countyscore
53.2
County Score
Health 72.5Schools 63.3Safety 63.1

County Report Card

About Shawano County, Wisconsin

Outperforming the National Average

Shawano County reaches a composite score of 53.2, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher-than-average quality of life compared to the typical American county. It benefits from balanced scores across most social and economic dimensions.

Leading the Wisconsin Average

At 53.2, Shawano County ranks above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands out in the state for its consistent performance in public services and health. This makes it a reliable choice for residents seeking the best of Wisconsin’s stable, middle-market living.

Exceptional Health and Public Safety

The county’s primary strength lies in its health score of 72.5, which is among the highest in the region. Strong school and safety scores, both at 63.3 and 63.1 respectively, create a very stable environment for residents. These dimensions highlight a county that prioritizes long-term community well-being.

High Tax Burdens Weigh Heavily

Shawano County struggles with a low tax score of 15.4, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.445%. While housing values are affordable at a median of $179,100, the tax burden can feel high relative to the income score of 59.1. Balancing these recurring costs is the main hurdle for local households.

A Solid Choice for Growing Families

Shawano County is a perfect match for families who value high-quality schools and health services over low taxes. The blend of safety and educational quality makes it a standout for raising children. It offers a traditional Wisconsin lifestyle with modern community infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax15.4Cost53Safety63.1Health72.5Schools63.3Income59.1Risk36.9Water44.3Weather49.9
🏛15.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.1
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

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57.5
Waupaca County
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54.7
Outagamie County
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48.1
Oconto County
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Winnebago County
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Deep Dives

Shawano County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shawano County

via TaxByCounty

Shawano taxes slightly above nation

At 1.45%, Shawano County's effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 1.09%, placing it slightly higher than half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,588 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite a lower median home value of $179,100.

Shawano ranks middle of the pack

Shawano County's 1.45% effective rate ranks squarely at Wisconsin's state average of 1.44%, making it representative of typical tax burden across the state. The county's median tax of $2,588 falls slightly below the state average of $3,081.

Competitive with surrounding rural areas

Shawano County's 1.45% rate aligns closely with other northeastern Wisconsin counties serving small cities and agricultural areas. This positioning makes Shawano competitive for families considering the region.

Annual tax on median home: $2,588

A Shawano County homeowner with a median-valued property of $179,100 pays approximately $2,588 per year in property taxes. That breaks down to roughly $216 monthly—moderate for Wisconsin families.

Review your assessment before the deadline

Wisconsin law allows homeowners to challenge assessed values if they believe properties are overvalued relative to recent market sales. Shawano County residents should verify their assessment matches comparable homes sold in their neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shawano County

via CostByCounty

Shawano matches state—beats national trend

Shawano County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average while keeping rents 13% below Wisconsin's median at $777 per month. Even with median income ($67,032) below the national average ($74,755), renters here enjoy tighter housing costs than most U.S. counties.

Tied for Wisconsin's best rental bargains

Shawano shares the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Wisconsin at 13.9%, matching Sawyer County and beating the state average. This places Shawano among the most affordable places to rent in the state.

Shawano undercuts most central Wisconsin peers

At $777 monthly rent, Shawano trails Sheboygan ($889) and Trempealeau ($887) by over $100, though it slightly exceeds Sawyer's $683. For homebuyers, Shawano's $179,100 median home value is the lowest among its neighbors, making it attractive to first-time buyers.

Shawano offers balanced renter and buyer costs

Renters allocate 13.9% of the $67,032 median income to $777 rent, while homeowners spend $932 monthly on mortgages and costs. The county's lowest-in-region home values ($179,100) mean buyers face minimal barriers to entry.

Shawano: affordable entry to Wisconsin living

Relocating to Shawano delivers the state's cheapest home purchases and sub-average rents, ideal for budget-conscious families or remote workers. Stack this against pricier St. Croix County ($349,700 homes) to justify a move to Shawano's more modest real estate market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shawano County

via IncomeByCounty

Shawano income lags national mark

Shawano County's median household income of $67,032 trails the national median of $74,755 by $7,723, or 10%. This gap reflects Wisconsin's rural character, though Shawano performs better than many Midwest agricultural counties.

Slightly below Wisconsin average

Shawano ranks near the middle of Wisconsin counties with income $4,683 below the state average of $71,715. This positions Shawano in Wisconsin's solid middle tier for household earnings.

Mid-range among regional peers

Shawano's $67,032 income sits between Vilas County ($67,132) to the north and Outagamie County's higher earnings. Vernon County ($69,556) outearns Shawano, while Taylor County ($63,142) falls below, placing Shawano in the regional income middle.

Housing costs remain manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.9%, Shawano renters enjoy favorable housing affordability compared to national trends. Median home values of $179,100 make homeownership attainable for many households earning near the county median.

Steady income, strategic investing

Shawano's $67,032 median provides a solid foundation for wealth-building when paired with disciplined investing. Starting with index funds, employer 401(k) matches, and tax-advantaged savings accounts can help households reach long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shawano County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Marks for Shawano Residents

Shawano County earns an impressive safety score of 98.7 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 851.9 per 100,000 people is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Wisconsin's Strong Safety Standards

The county's crime rate of 851.9 per 100,000 is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. Shawano’s safety score of 98.7 also beats the state average of 98.3, marking it as one of the safer regions in Wisconsin.

Leading Local Peers in Public Safety

Shawano County maintains a lower crime rate than neighbors like Sheboygan County, which reports 1219.7 incidents per 100,000 people. This makes Shawano a regional leader in keeping crime rates suppressed compared to more urbanized neighbors.

Low Rates of Violent Crime

Violent crime in Shawano is rare, with only 127.3 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 724.6, representing the vast majority of all reported local law enforcement activity.

Keep Your Shawano Home Safe

Because property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, residents should focus on securing outbuildings and vehicles. Visible security cameras and localized neighborhood watch efforts provide strong deterrents against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shawano County

via HealthByCounty

Shawano life expectancy meets national baseline

At 77.6 years, Shawano County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 15.9% poor/fair health rate remains above the national average of 13%, though it reflects better overall outcomes than some Wisconsin peers.

Above average health in Wisconsin

Shawano's 77.6-year life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 77.8 years by a narrow margin, placing the county in the healthier half of the state's counties. At 7.6% uninsured, Shawano remains slightly above Wisconsin's 7% average.

Competitive with regional peers

Shawano's life expectancy mirrors Vilas County (76.5 years) but trails St. Croix County (79.8 years) and Taylor County (79.2 years). The county's primary care provider ratio of 54 per 100K is lower than Sawyer's but reflects access challenges common across rural Wisconsin.

Modest insurance gaps, adequate primary care

At 7.6% uninsured, Shawano's rate slightly exceeds the state baseline, leaving roughly 800 residents without health coverage. The county offers 54 primary care providers per 100K residents, though mental health support at 178 per 100K remains below optimal levels.

Close the coverage gap in Shawano

Nearly 1 in 13 Shawano residents lacks health insurance, creating risks for preventive care and emergency costs. Check your eligibility for Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus or Marketplace plans at healthcare.gov to secure affordable coverage today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shawano County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Rural School Foundation

Shawano County supports 17 public schools and six districts, enrolling a total of 4,965 students. The landscape is balanced with nine elementary schools and six high schools to serve the community's youth.

High Graduation Rates Outpace Benchmarks

With a 92.3% graduation rate, the county outperforms both the state average of 91.8% and the national average of 87%. Despite a lean per-pupil spend of $7,641, schools achieve a competitive score of 56.1.

Focus on Shawano and Wittenberg-Birnamwood

The Shawano School District is the largest, managing five schools and 2,238 students. Other significant contributors include the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District, which educates 1,135 students across its three campuses.

The Heart of Small-Town Education

Fourteen of the county's 17 schools are located in rural areas, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. Schools average 292 students, though Shawano High serves as the regional hub with an enrollment of 803.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates hitting nearly 93%, Shawano County is a smart choice for families prioritizing academic success. Explore the local real estate market to find a home within these high-achieving districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shawano County

via RiskByCounty

Shawano County faces moderate risks nationally

Shawano County's composite risk score of 63.14 places it near the national average, with a "Relatively Low" overall rating. The county's risk profile is notably shaped by severe tornado exposure, which significantly exceeds typical U.S. hazard patterns.

Slightly above Wisconsin's average

At 63.14, Shawano County's composite risk score edges above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, making it moderate-risk within its state context. This puts the county in the middle range of Wisconsin's 72 counties by natural disaster vulnerability.

Similar risk to Outagamie, Waupaca

Shawano County's risk profile closely resembles that of nearby Outagamie and Waupaca counties, which share similar tornado and flood vulnerabilities across the Fox Valley region. All three counties benefit from relatively lower wildfire exposure compared to western Wisconsin counties.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Tornado risk in Shawano County reaches 65.90—substantially higher than the national average—making severe wind events the county's primary hazard concern. Flood risk scores 59.73, placing it above average for the state, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Windstorm coverage is essential

With tornado risk at 65.90, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage to protect against severe thunderstorm damage. Flood insurance is also recommended for properties in flood-prone zones, given the county's 59.73 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shawano County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Climate

Shawano County maintains an annual average temperature of 43.1°F, placing it well below the national median. This reflects a typical humid continental climate where cold air from Canada frequently influences local weather patterns.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county's 43.1°F average sits below the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It marks the transition into the cooler Northwoods region, experiencing more persistent cold than the southern lakefront counties.

Comparing the Regional Chill

Shawano is cooler than its southeastern neighbor Sheboygan, which averages 45.9°F. Its annual precipitation of 33.1 inches is slightly lower than the state norm of 34.5 inches, indicating a somewhat drier interior climate.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

Residents navigate 47.9 inches of annual snowfall and winter averages of just 17.8°F. Summers remain comfortable with a 68.5°F July average and only 5 days per year reaching 90°F.

Preparing for Significant Cold

Prioritize high-efficiency heating systems to manage January lows that average 14.6°F. Reliable snow removal equipment is a necessity for the nearly four feet of snow that falls each year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shawano County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands in Central Wisconsin

Shawano County has an average soil pH of 5.39, falling below both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.63. The soil is predominantly acidic, which influences nutrient availability for local agriculture. Standard taxonomic data is unavailable for this region, but the pH profile remains a primary characteristic.

Coarse Texture with High Sand Content

The soil is dominated by 54.7% sand, creating a coarse texture that provides excellent aeration for plant roots. With only 8.0% clay and 26.9% silt, the soil is highly workable but can be prone to drying out. This mix is ideal for crops that require well-drained conditions rather than heavy, wet clay.

Solid Organic Foundation with Low Water Retention

Organic matter levels sit at 12.36%, which exceeds the state average of 11.02% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is 0.184 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.204 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is biologically rich, it struggles to hold onto moisture during dry periods.

Naturally Fast-Moving Water

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for the county. However, the high sand percentage implies that water moves quickly through the profile, preventing pooling in most areas. This makes the soil excellent for wet-weather farming but necessitates frequent irrigation during droughts.

Hardy Zone 5a Harvests

Shawano County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, offering a balance of cold resilience and a decent growing window. This soil is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that thrive in sandy, easy-to-penetrate ground. Local gardeners can capitalize on the high organic matter to grow vigorous leafy greens and northern berries.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shawano County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance in Zone 5a

Shawano County posts a lawn difficulty score of 58.1, outperforming the national average but falling below the state mark of 64.4. Its Hardiness Zone 5a designation allows for a broader range of grass varieties compared to its northern neighbors.

Steady Rainfall and Balanced Warmth

The county receives 33.1 inches of rain annually, slightly below the state average of 34.5 inches. With 2,125 growing degree days and only 5 days of extreme heat, the climate generally supports steady, manageable grass growth.

Sandy Soils and Low pH

A high sand content of 54.7% ensures excellent drainage but requires more frequent watering to prevent turf stress. The soil pH of 5.39 is acidic, so adding lime will help move your lawn closer to the preferred 6.0-7.0 range.

Drought Persistence and Water Care

With 19 weeks spent in drought over the last year, 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Utilizing mulch-mowing can help return moisture and nutrients to the soil during these dry periods.

Time Your Seeding for May

Kentucky Bluegrass blends perform well here, providing a lush look if given proper soil amendments. Aim to start your lawn after the typical last frost on May 13 to avoid early-season cold damage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shawano County's county score?
Shawano County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 53.2 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 Shawano County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Shawano County ranks #25 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 Shawano County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Shawano County is $2,588, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Shawano County a tax score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shawano County?
The median household income in Shawano County, Wisconsin is $67,032 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shawano County earns an income score of 59.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shawano County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Shawano County scores 53.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Shawano 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 Shawano County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.