countyscore
51.6
County Score
Lawn Care 79.3Schools 78.2Soil Quality 70.5

County Report Card

About Vernon County, Wisconsin

Staying Above the National Average

Vernon County earns a 51.6 composite score, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive profile by offering solid education and economic opportunities. This score reflects a reliable, high-functioning county by national standards.

Consistent with Wisconsin Quality

At 51.6, Vernon County sits just above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It represents the quintessential Wisconsin experience, focusing on education and community safety. It performs well compared to its rural neighbors, offering a slightly higher quality of public service.

Educational Excellence and Safety

Vernon County’s standout feature is its school score of 78.2, which is remarkably high for the region. Strong scores in safety (64.2) and income (65.2) suggest a community that is both secure and economically viable. These factors make it a stable environment for families.

Environmental and Water Concerns

The county faces significant environmental hurdles, with a risk score of 25.0 and a water score of 22.0. Additionally, the tax score of 18.4 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.369% that can be burdensome for some. These lower scores in the physical environment prevent the county from ranking even higher.

Ideal for Education-Focused Families

Vernon County is best suited for families who place a premium on high-quality public education and local safety. The strong school system is a major draw for those moving to the area. It offers a well-rounded lifestyle for those who can tolerate slightly higher taxes and environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax18.4Cost45.6Safety64.2Health57.6Schools78.2Income65.2Risk25Water22Weather53.8
🏛18.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓78.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.3
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

Allamakee County
Iowa
60.2
Houston County
Minnesota
59.8
Crawford County
Wisconsin
46.1
La Crosse County
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Richland County
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Monroe County
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Trempealeau County
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Winona County
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Deep Dives

Vernon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Vernon County

via TaxByCounty

Vernon taxes above U.S. national median

At 1.37%, Vernon County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.09% by roughly 26%, placing it above half of American counties. The median annual tax of $2,883 runs $193 higher than the national median, despite a lower median home value.

Above Wisconsin state average

Vernon County's 1.37% effective rate sits above Wisconsin's state average of 1.44%—actually below when stated precisely, making it slightly better than typical. At $2,883 in median annual taxes, Vernon residents pay $198 less than the state average of $3,081.

Moderate in southwestern Wisconsin

Vernon County's 1.37% rate positions it between lower-taxed and higher-taxed counties in the southwestern Wisconsin region. The rate reflects typical rural county funding needs.

Median annual bill nearly $2,900

Vernon County homeowners with a median-valued property of $210,600 pay approximately $2,883 in annual property taxes. That equals roughly $240 per month, near the state median.

Review your assessed value annually

Vernon County residents should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales in their town or village. If your property is assessed above similar homes that recently sold, filing an appeal could reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vernon County

via CostByCounty

Vernon punches above national affordability weight

Vernon County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national and state averages, with $826 monthly rent sitting 7% below Wisconsin's $891 median. Median income of $69,556 trails the national average by $5,199, yet renters enjoy above-average affordability through lower absolute costs.

Vernon leads mid-tier Wisconsin affordability

Vernon County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Wisconsin's better performers, beating the state average of 14.9% and rivaling top-tier affordable counties. This places Vernon in Wisconsin's affordability sweet spot—cheaper than developed counties but not the absolute cheapest.

Vernon balances cost across region

Vernon's $826 rent splits the difference between Sawyer ($683) and Trempealeau ($887), making it a moderately priced option in southwestern Wisconsin. At $210,600, its median home value slightly trails Trempealeau ($203,300) and Shawano ($179,100), offering modest buyer value.

Vernon keeps housing share lean

Renters spend just $826 monthly (14.3% of $69,556 income), while homeowners carry $956 in mortgage and property costs—the lowest ratio among the eight counties. Vernon's $210,600 median home value delivers solid buyer accessibility.

Vernon County: regional affordability champion

If you're relocating to southwest Wisconsin and want the best rent-to-income ratio in a 400-mile radius, Vernon County delivers above-average affordability without sacrificing community stability. Stack this against pricier Sheboygan or St. Croix to quantify your potential housing savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vernon County

via IncomeByCounty

Vernon trails national income mark

Vernon County's median household income of $69,556 falls $5,199 short of the national median of $74,755, a 7% gap. This reflects Vernon's rural southwestern Wisconsin character, though it performs better than many agricultural counties.

Slightly below Wisconsin average

Vernon ranks near Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, earning $2,159 less per median household. This positions Vernon in Wisconsin's solid middle band for household income.

Mid-range regional earner

Vernon's $69,556 sits between Shawano ($67,032) and Trempealeau ($71,295), ranking as a moderate earner among peer counties. St. Croix ($102,482) and Sheboygan ($71,898) significantly outpace Vernon's earnings.

Balanced housing affordability

Vernon's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% sits near the Wisconsin median, indicating reasonable housing affordability. Median home values of $210,600 align well with the county's $69,556 median household income.

Thoughtful planning drives progress

Vernon households earning $69,556 should establish automatic retirement contributions and build a diversified emergency fund before expanding into investments. Consulting local financial planners about agricultural or small-business wealth strategies can unlock opportunities tailored to Vernon's economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Vernon County

via CrimeByCounty

Vernon County Among National Leaders in Safety

Vernon County earns a stellar safety score of 98.7, reflecting a very low-risk environment. The total crime rate of 834.2 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Highly Within the State

Vernon County’s crime rate of 834.2 is well below the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. Its safety score of 98.7 also beats the state average of 98.3, confirming its status as a Wisconsin safety leader.

Regional Safety in the Driftless Area

Vernon County is very safe at 834.2 crimes per 100,000, though it reports more incidents than its neighbor Trempealeau at 231.4. Residents here enjoy a significantly higher level of safety than those in more urbanized Wisconsin counties.

Low Violent Crime and Property Stats

Violent crime is very infrequent at 68.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime accounts for 766.0 of total incidents, which remains far lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Staying Safe in Vernon County

Property crime is the primary concern for local residents, making home security systems a wise investment. Simple outdoor lighting and locking sheds can prevent the most common types of local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Vernon County

via HealthByCounty

Vernon matches national life expectancy, trails in health

At 77.8 years, Vernon County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years—though higher than stated national baseline at 77.8. Yet 17% report poor or fair health, well above the national 13%, revealing significant unmet health needs beneath average longevity.

State-average lifespan, high uninsured rate

Vernon's 77.8-year life expectancy aligns perfectly with Wisconsin's state average, but its 12.4% uninsured rate is the highest among all profiled counties—nearly double the state's 7% average. This gap suggests systemic barriers to healthcare access and affordability.

Highest uninsured rate, adequate providers

Vernon's 12.4% uninsured rate dramatically exceeds nearby counties like Sheboygan (5.4%) and Trempealeau (7.6%), making it a regional outlier. The county does maintain 104 primary care providers per 100K—strong on paper—but insurance gaps likely reduce utilization.

Uninsured crisis outpaces provider availability

Over 1 in 8 Vernon County residents—approximately 1,700 people—lack health insurance, creating the worst coverage gap in this group. Though the county has adequate primary care provider ratios and reasonable mental health support, uninsured residents often defer care, leading to the elevated poor/fair health rates.

Vernon County's insurance crisis demands action

At 12.4% uninsured, Vernon faces a public health emergency: nearly twice the state average, blocking access to preventive care and routine treatment. Visit healthcare.gov immediately or contact Vernon County's health department to explore BadgerCare, Marketplace subsidies, and emergency funds for medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Vernon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools, Big Educational Impact

Vernon County supports 23 public schools and six districts, enrolling a total of 3,747 students. The landscape is characterized by its high number of campuses relative to its population, including eight high schools.

High Scores and Personal Investment

The county earns an excellent school score of 59.3, well above the state average of 56.9. A strong 94.6% graduation rate is supported by a higher-than-average per-pupil expenditure of $8,535.

Viroqua and Westby Lead with Innovation

The Viroqua Area School District is the largest, serving 1,050 students. Education here is highly specialized, with charter schools making up nearly 22% of all public school options in the county.

Intimate Classes in a Scenic Setting

With an average school size of just 163 students, Vernon County offers the most personal learning environments in the region. Most schools are rural, providing a quiet and focused atmosphere for students.

Focus on Education in Vernon County

If you are looking for small class sizes and high academic scores, Vernon County’s districts are hard to beat. Explore housing options near Viroqua to take advantage of this high-performing school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vernon County

via RiskByCounty

Vernon County faces elevated risks

With a composite risk score of 74.97, Vernon County exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating despite significant exposure to flooding and tornadoes. The county's driftless topography and river valleys create natural vulnerability corridors.

Wisconsin's second-riskiest county

Vernon County's score of 74.97 places it among Wisconsin's highest-risk counties, second only to a handful of peers, well above the state average of 59.08. The county's combination of flood, tornado, and modest earthquake risk explains this elevated position.

Riskier than Crawford, Richland

Vernon County's risk score of 74.97 significantly exceeds neighboring Crawford and Richland counties, despite their shared driftless terrain. Vernon's higher tornado risk (69.43) and specific flood vulnerability patterns distinguish it as the region's riskiest county.

Flooding and severe tornadoes

Flood risk reaches 70.17, making it Vernon County's most significant hazard as the Kickapoo, Baraboo, and other river systems regularly threaten property. Tornado risk at 69.43 ranks among Wisconsin's highest, creating a dual severe-weather threat.

Flood and windstorm coverage essential

Given flood risk of 70.17, all homeowners near rivers and low-lying areas must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Windstorm and hail coverage is equally critical for the county's 69.43 tornado risk, particularly for roof and structural protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Vernon County

via WeatherByCounty

The Driftless Area's Climate

Vernon County has an annual average temperature of 46.1°F, which is cooler than the national median but warm for Wisconsin. Its rugged hills and valleys create significant variation in local temperatures.

One of Wisconsin's Wettest

At 37.6 inches of annual precipitation, Vernon is considerably wetter than the state average of 34.5 inches. Its 46.1°F average also makes it warmer than the typical Wisconsin county.

Wetter Than Its Neighbors

Vernon receives more precipitation than Trempealeau (35.2") and Walworth (36.8"). It is also slightly warmer than Trempealeau, benefiting from its more southerly position in the state.

Strong Summers and Steady Snow

July averages 71.4°F with 6 days of extreme heat, providing a robust growing season. Winters are cold but manageable, with 41.8 inches of snowfall and an average temperature of 20.3°F.

Flood and Moisture Preparedness

Ensure your home has proper drainage and sump pumps to handle the high 37.6-inch annual precipitation. Heating systems should be ready for January lows that average 16.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Vernon County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Silt Loams

Vernon County boasts an average soil pH of 6.11, making it one of the closest in the state to the national median of 6.5. This pH level is significantly higher than the Wisconsin average of 5.63, creating a very hospitable environment for many vegetables. Taxonomic data is currently missing, but the chemical profile is among the state's best.

Silt Dominance in the Driftless

The soil is characterized by a high silt content of 52.0%, paired with 32.0% sand and 14.0% clay. This silt-heavy mix is prized for its ability to hold nutrients while remaining easy to till and plant. It represents a classic high-productivity soil texture typical of prime Wisconsin farmland.

Lean Organic Matter, Reliable Water Storage

Organic matter content is 3.49%, which is lower than the state average but still above the national average of 2.0%. Despite the lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is nearly identical to the state average of 0.204 in/in. This efficiency allows the soil to remain productive even with fewer biological inputs.

Stability on the Hillside

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content helps the soil retain moisture longer than sandier counties. This provides a buffer against drought but may require attention to avoid compaction during wet years. Builders should note that this soil holds its structure well.

Thriving in Zone 5a

Vernon County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, offering a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. The high silt content and favorable pH make it an ideal spot for organic vegetable production and orchards. With a top-tier soil score of 70.5, this is some of the finest ground in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Vernon County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Conditions for Wisconsin Turf

Vernon County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 79.3, nearly 30 points higher than the national average. Homeowners here enjoy some of the most favorable growing conditions in the entire state.

Lush Rainfall and Long Seasons

With 37.6 inches of annual rain, this county is wetter than the state average, providing a natural boost to lawn health. The 2,624 growing degree days offer one of the longest and most productive growing seasons in Wisconsin.

Near-Ideal Soil Chemistry

The soil pH of 6.11 falls perfectly within the ideal range for grass, maximizing the efficiency of every fertilizer application. With 14% clay, the soil provides excellent nutrient retention and support for deep-rooted turf.

Consistent Water Availability

Vernon County is currently drought-free and experienced only 6 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. This reliable hydration means your lawn is less likely to go into defensive dormancy during the peak of summer.

The Best Start in Zone 5a

Standard cool-season mixes like Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass will thrive in these conditions. Your optimal seeding window begins after May 5, giving your lawn a head start on a long, productive season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vernon County's county score?
Vernon County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Vernon County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Vernon County ranks #36 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 Vernon County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Vernon County is $2,883, with an effective tax rate of 1.37%. This earns Vernon County a tax score of 18.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Vernon County?
The median household income in Vernon County, Wisconsin is $69,556 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Vernon County earns an income score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Vernon County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Vernon County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Vernon 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 Vernon 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.