countyscore
50.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 96Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax24.1Cost10.2Safety58.1Health95.4Schools65.7Income96Risk35.9Water53.8Weather50.1
🏛24.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.4
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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Ramsey County
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Polk County
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Deep Dives

St. Croix County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in St. Croix County

via CostByCounty

St. Croix pulls away with highest incomes

St. Croix County's median household income of $102,482 crushes the national average by $27,727, allowing residents to absorb a 14.5% rent-to-income ratio despite $1,238 monthly rents. This high-income profile masks the county's position as Wisconsin's priciest housing market.

Wisconsin's most expensive county, most affluent

St. Croix County leads Wisconsin in both median income ($102,482) and housing costs, with a $349,700 median home value and $1,238 rent far exceeding state averages. Its 14.5% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable only because incomes here substantially outpace the rest of the state.

St. Croix vastly outpaces regional peers

St. Croix's $349,700 median home value dwarfs neighboring Sawyer ($223,300) and Shawano ($179,100), while its $102,482 income exceeds all eight counties profiled. This Twin Cities commuter county operates in an entirely different housing market than rural Wisconsin neighbors.

St. Croix: luxury costs, luxury incomes

Renters allocate 14.5% of $102,482 income to $1,238 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $1,626 on mortgages and costs. The steep absolute costs are offset only by incomes that far exceed the state and nation.

St. Croix for high-income Twin Cities proximity seekers

Moving to St. Croix County makes sense only if your household income approaches or exceeds $100,000—it's Wisconsin's premium market for commuters and affluent professionals. If you're relocating with below-average income, rural counties like Sawyer or Shawano offer dramatically more breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in St. Croix County

via HealthByCounty

Wisconsin's healthiest profiled county

St. Croix County leads this analysis with a 79.8-year life expectancy—3.4 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 11.5% of residents report poor or fair health, substantially better than the national 13% baseline, signaling exceptionally strong population health.

Top county for longevity and wellness

At 79.8 years, St. Croix County's life expectancy is the highest among all profiled counties and 2 years above Wisconsin's 77.8-year average. With only 4.8% uninsured—the lowest rate in this group—residents enjoy superior healthcare access and engagement statewide.

Clear health advantage over peers

St. Croix's 79.8-year life expectancy outpaces all nearby counties, including Sheboygan (78.1) and Taylor (79.2), by meaningful margins. The county's 4.8% uninsured rate is the best in the region, reflecting a prosperous, well-insured population.

Excellent coverage, adequate provider network

St. Croix's 4.8% uninsured rate represents the strongest healthcare access in this group, with fewer than 900 uninsured residents facing barriers to care. The county provides 53 primary care providers and 189 mental health providers per 100K, supporting preventive and behavioral health needs.

Protect your family's health security

Even in St. Croix County's well-insured community, gaps exist: fewer than 5% of residents are uninsured, but that still affects hundreds of families. Ensure your household has comprehensive coverage by reviewing marketplace options or confirming your Medicaid status at healthcare.gov.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in St. Croix County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Schools in a Thriving County

St. Croix County manages 31 public schools across six districts, educating 14,625 students. The system is comprehensive, featuring 13 elementary schools and 8 high schools to accommodate the region's growth.

Top-Tier Graduation and Performance Metrics

The county earns a 93.6% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national mark of 87%. While spending $7,513 per pupil is lower than the state average, the results remain high with a composite school score of 56.5.

Hudson and New Richmond Lead Enrollment

The Hudson School District is the county's largest, serving 5,377 students across 10 schools. New Richmond School District also plays a major role, providing high-quality education to 3,554 local students.

Large Town Schools with Community Focus

With 20 schools located in town settings, the average school size is a healthy 488 students. Hudson High is the largest facility, hosting 1,783 students in a modern, active environment.

Plant Roots Near High-Performing Districts

Families moving to St. Croix County will find exceptional graduation rates and well-organized town districts. Consider proximity to the top-rated schools in Hudson and New Richmond when choosing your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Croix County

via RiskByCounty

St. Croix County moderately above average

St. Croix County's composite risk score of 64.12 places it above the national average with a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's risk landscape is defined by extreme tornado exposure and moderate flood vulnerability along the St. Croix River system.

Wisconsin's sixth-riskiest county

At 64.12, St. Croix County exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 and ranks among the state's more hazard-prone counties. Its elevated risk stems primarily from tornado susceptibility, with a score of 84.80—one of the highest in Wisconsin.

Tornado risk towers over Polk, Pierce

St. Croix County faces substantially higher tornado risk (84.80) than neighboring Polk and Pierce counties, though all three share similar flood vulnerabilities tied to river systems. St. Croix's wildfire risk (45.26) also notably exceeds western neighbors, reflecting its transitional geography.

Tornadoes and river flooding threats

Tornado risk reaches an alarming 84.80 in St. Croix County, making severe thunderstorms the dominant hazard concern across the region. Flood risk scores 64.06, reflecting vulnerability along the St. Croix River and its tributaries during spring snowmelt and heavy rain events.

Windstorm and flood insurance critical

Given tornado risk of 84.80, windstorm and hail coverage should be a top priority for all homeowners in St. Croix County. Those in flood-prone zones near the St. Croix River or tributaries must secure flood insurance, as the county's 64.06 flood risk score indicates significant vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 50.8 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 #40 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 $4,297, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns St. Croix County a tax score of 24.1/100 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 $102,482 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Croix County earns an income score of 96/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Croix County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
St. Croix County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 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.

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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.