-to-high range.

Median annual tax bill reaches $3,646

A typical Sauk County home valued at $242,400 incurs $3,646 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,758, while mortgage-free owners average $3,397.

Challenge inflated assessments when warranted

With above-average tax rates, Sauk County homeowners benefit from carefully reviewing assessed values against recent comparable sales. Filing an assessment appeal during the review period costs little but can yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sauk County

via CostByCounty

Sauk County maintains solid affordability balance

Sauk County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% sits just barely above the national comfort zone, with a median household income of $77,648—3.9% above the U.S. average. Residents here enjoy relatively balanced housing costs and earnings.

Sauk ranks among Wisconsin's best values

At 15.0%, Sauk's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly even with Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $970/month remains below the upper-cost counties while median income ranks among the highest.

Sauk offers excellent cost-income balance

Sauk's median rent of $970/month sits between lower-cost rural counties and higher-cost urban areas, while its median income of $77,648 ranks second-highest in this group. This combination makes Sauk one of the region's most balanced markets.

Sauk renters enjoy sustainable housing costs

Renters pay $970/month while homeowners allocate $1,228/month for housing in Sauk County. Against a median income of $77,648, renters dedicate just 15.0% of annual earnings to housing, while homeowners commit 19.0%—solid positioning for long-term financial health.

Sauk offers genuine relocation opportunities

Sauk County represents an excellent choice for relocators seeking sustainable housing costs paired with strong median income of $77,648. Consider Sauk if you value small-town Wisconsin living with responsible housing burden ratios and a median home value of $242,400 for investment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sauk County

via IncomeByCounty

Sauk outearns the nation

Sauk County's median household income of $77,648 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 3.9%. The county stands above typical American earnings, reflecting a diversified, resilient economic base.

Wisconsin's upper tier

At $77,648, Sauk County outpaces Wisconsin's state median of $71,715 by $5,933. This strong advantage places Sauk among Wisconsin's top income counties, supported by healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors.

Regional income leader

Sauk's $77,648 significantly outearns all regional peers: Richland ($62,649, a 24% gap), Price ($58,720, a 32% gap), and Rusk ($58,322, a 33% gap). Within south-central Wisconsin, Sauk leads regional income performance.

Best affordability profile

Sauk County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the healthiest among these eight counties. Combined with a median home value of $242,400, Sauk offers strong housing affordability for households at the county median income.

Invest aggressively here

Sauk County's per capita income of $39,770 provides robust capacity for wealth-building and investment. With strong income and favorable housing costs, prioritize maxing retirement accounts, diversifying investments, and building long-term asset growth for retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sauk County

via CrimeByCounty

Sauk County Beats National Benchmarks

Sauk County's total crime rate of 1,644.7 per 100,000 is lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.4, indicating a generally secure environment.

Sauk's Ranking Within Wisconsin

The county's crime rate of 1,644.7 sits above the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1. However, its safety score of 97.4 remains close to the state's 98.3 average.

Safety Comparisons with Richland

Sauk's rate is significantly higher than nearby Richland County's 631.6. This difference often reflects Sauk's higher volume of tourism and commercial traffic compared to its neighbors.

Most Incidents are Property-Related

Property crime is the primary driver at 1,475.7 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 169.0. Most law enforcement activity involves theft or property disputes rather than physical violence.

Securing Property in Sauk County

Protecting property is key in Sauk County, where most incidents are non-violent. Simple habits like locking vehicles and installing outdoor cameras can effectively deter potential theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sauk County

via HealthByCounty

Sauk County slightly trails national life expectancy

At 77.7 years, Sauk County residents live just 0.1 years below the U.S. average, with 17.3% reporting poor or fair health slightly above national norms. Overall longevity masks a significant share of residents experiencing chronic health limitations.

Aligned with Wisconsin average

Sauk County's 77.7-year life expectancy nearly matches Wisconsin's 77.8-year average, while its 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds the state norm by 0.6 percentage points. This slight insurance gap, combined with 17.3% reporting poor/fair health, suggests room for improved access and coverage.

Strong provider network, moderate health outcomes

Sauk County's 101 primary care providers per 100K is the highest in the region, exceeding even Polk County (79 per 100K), while its 202 mental health providers per 100K is competitive. Despite this provider abundance, 77.7-year life expectancy trails Portage County (79.3) by 1.6 years, suggesting barriers beyond supply.

Ample providers don't guarantee access

Sauk County has robust primary care infrastructure with 101 providers per 100K, yet 7.6% of residents—roughly 2,500 people—lack health insurance, creating affordability barriers to using those services. The 17.3% poor/fair health rate indicates that supply alone doesn't overcome insurance, transportation, or health literacy gaps.

Your coverage matters in Sauk County

With excellent providers available, uninsured Sauk County residents are missing healthcare opportunities that could improve their health and financial security. If you're among the uninsured 7.6%, visit HealthCare.gov or Wisconsin Medicaid today—affordable coverage unlocks the county's strong provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sauk County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System for 10,000+ Students

Sauk County supports a significant student body of 10,221 across 30 public schools and 6 districts. The system features 16 elementary schools and 6 high schools, providing ample capacity for this growing region.

Exceptional Outcomes and High Quality

The county boasts a 95.1% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. With a composite school score of 58.0, Sauk County delivers high-quality education while spending $7,825 per pupil.

Major Districts in Baraboo and Sauk Prairie

Sauk Prairie, Baraboo, and Reedsburg are the largest districts, each serving between 2,600 and 2,700 students. While there are no charter schools, the 6 traditional districts provide a wide range of academic and athletic programs.

A Blend of Historic Towns and Rural Beauty

The county’s schools are split between town (17) and rural (13) locales, with an average enrollment of 341 students. Large high schools in Baraboo and Reedsburg serve nearly 900 students each, creating vibrant secondary school cultures.

Relocate Near High-Performing Schools

Sauk County’s 95.1% graduation rate is a major draw for families researching real estate in Southern Wisconsin. Homes in the Sauk Prairie or Baraboo districts offer access to some of the county's most respected educational programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sauk County

via RiskByCounty

Sauk County's risk moderately elevated

Sauk County's composite risk score of 72.11 and Relatively Low rating place it above the national average, indicating above-typical natural disaster exposure. This south-central Wisconsin county faces more hazards than most American counties, though not at extreme levels.

Upper-middle tier within Wisconsin

At 72.11, Sauk County exceeds Wisconsin's 59.08 state average and ranks in the upper-middle tier of risk across the state's counties. Its location in the state's more hazard-prone south-central region contributes to this elevated profile.

Riskier than Richland, safer than Rock

Sauk County's score of 72.11 sits between safer Richland County (51.56) to the south and riskier Rock County (86.36) to the southeast. Its position reflects the transition from southwestern Wisconsin's more moderate hazard exposure to the south-central corridor's elevated risk.

Tornadoes and floods are twin threats

Tornado risk at 78.28 and flood risk at 77.54 create nearly equal hazards in Sauk County, while wildfire (27.16) and wildfire exposure remain minimal. This dual exposure to water and severe wind damage requires balanced preparedness strategies.

Dual insurance strategy recommended

Sauk County homeowners should prioritize both flood insurance and comprehensive wind coverage, given the county's elevated exposure to both hazards. Create a family emergency plan, identify your nearest tornado shelter, and document your home's contents for insurance purposes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sauk County

via WeatherByCounty

Diverse Weather in the Heartland

Sauk County's 46.5°F average temperature sits below the national median but represents a warmer pocket of the Midwest. The climate brings significant variety to the weather year-round.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

Sauk ranks warmer than the state average of 44.4°F, benefiting from its southern-central location. It also sees higher-than-average precipitation at 37.3 inches annually.

Warmer Than Many Nearby Counties

The county is slightly warmer than its neighbor Richland to the west. It balances moderate snowfall with a relatively high number of warm summer days for the region.

Hot Summers and Chilly Winters

The county experiences 8 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 71.3°F. Winter brings 43.3 inches of snow and a chilly December-to-February average of 21.5°F.

Invest in Versatile Home HVAC

A versatile HVAC system is necessary to handle the 71.3°F July peaks and 18.1°F January lows. Outdoor planning should account for the 43.3 inches of snow that falls each season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sauk County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in the Baraboo Range

Sauk County soils maintain an average pH of 5.88, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. This acidity level is manageable for a wide variety of agricultural and gardening applications.

A versatile mix of silt and sand

The soil composition is nearly equal parts silt (39.8%) and sand (39.0%), with 12.2% clay. This blend offers a stable physical structure that resists compaction while allowing water to infiltrate.

Consistent moisture and decent organic levels

At 6.01%, the organic matter content is three times the national average. While the water capacity of 0.189 in/in is slightly below the state average, the 68.1 soil score indicates very healthy growing conditions.

Limited regional hydrological specifics

Data for specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently unavailable for Sauk County. Local topography often dictates drainage here, with valley floors holding more moisture than the rocky hillsides.

Gardening success in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone supports a diverse range of vegetables and perennials. Start a garden today to take advantage of the 5.88 pH, which is ideal for many popular Wisconsin cultivars.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sauk County

via LawnByCounty

Successful Lawns in the Driftless Region

Sauk County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 71.0, making it one of the most hospitable counties in Wisconsin for a green thumb. Situated in Hardiness Zone 5a, it offers a robust environment for most cool-season grass varieties.

Generous Rains and Strong Growth

The county receives 37.3 inches of precipitation annually, outperforming the state average of 34.5 inches. This moisture supports a healthy 2,620 growing degree days, though 8 extreme heat days require careful water management in July.

Near-Ideal Soil for Vibrant Turf

A soil pH of 5.88 is very close to the optimal range, meaning your lawn will respond well to standard fertilization. The soil balance of 12.2% clay and 39.0% sand provides a reliable structure for root development and moisture retention.

Current Dryness Requires Vigilance

While Sauk is generally lush, 85% of the county is currently abnormally dry following 17 weeks of drought last year. Watch for signs of stress like curling blades or lingering footprints, and water deeply to encourage deep, resilient roots.

Maximize Your Five-Month Window

The primary growing season runs from May 2nd to October 7th, providing a solid five months of active growth. Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for the Sauk County climate and soil profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sauk County's county score?
Sauk County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Sauk County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Sauk County ranks #62 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 Sauk County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Sauk County is $3,646, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Sauk County a tax score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sauk County?
The median household income in Sauk County, Wisconsin is $77,648 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sauk County earns an income score of 81.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sauk County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Sauk County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Sauk 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 Sauk 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.