countyscore
51.7
County Score
Health 73.6Soil Quality 69.4Schools 63.4

County Report Card

About Taylor County, Wisconsin

Outperforming the National Baseline

Taylor County earns a composite score of 51.7, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This suggests that life in this rural Wisconsin county offers more stability and better services than many other parts of the country. It achieves this through balanced scores in health and education.

Stronger Than the State Average

At 51.7, Taylor County sits above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It is a quiet over-performer that provides a high level of security and health for its residents. In the landscape of central Wisconsin, it remains a very competitive place to call home.

Stability in Health and Risk

The county’s strengths include a health score of 73.6 and a solid risk score of 62.8, indicating good environmental safety. A school score of 63.4 further supports the community's focus on future generations. These metrics point to a resilient county with reliable social infrastructure.

Weak Water and Tax Scores

Taylor County faces issues with its water quality score of 20.6 and a low tax score of 16.7. The effective tax rate of 1.419% takes a significant bite out of the $63,142 median household income. Addressing environmental quality and tax burdens remains the primary path for improvement.

Great for Resilient, Rural Families

Taylor County is an excellent fit for families seeking a safe, healthy environment away from urban congestion. It offers great schools and high environmental safety for those who don't mind a higher tax bill. This is a county for people who value community stability and public health above all.

Score breakdown

Tax16.7Cost51.3Safety56.5Health73.6Schools63.4Income48.7Risk62.8Water20.6Weather50.5
🏛16.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
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

Clark County
Wisconsin
51.4
Rusk County
Wisconsin
53.8
Marathon County
Wisconsin
49.5
Price County
Wisconsin
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Lincoln County
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Chippewa County
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Eau Claire County
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Wood County
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Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taylor County

via TaxByCounty

Taylor's tax rate matches U.S. median

At 1.42%, Taylor County's effective tax rate closely mirrors the national median of 1.09%, placing it squarely in the middle of American counties. The median annual tax of $2,647 on a median home of $186,500 runs slightly below the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Wisconsin average

Taylor County's 1.42% effective rate sits just below Wisconsin's state average of 1.44%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. The median tax of $2,647 runs $434 below the state average of $3,081.

Competitive with Ashland, Bayfield

Taylor County's 1.42% rate positions it as a reasonable option among northern Wisconsin counties with limited commercial tax base. The county's rural character keeps tax rates moderate relative to state benchmarks.

Annual tax around $2,600

A Taylor County homeowner with a median-valued property of $186,500 pays approximately $2,647 in property taxes per year. That translates to roughly $221 monthly, below both state and national medians.

Challenge inflated assessments

Taylor County residents should verify their assessed values against current market conditions, as property values fluctuate with rural economic cycles. Submitting a simple appeal can correct overvaluations and reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taylor County

via CostByCounty

Taylor matches state pressure, lags income

Taylor County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches Wisconsin's state average, but median household income of $63,142 trails the national average by $11,613. Renters pay $786 monthly—close to the state's $891—making housing costs moderately challenging for below-average earners.

Taylor sits at Wisconsin's affordability baseline

Taylor County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average, placing it squarely in Wisconsin's middle tier for housing affordability. This means renters face typical statewide pressure without exceptional relief or acute burden.

Taylor rents align with north-central peers

Taylor's $786 rent fits snugly between Sawyer ($683) and Shawano ($777), making it a regional affordable option in northern Wisconsin. Its $186,500 median home value undercuts most neighbors except Shawano, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

Taylor housing claims state-average share

Renters spend $786 monthly (14.9% of $63,142 income), while homeowners carry $947 in mortgage and property costs. The $186,500 median home value positions Taylor as a affordable entry point for first-time buyers.

Taylor for middle-income Wisconsin relocators

If your household earns $60,000–$70,000 and you want a true middle-of-the-road Wisconsin experience, Taylor County delivers state-average housing pressure with modestly lower costs than developed counties. Compare to St. Croix's luxury pricing to see how geography amplifies affordability gaps across Wisconsin.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Taylor income lags behind national

Taylor County's median household income of $63,142 falls $11,613 below the national median of $74,755, a 16% gap. This reflects Taylor's rural northern Wisconsin economy with limited large employers.

Among Wisconsin's lower earners

Taylor County ranks below Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, trailing by $8,573 per median household. Taylor sits in the lower third of Wisconsin counties for household income.

Modest income among neighbors

Taylor's $63,142 income ranks below Trempealeau ($71,295), Shawano ($67,032), and Vernon ($69,556), making it one of the region's lower-income counties. Only Sawyer County ($59,055) falls notably below Taylor.

Tight housing-income ratio

Taylor's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% ranks among Wisconsin's highest, indicating housing costs consume a larger share of earnings. Median home values of $186,500 remain modest, but still represent significant leverage for households earning $63,142.

Disciplined saving builds stability

Taylor households earning $63,142 should focus on emergency funds and employer retirement matching before expanding investments. Automating even small monthly savings and exploring local credit union programs can build durable financial foundations despite modest incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Taylor County Secures High Safety Score

Taylor County holds a safety score of 98.4, positioning it as a very safe place to live. Its total crime rate of 1001.0 per 100,000 is less than half the national rate of 2,385.5.

Matching Wisconsin's Strong Safety Profile

The county’s crime rate of 1001.0 per 100,000 is better than the Wisconsin average of 1103.1. Taylor County’s safety score of 98.4 also slightly exceeds the state average of 98.3.

Stability in North-Central Wisconsin

Taylor County’s crime rate of 1001.0 is lower than Sawyer County’s 1401.1. This suggests a more stable environment for Taylor County residents compared to some of their northern neighbors.

Understanding the Crime Mix

Violent crime is low at 105.1 per 100,000, while property crime is reported at 895.9 per 100,000. These figures indicate that residents are far more likely to encounter theft than any form of physical harm.

Practical Steps for Home Safety

To prevent property crimes, residents should ensure all entry points are well-lit and locked. Simple home monitoring systems can provide an extra layer of defense in this generally safe rural community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Taylor County

via HealthByCounty

Taylor's life expectancy masks care shortages

At 79.2 years, Taylor County residents live 2.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, yet 17% report poor or fair health—well above the national 13% average. This paradox suggests pockets of serious health challenges despite longer average lifespan.

Good longevity, high illness rates within Wisconsin

Taylor's 79.2-year life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by 1.4 years, but its 17% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's highest. The county's 7.6% uninsured rate mirrors the state average, though access to providers remains constrained.

Severe primary care provider shortage

Taylor's 79.2-year life expectancy rivals Trempealeau (79.4 years), but the county faces a critical access gap: just 25 primary care providers per 100K residents—the lowest in this group. This shortage stands out starkly against Sawyer's 77 and Vernon's 104 providers per 100K.

Provider crisis threatens daily healthcare access

Taylor County residents struggle to access primary care, with only 25 providers per 100K—less than one-third the ratio in well-served counties like Vernon. Combined with 7.6% uninsured and mental health providers numbering just 125 per 100K, residents face real barriers to routine and behavioral care.

Get insurance now, plan for access

In Taylor County's tight provider market, health insurance alone isn't enough—you need to understand where to access care and plan ahead. Secure coverage at healthcare.gov first, then contact your county health department to identify accessible providers and telehealth options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Taylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education in the Heartland

Taylor County operates 11 public schools within three districts, serving a total of 4,774 students. This streamlined system includes four elementary schools and three high schools focused on student success.

Elite Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county achieves a remarkable 95.7% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87%. Remarkably, these results come despite the lowest per-pupil spending in the region at just $6,895.

Medford Area Districts Anchor the County

The Medford Area Public School District dominates the local landscape, serving 3,963 students. This district also hosts the Rural Virtual Academy, a major charter school with an enrollment of 1,850 students.

A Hub for Rural and Virtual Learning

With nine schools in rural settings, the county offers a classic country school experience. While traditional campuses average 434 students, the large virtual presence provides flexible options for families across the region.

Join a Community with Exceptional Results

Taylor County’s 95% graduation rate makes it one of the most effective school systems in the state. Explore local real estate to find a home in a district where academic achievement is a clear priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taylor County

via RiskByCounty

Taylor County has lowest risk in state

With a composite risk score of just 37.18, Taylor County earns a "Very Low" rating and sits well below the national average. The county faces minimal exposure to most natural disaster hazards, making it one of Wisconsin's safest communities.

Wisconsin's safest county

Taylor County's score of 37.18 falls dramatically below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it as the lowest-risk county in the state. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's relative isolation from major hazard corridors.

Far safer than Rusk, Price

Taylor County's risk score of 37.18 is substantially lower than neighboring Rusk County and Price County, which face elevated flood and wildfire threats. This makes Taylor County a notably safer choice within the north-central region.

Flooding remains only moderate concern

Flood risk is Taylor County's highest hazard at 42.53, though this remains below state averages and poses minimal risk to most properties. Tornado risk (48.63) and wildfire risk (14.41) are both manageable, making the county exceptionally safe overall.

Standard homeowners insurance sufficient

Taylor County residents face minimal natural disaster risk and can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most situations. Those in mapped flood zones or near waterways should consider flood insurance as a precaution, but overall coverage needs are below most Wisconsin counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Taylor County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest

Taylor County features a frigid annual average of 42.0°F, placing it among the coldest counties in the contiguous United States. It experiences a classic Northwoods climate with long, dominant winters.

Colder Than the Wisconsin Average

The county tracks significantly below the state average of 44.4°F. It receives 34.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is almost exactly in line with the Wisconsin norm.

The Snowiest in the Region

Taylor receives 59.4 inches of snow, far outstripping the 46.5 inches seen in St. Croix to the west. Its 42.0°F average makes it a regional cold pole compared to neighbors further south.

Persistent Ice and Snow

Winter is the dominant season, with five feet of annual snow and January averages of 12.2°F. Summers are very brief, seeing just 2 days per year with temperatures at or above 90°F.

Equipped for the Long Haul

High-capacity snow removal tools and backup heating sources are critical for the 59.4 inches of annual snow. Indoor air quality and humidity control are important during the long, sealed-up winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Taylor County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Acidic Soils of the North

Taylor County has an average pH of 5.12, placing it well below the state average of 5.63 and the national median of 6.5. This high level of acidity is typical for the region but requires lime for most commercial gardening. Specific taxonomic orders are currently not part of the documented local dataset.

Silt-Rich Mix with Fine Texture

The soil is composed of 43.8% silt and 28.1% sand, giving it a fine, almost silky texture. With a low clay content of 8.1%, the soil avoids the heavy compaction issues found in other regions. This silt-heavy balance provides a stable medium for roots to expand without much resistance.

Outstanding Moisture and Organic Content

Taylor County shines in fertility with 20.77% organic matter, nearly doubling the state average of 11.02%. This rich organic layer supports a high available water capacity of 0.257 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.204 in/in. Plants here have access to a massive reservoir of nutrients and moisture.

Naturally High Water Retention

While drainage class data is missing, the high organic matter and silt content suggest a soil that holds moisture very effectively. This can be a challenge during wet springs but acts as a safeguard during summer droughts. Farmers should be aware of potentially slower drying times compared to sandy neighbors.

Zone 4a Cold-Hardy Potential

As a Zone 4a region, Taylor County is suited for short-season crops and incredibly hardy perennials. The high organic content makes it an exceptional place for growing root crops, berries, and native evergreens. With its soil score of 69.4, it beats the state average and offers a fertile starting point for any garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taylor County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Central Wisconsin Climate

Taylor County’s lawn difficulty score of 57.8 sits comfortably above the national average but below the Wisconsin state mark. Located in Hardiness Zone 4a, homeowners here deal with cold winters and a relatively compact growing season.

Ample Rainfall with Low Heat

With 34.1 inches of annual precipitation and only 2 extreme heat days, turf is rarely parched by the sun. However, the 2,009 growing degree days mean that grass grows more slowly than in the southern parts of the state.

Managing Low Clay and Acidity

The soil pH of 5.12 is quite acidic, which can limit the effectiveness of lawn fertilizers if not corrected with lime. With only 8.1% clay, the soil lacks the natural structure to hold moisture, making organic matter additions beneficial.

Staying Green Through Dry Zones

The entire county is currently abnormally dry, following 13 weeks of drought over the last year. Focus on evening irrigation to minimize evaporation and help your grass withstand these periodic dry spells.

Seeding for the North

Creeping Red Fescue and other cool-season mixes are ideal for this climate. Time your planting for late May once the frost risk passes on May 20 to ensure your new lawn has time to establish before October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor County's county score?
Taylor County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Taylor County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Taylor County ranks #35 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 Taylor County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Taylor County is $2,647, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 16.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Wisconsin is $63,142 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 48.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Taylor 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 Taylor 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.