countyscore
50.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.4Health 95.4Lawn Care 71.4

County Report Card

About St. Croix County, Wisconsin

Stronger than the National Median

St. Croix County scores 50.8, placing it just above the national median for overall livability. It is a high-performance county that leans heavily into economic and health success. This score reflects a premium lifestyle that balances high rewards against high costs.

Exceeding Wisconsin State Averages

The county’s 50.8 score slightly outperforms the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It is one of the state's economic engines, particularly in the western region near the Twin Cities. Its profile is defined by significant wealth and excellent public health indicators.

Elite Income and Health Rankings

St. Croix County boasts an incredible income score of 96.0 and a health score of 95.4, placing it in the top tier nationwide. The median household income is a staggering $102,482, which fuels a high-quality lifestyle. This combination makes it one of the most prosperous and healthy counties in the Midwest.

Struggling with Extreme Housing Costs

The cost of living is a major pain point, with a cost score of only 10.2. Median home values reach $349,700 and rents average $1,238, making entry difficult for many. High taxes also persist, with a score of 24.1 reflecting the price of living in such a high-demand area.

Premium Choice for High Earners

St. Croix County is built for high-income families who want the best health outcomes and schools in the state. While housing is expensive, the sheer earning power of residents typically offsets the cost. It is a premier destination for those looking for an upscale, health-conscious community.

2040608010024.710.758.195.465.795.435.953.850.1Tax24.7Cost10.7Safety58.1Health95.4Schools65.7Income95.4Risk35.9Water53.8Weather50.150.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

St. Croix County DNA

Foverall

How St. Croix County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

St. Croix County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (95.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (10.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.7-27.3
Cost
10.7-37.3
Safety
58.1
Health
95.4+45.400000000000006
Schools
65.7+11.700000000000003
Income
95.4+44.400000000000006
Risk
35.9-11.100000000000001
Water
53.8
Weather
50.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$377,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,271/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$377,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $103,046/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.9

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
Compare St. Croix County with Fulton County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Washington County
Minnesota
47.5
Pierce County
Wisconsin
54
Ramsey County
Minnesota
32.5
Polk County
Wisconsin
52.4
Anoka County
Minnesota
43.5
Dakota County
Minnesota
42.9
Chisago County
Minnesota
46.1
Dunn County
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49.2

Deep Dives

St. Croix County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in St. Croix County

via TaxByCounty

St. Croix taxes below nation despite affluence

At 1.23%, St. Croix County's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 1.09%, a remarkable achievement for a county with the state's highest median home values at $349,700. The median annual tax of $4,297 reflects both higher property values and a relatively moderate tax burden.

Wisconsin's most valuable county

St. Croix County ranks lowest among Wisconsin counties for effective tax rate at 1.23%, well below the state average of 1.44%. Despite median home values 26% higher than the state average, St. Croix residents pay only 39% more in taxes, signaling efficient local government.

Prime advantage over Twin Cities suburbs

St. Croix County's 1.23% rate significantly undercuts comparable Minneapolis-St. Paul suburban counties, making it an attractive option for affluent homebuyers seeking lower tax exposure. The county's proximity to the Twin Cities combined with moderate taxes explains rapid population growth.

Higher homes, competitive tax bills

St. Croix County homeowners with a median-valued property of $349,700 pay approximately $4,297 in annual property taxes. While this exceeds most Wisconsin counties in absolute dollars, the 1.23% rate provides exceptional value for affluent households.

Verify your assessment's market basis

St. Croix County's rapid growth can lead to assessment lags and overvaluations, particularly in popular communities like Hudson and River Falls. Homeowners should confirm their assessed values reflect recent comparable sales in their specific neighborhoods.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Croix County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Croix far exceeds national income

St. Croix County's median household income of $102,482 soars $27,727 above the national median of $74,755—a 37% advantage. This ranks St. Croix among America's highest-income counties, driven largely by proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Wisconsin's income champion

St. Croix dominates Wisconsin with a median income $30,767 above the state average of $71,715. St. Croix consistently ranks as Wisconsin's wealthiest or near-wealthiest county by household income.

Dramatically outpaces all peers

St. Croix's $102,482 income towers over every comparable Wisconsin county: $35,450 above Sheboygan ($71,898) and $39,350 above Sawyer ($59,055). This disparity reflects St. Croix's status as an affluent Twin Cities suburb.

High incomes offset higher costs

St. Croix's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% remains healthy despite the county's higher cost of living and median home values of $349,700. Higher incomes comfortably absorb the region's premium housing market.

Maximize wealth in affluent market

St. Croix's $102,482 median income creates exceptional wealth-building capacity—households here should prioritize tax-efficient strategies, diversified real estate, and philanthropic planning. Working with fee-only financial advisors to optimize investment allocation and retirement strategies is particularly valuable at this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Croix County

via CrimeByCounty

St. Croix Stands Among Safest Counties

St. Croix County boasts a high safety score of 98.5, far exceeding national norms. Its total crime rate of 965.3 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Wisconsin State Safety Benchmarks

The county’s crime rate of 965.3 is lower than the Wisconsin average of 1103.1. By maintaining a safety score of 98.5, St. Croix remains more secure than the typical Wisconsin county.

St. Croix vs. Western Wisconsin Peers

St. Croix’s crime rate of 965.3 per 100,000 is higher than nearby Trempealeau County’s exceptionally low 231.4. Despite this, the county provides a very safe environment compared to metropolitan neighbors across the border in Minnesota.

Property Crime vs. Violent Crime

Violent crime is notably low in St. Croix at 113.1 per 100,000, well below the state average of 169.7. Property crime accounts for 852.2 of the total incidents reported by the county's eight law enforcement agencies.

Maintaining Security in St. Croix

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on garage and vehicle security. Installing motion-sensor lights and keeping valuables out of sight are effective ways to protect your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Croix County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Interior Cold

St. Croix County averages 42.6°F annually, sitting far below the national median. Its position in the western interior subjects it to intense continental air masses and sharp seasonal swings.

Below the State Average

The county's average temperature of 42.6°F is nearly two degrees colder than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. This makes it one of the chillier regions in the western part of the state.

Chillier Than Southern Neighbors

St. Croix is colder than Trempealeau to the south but stays slightly warmer than Taylor County to the east. Annual precipitation of 32.9 inches is lower than the 34.5-inch state average.

Hard Winters and Short Summers

January is particularly harsh with an average of 11.1°F and 46.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summer temperatures average 67.3°F, with only 4 days reaching the 90°F mark.

Winterize Your Daily Life

Heavy-duty insulation and reliable heating are essential for winter averages that hover around 15.0°F. Keep summer gear simple, as extreme heat is a rare occurrence in this region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Croix County

via SoilByCounty

Western Wisconsin's Mildly Acidic Soil

St. Croix County features a soil pH of 5.90, which is higher than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. While still acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, it provides a favorable environment for many traditional field crops. Local data does not specify the dominant taxonomic order, but the pH suggests high chemical availability.

Silt-Heavy Loams Drive Workability

Silt makes up 44.0% of the soil, paired with 40.2% sand and 13.5% clay. This silt-dominant mixture creates a smooth, workable texture that is less abrasive than sandy soils. The moderate clay content ensures that nutrients don't wash away during heavy spring rains.

Efficient Water Use with Leaner Organic Matter

Organic matter content is 3.91%, which is lower than the state's 11.02% average but nearly double the national average. Despite the lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in remains close to the state average of 0.204 in/in. This indicates a soil that uses its resources efficiently to support plant growth.

Moderate Drainage for Field and Forest

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current dataset. However, the high silt and sand combination typically allows for steady drainage without the risk of extreme drought. This stability is a key reason why the county is a agricultural powerhouse in the region.

Resilient Zone 4b Cultivation

St. Croix falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle deep winter frosts. The silt-rich soil is ideal for corn, soybeans, and hardy garden vegetables like kale and peas. The manageable acidity and balanced texture make it an inviting environment for both commercial farmers and home gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Croix County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Ease for Western Lawns

St. Croix County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 71.4, making it one of the easier places in the state to maintain a yard. This score significantly exceeds both the national average of 50.0 and the state average of 64.4.

Ideal Heat and Growing Days

The region provides 2,241 growing degree days, giving turf plenty of energy to thrive through the season. With only 4 days of extreme heat per year, cool-season grasses are less likely to experience summer dormancy compared to other regions.

Balanced Texture and Improving pH

A soil composition of 40.2% sand and 13.5% clay provides a solid foundation for drainage and nutrient storage. The pH of 5.90 is nearly at the target threshold, meaning minimal liming is required to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Excellent Drought Resilience

With only 3 weeks of drought over the past year and no current abnormally dry areas, St. Croix lawns are in excellent health. This lack of water stress allows homeowners to focus on aeration and fertilization rather than emergency irrigation.

A Robust Start in May

Hardiness Zone 4b is perfect for tough Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue varieties. Your primary growing window opens after the May 6 frost date and continues through the fall until early October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Croix County's county score?
St. Croix County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 50.9 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 St. Croix County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
St. Croix County ranks #39 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 St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in St. Croix County is $4,420, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns St. Croix County a tax score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Croix County?
The median household income in St. Croix County, Wisconsin is $103,046 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Croix County earns an income score of 95.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Croix County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
St. Croix County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate St. Croix 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 St. Croix County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.