countyscore
56
County Score
Safety 89Health 78.1Lawn Care 72.2

County Report Card

About Trempealeau County, Wisconsin

Significantly Above the National Median

Trempealeau County scores an impressive 56.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high quality of life with exceptional safety and community standards. It ranks as one of the stronger performers in the national database for rural livability.

A Top Performer in Wisconsin

The county’s score of 56.0 is well above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands out in the state for its balance of high income, safety, and excellent schools. This makes it a premier destination within Wisconsin's driftless region.

Unmatched Public Safety and Health

Trempealeau County boasts an elite safety score of 89.0, making it one of the safest places in the region. It also scores highly in health (78.1) and schools (71.9), creating a very supportive environment for all ages. These factors define the county as a leader in social well-being.

High Tax Rates and Water Quality

The biggest drawback is the tax score of 9.3, driven by a high effective tax rate of 1.608%. Water quality also lags with a score of 29.1, which is a common challenge for the agricultural areas of the state. These two factors are the only significant drag on an otherwise stellar profile.

The Ultimate Choice for Safety

Trempealeau County is perfect for those who prioritize personal safety and excellent local schools. While taxes are high, the peace of mind and high household income of $71,295 make the trade-off worthwhile. It is a top-tier choice for families looking for a secure and healthy place to live.

Score breakdown

Tax9.3Cost34.4Safety89Health78.1Schools71.9Income69.5Risk41.4Water29.1Weather48.8
🏛9.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.2
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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Deep Dives

Trempealeau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Trempealeau County

via TaxByCounty

Trempealeau taxes run well above U.S.

At 1.61%, Trempealeau County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, ranking it in the top quarter of American counties. The median annual tax of $3,269 surpasses the national median by $579, reflecting higher reliance on property tax funding.

Among highest-taxing Wisconsin counties

Trempealeau County ranks in Wisconsin's top 15% for effective tax rates at 1.61%, nearly 12% above the state average of 1.44%. Residents pay $3,269 annually on a median home valued at $203,300, a premium of $188 over the state average.

Highest in southwestern Wisconsin region

Trempealeau County's 1.61% rate outpaces neighboring Vernon and Jackson counties, making it the region's highest-taxing area. This reflects the county's heavy reliance on property taxes for school and municipal funding.

Above-average annual property tax

Trempealeau County homeowners with a median-valued property of $203,300 pay approximately $3,269 in annual property taxes. At roughly $272 per month, this ranks among the state's higher burdens.

Assess whether your value is fair

Given Trempealeau's higher-than-average tax rate, homeowners should carefully review their assessed values against comparable properties sold recently. An appeal costs nothing and could provide meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Trempealeau County

via CostByCounty

Trempealeau matches state, exceeds region

Trempealeau County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio ties Wisconsin's state average, with $887 rent running just 0.4% below the state median. Though median income ($71,295) lags the national average ($74,755) by $3,460, Trempealeau renters face typical Wisconsin housing pressure.

Trempealeau locks in Wisconsin baseline affordability

At 14.9%, Trempealeau's rent-to-income ratio exactly matches the Wisconsin state average, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's housing affordability spectrum. No relative advantage or disadvantage exists here—it's quintessentially Wisconsin in housing costs.

Trempealeau tops area rental competition

Trempealeau's $887 rent trails Sheboygan by just $2 but exceeds Sawyer ($683) and Shawano ($777) significantly, reflecting its position as a more developed southwest county. However, its $203,300 median home value keeps it affordable for buyers compared to Vilas and St. Croix.

Trempealeau splits housing at state proportion

Renters allocate 14.9% of the $71,295 income to $887 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $1,083 on mortgages and costs. The $203,300 median home value sits comfortably in Wisconsin's moderate range.

Trempealeau for typical Wisconsin relocation

Moving to Trempealeau delivers a prototypical Wisconsin housing experience—no surprising affordability edge, but stable, predictable costs for households earning $70,000 and up. Use it as your baseline when comparing to either pricier counties like St. Croix or cheaper rural alternatives like Shawano.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Trempealeau County

via IncomeByCounty

Trempealeau close to national median

Trempealeau County's median household income of $71,295 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $3,460, or 5%. This positions Trempealeau near the national norm, better than many rural Midwestern counties.

On par with Wisconsin average

Trempealeau's income of $71,295 falls nearly even with Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, a difference of only $420. This places Trempealeau squarely in Wisconsin's middle tier.

Upper-middle among peer counties

Trempealeau's $71,295 outearns Taylor ($63,142), Sawyer ($59,055), and Vernon ($69,556), ranking among this region's stronger earners. Only Sheboygan ($71,898) and St. Croix ($102,482) significantly outpace Trempealeau.

Housing costs somewhat elevated

Trempealeau's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% ranks among Wisconsin's highest, signaling tighter housing affordability pressures. Median home values of $203,300 represent solid but manageable leverage for households at the county median.

Balance security and growth

Trempealeau's $71,295 income enables both emergency preparedness and targeted investing in index funds or employer retirement plans. Households here should prioritize affordable diversification strategies and review insurance coverage to protect growing assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Trempealeau County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Trempealeau

Trempealeau County features an elite safety score of 99.6, making it one of the safest areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 231.4 per 100,000 is nearly ten times lower than the national average.

A Leader in Wisconsin Public Safety

The county’s crime rate of 231.4 is significantly lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. Trempealeau's safety score of 99.6 far surpasses the state average of 98.3.

Trempealeau vs. Neighboring Vernon County

Trempealeau's remarkably low crime rate of 231.4 is nearly a quarter of Vernon County's 834.2. This high level of safety is maintained through the efforts of ten reporting agencies across the county.

Virtually Non-Existent Violent Crime

Violent crime in Trempealeau is exceptionally rare, recorded at only 32.6 per 100,000 people. Even property crime is very low at 198.8, which is a fraction of the national average of 2,015.7.

Preserving Your Peaceful Environment

While crime is very rare here, maintaining basic security like locking doors and windows is still recommended. Community vigilance helps keep Trempealeau one of the most secure counties in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Trempealeau County

via HealthByCounty

Trempealeau life expectancy exceeds U.S. average

At 79.4 years, Trempealeau County residents live 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. However, 15.7% report poor or fair health, above the national 13% baseline, indicating uneven health outcomes within the county.

Above-average longevity, moderate health ratings

Trempealeau's 79.4-year life expectancy exceeds Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by 1.6 years, placing it in the healthier counties statewide. At 7.6% uninsured, the county matches Wisconsin's state average, reflecting typical insurance coverage patterns.

Strong longevity, weak provider access

Trempealeau's 79.4-year life expectancy matches or exceeds most peers, but its 26 primary care providers per 100K ranks among the lowest—tied with Taylor for scarcest access. The county also has just 58 mental health providers per 100K, the lowest in this group.

Severe mental health provider shortage

Trempealeau's 26 primary care providers per 100K is critically low, but the real crisis is mental health: only 58 providers per 100K serve the county, compared to 178–323 elsewhere. This leaves residents with 7.6% uninsured and facing long waits for behavioral health support.

Secure coverage and plan care carefully

Trempealeau's provider shortages—especially for mental health—make insurance and planning essential for managing care effectively. Visit healthcare.gov to confirm coverage, then ask your primary care provider about referrals to available specialists or telehealth services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Trempealeau County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide Network of Rural Schools

Trempealeau County maintains 21 public schools across seven districts for its 5,957 students. The infrastructure is built around nine elementary schools and seven high schools, ensuring local access to education.

Beating State Averages in Performance

The county holds an impressive 93.7% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 91.8%. With a school score of 57.7, Trempealeau's results outpace the state median while spending approximately $8,029 per pupil.

Diverse Districts Serve the Region

Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau is the largest district, educating 1,364 students across five schools. The Arcadia School District follows closely, serving 1,283 students in a three-school system.

A Truly Rural Learning Environment

Eighteen of the county's 21 schools are in rural locales, creating a consistent, community-focused feel. Schools are moderately sized with an average of 284 students, led by Arcadia Elementary's 529 pupils.

Settle Down Near High-Achieving Schools

For families who value high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle, Trempealeau County is an ideal destination. Research homes in the Galesville or Arcadia areas to secure a spot in these top-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Trempealeau County

via RiskByCounty

Trempealeau County near national average

Trempealeau County's composite risk score of 58.65 aligns closely with the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" overall rating. The county's risk profile is anchored by moderate flood exposure along the Mississippi River system and its tributaries.

Slightly below Wisconsin's average

At 58.65, Trempealeau County scores just below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the lower-to-moderate risk category within the state. This positions the county favorably compared to about half of Wisconsin's 72 counties.

Similar to Jackson, La Crosse

Trempealeau County's risk profile mirrors that of neighboring Jackson and La Crosse counties, with all three sharing Mississippi River flood vulnerability and moderate tornado exposure. The three counties form a relatively consistent risk band across the southwestern driftless region.

River flooding and tornadoes primary

Flood risk dominates at 67.46, reflecting Trempealeau County's position within the Mississippi River watershed where spring flooding and heavy rain events pose regular threats. Tornado risk reaches 59.83, moderately elevated but secondary to flooding concerns.

Flood insurance for river properties

Homeowners in flood-prone zones near the Mississippi River, Black River, or Trempealeau River should secure flood insurance given the county's 67.46 flood risk score. Comprehensive homeowners insurance covering wind and hail is also important for managing tornado risk at 59.83.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Trempealeau County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Upper Midwest Climate

Trempealeau County averages 45.4°F annually, trailing the national median but ranking as one of the warmer spots in the region. The Driftless Area terrain creates unique local wind and weather patterns.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

The county is a full degree warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It also receives 35.2 inches of precipitation, exceeding the state norm of 34.5 inches.

A Regional Warm Spot

Trempealeau is warmer than northern neighbor Taylor (42.0°F) but slightly cooler than Vernon to the south. It receives more precipitation than western neighbors like St. Croix.

Humid Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are active with 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F and a July average of 71.0°F. Winters bring 40.7 inches of snow and a January average of 15.7°F.

Managing Heat and Moisture

Prepare for both heavy rain and extreme heat by maintaining clean gutters and efficient air conditioning. The 9 days of 90°F+ heat require better cooling capacity than in northern Wisconsin.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Trempealeau County

via SoilByCounty

Driftless Area Soil Chemistry

Trempealeau County features a soil pH of 5.79, which is slightly more alkaline than the Wisconsin average of 5.63. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but provides a versatile base for regional agriculture. Though taxonomic classifications are not listed, the pH profile supports a wide range of flora.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil contains 41.3% sand and 39.4% silt, creating a texture that balances drainage and structure. A clay percentage of 12.3% helps hold the soil together and provides essential mineral-binding sites for plant food. This distribution is characteristic of the productive loams found in the western part of the state.

Consistent Performance in the Field

Organic matter content stands at 6.73%, providing a solid biological base despite being below the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is just below the state average of 0.204 in/in. These metrics indicate a reliable soil that responds well to standard fertilization and management.

Steady Drainage for Rolling Hills

Specific drainage classes are not currently documented for this county. However, the high sand and silt percentages usually result in moderate permeability, which is essential for the county’s sloped terrain. This helps prevent excessive runoff while ensuring water reaches deeper root systems.

Prime Growing in Zone 4b

Trempealeau County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, supporting a vast array of mid-western staple crops. The soil’s balanced composition is particularly good for apples, grains, and perennial herbs. With a soil score of 68.6, the county is an excellent place to start a productive family homestead.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Trempealeau County

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Growing in Western Wisconsin

Trempealeau County earns a robust lawn difficulty score of 72.2, well above the state average of 64.4. This high score indicates that environmental conditions here are very favorable for maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn.

High Energy and Higher Heat

A generous 2,541 growing degree days provide ample energy for turf development throughout the season. However, 9 extreme heat days—higher than the state average—mean you must watch for signs of heat stress during July.

Solid Soil Foundation

The soil pH of 5.79 is close to the ideal range, requiring only light adjustments to optimize nutrient availability. A mix of 41.3% sand and 12.3% clay offers a good balance of drainage and water-holding capacity.

Reliable Moisture Levels

Lawns here are currently free from drought stress, with only 5 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. This consistent moisture allows for more aggressive fertilizing and overseeding programs without as much risk of crop failure.

Strong Summer Growth

Hardiness Zone 4b supports Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescues exceptionally well. Plan to seed after May 9 to take full advantage of the long growing season that typically lasts until October 5.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trempealeau County's county score?
Trempealeau County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 56 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 Trempealeau County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Trempealeau County ranks #16 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 Trempealeau County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Trempealeau County is $3,269, with an effective tax rate of 1.61%. This earns Trempealeau County a tax score of 9.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Trempealeau County?
The median household income in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin is $71,295 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Trempealeau County earns an income score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Trempealeau County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Trempealeau County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Trempealeau 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 Trempealeau 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.