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.

2040608010012.724.530.668.974.581.127.944.452.3Tax12.7Cost24.5Safety30.6Health68.9Schools74.5Income81.1Risk27.9Water44.4Weather52.342.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Sauk County DNA

Foverall

How Sauk County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sauk County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (12.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.7-39.3
Cost
24.5-23.5
Safety
30.6-24.4
Health
68.9+18.900000000000006
Schools
74.5+20.5
Income
81.1+30.099999999999994
Risk
27.9-19.1
Water
44.4-13.600000000000001
Weather
52.3
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Many homeowners in Sauk County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$242,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$970/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$242,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,648/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

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

Richland County
Wisconsin
53
Columbia County
Wisconsin
47.6
Iowa County
Wisconsin
56.2
Dane County
Wisconsin
38
Juneau County
Wisconsin
46.2
Adams County
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Marquette County
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Green Lake County
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51.8

Deep Dives

Sauk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Sauk County

via WaterByCounty

Sauk County Receives Grade D for Compliance

Sauk County holds a Grade D for drinking water, with 10 health violations recorded in five years. Its violation rate of 24.7 per 100,000 people is much lower than the state average of 76.3. This suggests that while individual systems are struggling, the overall risk across the population remains relatively contained.

High Nutrient and PCB Loads in Sauk

Exactly 10.0% of assessed water bodies in Sauk County are impaired, exceeding the state average of 7.6%. Phosphorus and PCBs are the primary causes for these 303(d) listings in the 2022 cycle. These contaminants pose long-term challenges for both water clarity and aquatic health.

Massive Data Collection Effort in Sauk County

Sauk County maintains a massive monitoring footprint with 241,931 measurements recorded across 127 sites. These efforts focus heavily on physical characteristics and nutrients. This high data density provides a robust baseline for understanding local water chemistry changes.

Wisconsin River Flowing at Typical Levels

The Wisconsin River near Wisconsin Dells is currently discharging 6,750 cubic feet per second. This is 98% of its historical mean, showing very stable and typical flow conditions. Steady discharge is vital for maintaining the water quality of this major state artery.

Monitor Nutrient Runoff and System Health

With a 10% impairment rate and a Grade D for compliance, residents should stay active in local water board meetings. High levels of phosphorus in the watershed require better runoff management from all properties. Utilize the county's extensive monitoring data to stay informed about specific local stream health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.