CountyScore

Vilas County

Wisconsin · WI

#8 in Wisconsin
70.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Vilas County, Wisconsin

Vilas ranks among the best

Vilas County's composite score of 70.1 stands 40% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. The county delivers exceptional livability by national standards.

Wisconsin's top performer here

Vilas's score of 70.1 significantly exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 65.6, making it one of the state's strongest-performing counties. The county stands out as a premier Wisconsin choice.

Taxes and housing value shine

Vilas leads with a tax score of 79.8 and the lowest effective tax rate of 0.800%—among the best in the nation. Cost score of 80.4 and median rent of $810/month deliver excellent affordability despite median home values of $270,700.

Income and economic mobility

The income score of 27.2 and median household income of $67,132 indicate limited high-earning opportunities. Risk score of 36.7 suggests moderate economic vulnerability despite overall strong livability.

Ideal for tax-conscious outdoors people

Vilas County is perfect for retirees, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking minimal tax burden and recreational amenities. It suits people who prioritize low taxes, natural beauty, and affordability over maximum income potential.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.8Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth72SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.2Risk36.7WaterComing Soon
🏛79.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Vilas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Arkansas
70.1
Median income: $55,979
Montgomery County
Georgia
70.1
Median income: $51,188
Madison County
Idaho
70.1
Median income: $58,259
Chase County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $54,518
Norton County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $50,305

Deep Dives

Vilas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Vilas County

via TaxByCounty

Vilas offers lowest tax rate in state

At 0.80%, Vilas County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 10% of American counties, beating the national median of 1.09% by a wide margin. The median annual tax of $2,166 remains substantially below the national median of $2,690, even on a median home value of $270,700.

Wisconsin's second-lowest tax rate

Vilas County ranks second statewide for affordability at 0.80%, trailing only Sawyer County's 0.85%, and well below Wisconsin's state average of 1.44%. Homeowners save roughly $900 per year compared to typical Wisconsin residents.

Clear leader in North Woods region

Vilas County's 0.80% rate significantly undercuts all neighboring counties in the northern Wisconsin lake country. For resort-area homeowners and retirees, this tax efficiency combined with natural amenities makes Vilas exceptionally attractive.

Lowest tax burden in northern Wisconsin

Vilas County homeowners with a median-valued property of $270,700 pay approximately $2,166 in annual property taxes. At roughly $181 per month, this represents exceptional value for a county with desirable lake properties.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax Vilas County, homeowners should verify assessed values match market conditions, particularly in resort and lake communities where valuations can fluctuate. An appeal requires no cost and could provide additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Vilas County

via CostByCounty

Vilas rents affordable, homes command premium

Vilas County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.9%, with $810 rent well below Wisconsin's $891 median. However, the $270,700 median home value far exceeds the state norm, creating a split market: cheap rentals for transient residents, expensive homes for buyers.

Vilas delivers northern Wisconsin rental relief

Vilas County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Wisconsin's 14.9% state average, ranking among the state's more affordable rental markets. For buyers, however, Vilas's $270,700 median home value ranks substantially higher than most Wisconsin counties, reflecting resort and recreation-driven demand.

Vilas: cheap rentals, expensive homes

Vilas's $810 rent undercuts neighbors Shawano ($777) and trails Sawyer ($683), but its $270,700 home value vastly exceeds the region, second only to St. Croix ($349,700). This split creates opportunity for renters seeking affordability and challenges for homebuyers.

Vilas split: renter heaven, buyer sticker shock

Renters allocate just 14.5% of $67,132 income to $810 monthly rent, enjoying above-average affordability in the state. Conversely, homebuyers face a $270,700 median that ranks among Wisconsin's highest—a stark contrast driven by recreational and resort property demand.

Vilas for renters and wealthy Northwoods buyers

Moving to Vilas makes sense if you're renting and prioritize Northwoods lifestyle, or if you have $300,000+ equity for a recreational property investment. Budget-conscious renters seeking to buy should explore Shawano or Taylor—rural counties where home prices align with modest incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Vilas County

via IncomeByCounty

Vilas income near national norm

Vilas County's median household income of $67,132 trails the national median of $74,755 by $7,623, or 10%. This gap reflects Vilas's rural northern Wisconsin character, though its per capita income of $42,822 suggests significant wealth concentration.

Below Wisconsin state average

Vilas ranks below Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, earning $4,583 less per median household. This positions Vilas in Wisconsin's lower-middle tier despite its wealthy seasonal and retiree population.

Peer to nearby counties

Vilas's $67,132 income closely matches Shawano ($67,032) and sits between Sawyer ($59,055) and Vernon ($69,556). Vilas's higher per capita income ($42,822) suggests wealth concentration among fewer households.

Premium housing on moderate income

Vilas's median home value of $270,700 stands remarkably high relative to the $67,132 median household income, reflecting vacation home and retiree demand. A rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% masks significant housing cost pressure for primary residents.

Navigate seasonal income swings

Vilas households earning $67,132 often experience seasonal or tourist-driven income volatility; building robust emergency reserves of 6-12 months is critical. Consider working with advisors experienced in vacation-home economies to optimize cash flow timing and investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Vilas County

via HealthByCounty

Vilas falls short of national health benchmarks

At 76.5 years, Vilas County residents live 1.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county below national longevity standards. With 16.3% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national 13%—Vilas faces widespread health challenges.

Wisconsin's shortest life expectancy in this group

Vilas County's 76.5-year life expectancy ranks lowest among all profiled counties and 1.3 years below Wisconsin's 77.8-year state average. At 9.2% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 7%, compounding access barriers in a county already struggling with health outcomes.

Lowest longevity, limited provider access

Vilas's 76.5-year life expectancy is the shortest in the region, trailing Sawyer County (74.9 is lower, but Vilas is second-lowest) and well below Shawano (77.6) and St. Croix (79.8). With 72 primary care providers per 100K and just 105 mental health providers, access remains constrained.

Uninsured rates and provider gaps compound

Vilas's 9.2% uninsured rate means nearly 900 residents lack health coverage, above Wisconsin's 7% average and limiting preventive care engagement. The county's 72 primary care providers and 105 mental health providers per 100K lag healthier counties, creating a double barrier to care.

Breaking Vilas's health crisis cycle

Vilas County's poor health outcomes begin with insurance gaps: 9.2% uninsured is unsustainable for a community facing so many challenges. Check healthcare.gov or call the county health department now to secure BadgerCare, Marketplace coverage, or emergency assistance—the first step to better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Vilas County

via RiskByCounty

Vilas County moderately above average

With a composite risk score of 63.26, Vilas County slightly exceeds the national average and earns a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's risk landscape is shaped primarily by flood vulnerability tied to its abundant lakes and waterways.

Mid-range risk for Wisconsin

At 63.26, Vilas County's composite risk score exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the moderate-risk category among the state's 72 counties. The county's extensive water systems explain this above-average positioning.

Comparable to Oneida, Iron

Vilas County's risk profile aligns closely with neighboring Oneida and Iron counties, with all three sharing similar flood vulnerabilities tied to northern Wisconsin's lake-dense geography. Tornado risk remains minimal across all three, reflecting the region's relative protection from severe storms.

Flooding from lakes and streams

Flood risk is Vilas County's primary concern at 60.88, reflecting the county's position in a region of over 1,300 lakes where spring snowmelt and heavy rains cause regular water-level rises. Wildfire risk (22.14) and tornado risk (29.07) remain well below average.

Flood insurance for lakefront property

Homeowners with lakefront or streamside properties should secure flood insurance given Vilas County's 60.88 flood risk score. Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient for other hazard types, as wildfire and tornado risks remain minimal in this northwoods setting.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.