countyscore
49.4
County Score
Health 86.4Income & Jobs 71.2Soil Quality 70.5

County Report Card

About Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

Balanced Against National Standards

Sheboygan County earns a composite score of 49.4, placing it just a fraction below the national median of 50.0. It offers a quintessential Midwestern profile with strong economic fundamentals. The county remains highly competitive nationally due to its robust income levels and health systems.

Mirroring Wisconsin's Overall Quality

The county’s score of 49.4 sits very close to the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. While it doesn't lead the state, it represents the heart of Wisconsin's industrial and community stability. It performs exactly as one would expect of a established, mid-sized Wisconsin hub.

A Powerhouse for Health and Income

Sheboygan County shines with an elite health score of 86.4 and a strong income score of 71.2. The median household income of $71,898 supports a high standard of living for many residents. These factors, combined with solid schools (67.5), provide a strong foundation for community prosperity.

Tax and Housing Costs Pressures

The county's biggest weaknesses are its tax score of 13.5 and cost score of 34.9. An effective tax rate of 1.481% and rising housing costs make the area less affordable than some of its northern neighbors. Residents pay a premium in taxes for the high-quality services and economic opportunities available.

Ideal for Career-Oriented Professionals

Sheboygan County is best suited for professionals who value high income potential and top-tier healthcare. While the tax burden is high, the educational and health benefits offer a strong return on investment. It is a county built for those who prioritize economic stability and physical well-being.

Score breakdown

Tax13.5Cost34.9Safety45.5Health86.4Schools67.5Income71.2Risk29.8Water61.2Weather53.3
🏛13.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.9
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

Ozaukee County
Wisconsin
56.1
Calumet County
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39.2
Washington County
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52.5
Fond du Lac County
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Manitowoc County
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Winnebago County
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Dodge County
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Deep Dives

Sheboygan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sheboygan County

via TaxByCounty

Sheboygan's taxes above U.S. average

At 1.48%, Sheboygan County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.09% by roughly 36%, placing it in the upper third of American counties. The median annual tax of $3,234 runs $544 higher than the national median, even on a lower-valued median home.

Among Wisconsin's highest-taxing counties

Sheboygan County ranks in the top third of Wisconsin's 72 counties with a 1.48% effective rate, about 3% above the state average of 1.44%. Homeowners pay $3,234 annually versus the state average of $3,081—a premium of $153 per year.

Higher than Fond du Lac, lower than Ozaukee

Sheboygan County's 1.48% rate situates it higher than several neighboring counties in the Lake Michigan region. The effective rate reflects a balance between local school funding and county services.

Median bill runs above state average

Homeowners in Sheboygan County with a median-valued property of $218,400 pay approximately $3,234 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $270 per month, making Sheboygan one of the pricier counties for tax burden in Wisconsin.

Appeal overassessed properties annually

Sheboygan County residents should periodically review their assessed values against recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax bill if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sheboygan County

via CostByCounty

Sheboygan near parity with Wisconsin baseline

Sheboygan County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, while renters pay $889—nearly matching the state's $891 median. With median income of $71,898, Sheboygan households outpace the national average by $2,857, cushioning housing cost burden slightly.

Sheboygan hovers at Wisconsin's affordability midline

At 14.8%, Sheboygan's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state's 14.9% average, placing it solidly in the middle tier of Wisconsin's 72 counties. This means renters here face typical housing pressures for the state, neither especially tight nor exceptionally loose.

Sheboygan rents top regional competition

Sheboygan's $889 rent leads nearby Trempealeau ($887) and outpaces Sawyer ($683) and Shawano ($777), reflecting its position as a more developed Lake Michigan county. However, median home value of $218,400 remains competitive with the broader region.

Housing costs claim typical share in Sheboygan

Renters spend $889 monthly (14.8% of $71,898 income), while homeowners pay $1,063 for mortgages and property costs. The county's $218,400 median home value positions buyers in the moderate range for Wisconsin.

Sheboygan offers stable, typical Wisconsin costs

If you're seeking a balanced Lake Michigan lifestyle without extreme housing pressures, Sheboygan delivers state-average affordability with higher incomes than rural northern counties. Compare to rural alternatives like Vilas or Sawyer to weigh Lake access against lower housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sheboygan County

via IncomeByCounty

Sheboygan nearly matches national income

Sheboygan County's median household income of $71,898 comes within $2,857 of the national median of $74,755, just 4% below. This places Sheboygan among Wisconsin's higher-income counties and near the national norm.

Wisconsin above-average earner

Sheboygan ranks slightly above Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, earning $183 more per median household. This positions Sheboygan in Wisconsin's upper-income cohort.

Outearns most regional neighbors

Sheboygan's $71,898 exceeds most neighboring counties, surpassing Shawano ($67,032), Vernon ($69,556), and Trempealeau ($71,295). Only St. Croix County ($102,482) significantly outearns Sheboygan in the broader region.

Housing costs slightly elevated

Sheboygan's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8% sits at the higher end of Wisconsin counties, though still reasonable. Median home values of $218,400 remain achievable for most households at the county median income.

Strong platform for building wealth

Sheboygan's $71,898 income positions households above most state peers, enabling aggressive retirement savings and investment diversification. Households here should explore higher-yield savings, real estate equity, and diversified portfolio strategies to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sheboygan County

via CrimeByCounty

Sheboygan Remains Safer Than National Average

Sheboygan County achieves a safety score of 98.1, indicating a very secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1219.7 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5.

Contextualizing Safety Within Wisconsin

The county's crime rate of 1219.7 per 100,000 is slightly higher than the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. This places Sheboygan just below the state’s average safety score of 98.3, despite being much safer than the rest of the country.

Comparing Rates Along the Lakeshore

Sheboygan’s crime rate of 1219.7 per 100,000 is higher than inland Shawano County’s 851.9. However, it remains a secure anchor for the region with seven reporting agencies actively monitoring community safety.

A Breakdown of Local Incidents

Violent crime is low at 180.1 per 100,000 residents, which closely mirrors the Wisconsin state average of 169.7. Property crime is more common at 1039.6 per 100,000, though this is still roughly half the national average.

Proactive Security for Sheboygan Homes

With over 1,000 property crimes per 100,000 residents, securing entry points is essential for peace of mind. Investing in a home security system and participating in community policing initiatives can help keep these numbers trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sheboygan County

via HealthByCounty

Sheboygan outpaces national health benchmarks

At 78.1 years, Sheboygan County residents live 1.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 14.3% report poor or fair health—a full point below the national average of 13%—reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Top tier health among Wisconsin counties

Sheboygan's 78.1-year life expectancy ranks above Wisconsin's 77.8-year state average, placing it in the healthier counties statewide. At 5.4% uninsured, the county significantly outperforms the state's 7% average, suggesting better healthcare access and engagement.

Second-healthiest in the region

Sheboygan's 78.1-year life expectancy trails only St. Croix County (79.8 years) among nearby regions while outpacing Shawano (77.6) and Vilas (76.5). The county's low uninsured rate of 5.4% is among the best in Wisconsin and reflects a more insured, engaged population.

Strong insurance coverage, solid provider access

Sheboygan's 5.4% uninsured rate is the lowest among the profiled counties, with robust coverage driving preventive care and early treatment. The county maintains 61 primary care providers per 100K residents and 181 mental health providers per 100K, both supporting accessible healthcare.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Sheboygan's strong insurance rates show what's possible when people have access and understanding. If you're uninsured or underinsured, now's the time to explore marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or check if you qualify for Medicaid.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sheboygan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School System

Sheboygan County features 50 public schools across eight districts, supporting a massive student body of 17,822. This robust infrastructure includes 23 elementary schools and 14 high schools to serve a growing population.

Academic Excellence Meets State Benchmarks

The county boasts a 92.9% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. Its composite school score of 56.9 perfectly matches the state average, reflecting consistent quality across its diverse campuses.

Strong Districts and Plentiful Charter Options

The Plymouth Joint School District is a major local anchor with 2,110 students. The county also embraces innovation with eight charter schools, making up 16% of the total public school offerings.

A Blend of Urban and Suburban Vibes

Students experience a wide range of settings, with 22 schools in city locales and 11 in suburban areas. While the average school size is 356, North High in Sheboygan stands out as a large campus with 1,537 students.

Discover Vibrant Communities and Quality Education

From urban centers to quiet suburbs, Sheboygan County offers diverse educational paths for every family. Start your home search here to benefit from a system that outpaces national graduation norms.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sheboygan County

via RiskByCounty

Sheboygan County ranks above national average

With a composite risk score of 70.20, Sheboygan County exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating—though it faces notably elevated tornado and flood risks. The county's coastal location on Lake Michigan introduces unique hazards not found in inland areas.

Wisconsin's fourth-riskiest county

Sheboygan County's score of 70.20 places it among Wisconsin's higher-risk counties, well above the state average of 59.08. The county's exposure to multiple hazards—particularly tornadoes at 84.41 and flooding at 71.76—explains this elevated position.

Riskiest in eastern Wisconsin cluster

Sheboygan County significantly outpaces nearby Ozaukee and Manitowoc counties in overall risk, driven by higher tornado and earthquake susceptibility. Its lakefront position also introduces hurricane risk (21.53) absent in strictly inland neighbors.

Tornadoes, flooding, and lake hazards

Tornado risk dominates at 84.41, placing Sheboygan among Wisconsin's most tornado-vulnerable counties, while flood risk reaches 71.76. Hurricane risk, though modest at 21.53, reflects the county's Lake Michigan exposure—a factor inland counties don't face.

Comprehensive coverage for multiple threats

Homeowners should secure robust windstorm coverage for the county's extreme tornado risk (84.41) and flood insurance for areas near waterways and low-lying zones. Consider reinforcing basement walls and installing safe rooms or storm shelters given the high frequency of severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sheboygan County

via WeatherByCounty

Lakeside Climate Dynamics

Sheboygan County averages 45.9°F annually, which is notably cooler than the national median. The proximity to Lake Michigan creates a unique microclimate that moderates extreme temperatures throughout the year.

Warmer Than the Wisconsin Norm

At 45.9°F, the county is warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. This warmth is largely due to the lake's thermal mass, which keeps coastal areas slightly warmer in the winter.

Milder Than Interior Neighbors

The county is significantly warmer than Shawano (43.1°F) and Vilas (39.8°F) to the north. Its 33.4 inches of annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state average of 34.5 inches.

Temperate Summers and Damp Winters

Winters feature a January average of 20.0°F and 46.7 inches of snow. July is pleasant at 70.3°F, though residents only face about 6 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually.

Managing the Lake Effect

Invest in moisture-resistant home materials to handle damp lakeside winters and humid summers. Standard heating and cooling systems work well here, as extreme temperature spikes are relatively rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sheboygan County

via SoilByCounty

Lakeshore Soils Near State Benchmarks

Sheboygan County’s soil pH of 5.77 is slightly higher than the state average of 5.63, though it remains below the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity makes it one of the more versatile soil profiles in eastern Wisconsin. While its taxonomic order is not listed, the chemical profile is well-suited for diverse agriculture.

A Balanced Blend of Silt and Sand

The soil composition is relatively balanced with 39.1% silt and 33.0% sand. A clay content of 14.5% provides better nutrient retention and structural stability than sandier neighboring counties. This combination offers a good compromise between drainage speed and moisture-holding capacity.

Moderate Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter levels reach 7.15%, which is lower than the state average of 11.02% but much higher than the national average of 2.0%. Available water capacity sits at 0.196 in/in, nearly matching the state baseline of 0.204 in/in. These figures indicate a reliable soil that can sustain crops through moderate dry spells.

Steady Moisture Management

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. The presence of nearly 15% clay suggests more resistance to water flow than pure sand, which helps keep nutrients in the root zone. Homeowners and farmers can expect a soil that holds its shape well when wet.

Bountiful Zone 5b Gardening

With its location in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, Sheboygan County enjoys a slightly milder climate than northern Wisconsin. The balanced soil texture is perfect for growing diverse produce, from orchard fruits to heavy-feeding vegetables like squash. Plant with confidence in this high-performing soil that exceeds the state's average soil score.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sheboygan County

via LawnByCounty

Lakeshore Conditions for Better Lawns

Sheboygan County scores a 60.9 for lawn difficulty, benefiting from a milder Zone 5b climate near Lake Michigan. While more manageable than the national average, it remains slightly more challenging than the statewide Wisconsin average of 64.4.

Milder Winters and Longer Seasons

The lake influence results in 2,315 growing degree days, offering a longer window for grass to establish than interior counties. Annual precipitation of 33.4 inches is consistent, though 6 extreme heat days require careful summer monitoring.

Higher Clay and Moderate Acidity

The soil contains 14.5% clay, which helps retain moisture and nutrients better than the sandy soils found elsewhere in the state. However, the pH of 5.77 is still below the ideal range, suggesting a need for periodic soil testing and amendments.

Addressing Recent Dry Spells

Nearly 70% of the county is currently abnormally dry after 24 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3.5 inches can help shade the soil and reduce water evaporation during these periods.

Coastal Growing Windows

Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass blends thrive here, especially with the extended season that typically lasts until October 16. The best time for spring seeding is after May 3, when the threat of frost typically subsides.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheboygan County's county score?
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 49.4 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 Sheboygan County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Sheboygan County ranks #45 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 Sheboygan County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Sheboygan County is $3,234, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Sheboygan County a tax score of 13.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sheboygan County?
The median household income in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin is $71,898 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sheboygan County earns an income score of 71.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sheboygan County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Sheboygan County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Sheboygan 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 Sheboygan 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.