countyscore
65.2
County Score
Schools 91.3Safety 86.8Health 62.4

County Report Card

About Vilas County, Wisconsin

An Elite National Performer

Vilas County achieves an outstanding composite score of 65.2, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in an elite tier of livability nationwide. It is a high-achieving area that offers an exceptional standard of living across most categories.

Leading the Pack in Wisconsin

With a score of 65.2, Vilas County significantly outperforms the Wisconsin average of 50.3. It is one of the highest-rated counties in the state, particularly in the northern region. This makes it a standout destination for both locals and those relocating to the state.

Top-Tier Schools and Safety

Vilas County excels with a school score of 91.3 and a safety score of 86.8. The effective tax rate is remarkably low at 0.800%, giving it a tax score of 53.2—one of the best in Wisconsin. These strengths create a rare combination of low costs and high-quality public services.

Environmental and Infrastructure Needs

Despite its many strengths, Vilas County has a low water quality score of 20.6. Its natural risk score of 36.7 also indicates some environmental vulnerabilities common to the Northwoods. These are the only minor blemishes on an otherwise world-class profile.

The Gold Standard for Northwoods Living

Vilas County is the perfect destination for families and retirees who want elite schools, maximum safety, and low taxes. It offers a high-end quality of life that is difficult to find elsewhere in the Midwest. This is a premier choice for anyone prioritizing safety and educational excellence.

Score breakdown

Tax53.2Cost51.3Safety86.8Health62.4Schools91.3Income59.4Risk36.7Water20.6Weather49
🏛53.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓91.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.7
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 →
🌤49
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Vilas County

Whether buying or refinancing in Vilas County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Vilas County with Webster County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Webster County
Georgia
Median income: $40,764
65.2
Tipton County
Indiana
Median income: $78,309
65.2
Pocahontas County
Iowa
Median income: $63,423
65.2
Clearwater County
Minnesota
Median income: $64,934
65.2
Swift County
Minnesota
Median income: $62,601
65.2
Putnam County
Ohio
Median income: $82,785
65.2
Newton County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,395
65.3
Putnam County
Indiana
Median income: $76,182
65.3

Nearby counties

Oneida County
Wisconsin
60.2
Forest County
Wisconsin
53.5
Gogebic County
Michigan
55.5
Iron County
Michigan
60.4
Lincoln County
Wisconsin
45.6
Iron County
Wisconsin
65.4
Price County
Wisconsin
59.4
Ontonagon County
Michigan
63.5

Deep Dives

Vilas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Vilas County

via CrimeByCounty

Vilas County Reaches Peak Safety Scores

Vilas County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.5, indicating an exceptionally safe environment. Its total crime rate of 298.1 per 100,000 is a small fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

A Safety Benchmark for Wisconsin

The county's crime rate of 298.1 is far below the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. With a safety score of 99.5, Vilas County is one of the most secure regions in the entire state.

Safest in the Northwoods

Vilas County's crime rate of 298.1 is significantly lower than neighboring Sawyer County's rate of 1401.1. This makes it a standout for safety in the Northern Wisconsin region.

Remarkable Absence of Violent Crime

Vilas County reported zero violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. All reported incidents were property crimes, which also remained very low at 298.1 per 100,000.

Securing Your Northwoods Home

Since violent crime is virtually non-existent, residents should focus solely on property protection. Using timed lighting and secure locks for seasonal properties is the best way to maintain this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Vilas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Elite Education in the Northwoods

Vilas County operates 13 public schools across five districts, serving 2,665 students. The system is elementary-heavy with eight primary schools, ensuring a strong start for the county's youngest learners.

Stellar Results and Significant Investment

Vilas County leads the region with a school score of 64.2 and a 96.1% graduation rate. This excellence is backed by a substantial per-pupil investment of $10,435, far exceeding the state average of $8,113.

Northland Pines Sets the Standard

The Northland Pines School District is the county's largest, educating 1,391 students across eight schools. The county also offers diverse choices with three charter schools, accounting for 23% of the total landscape.

Quiet, Rural, and Focused Schools

All 13 schools in the county are classified as rural, offering a peaceful setting for education. Average school sizes are small at 205 students, though Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Elementary serves a larger group of 521.

Secure Your Future in a Top District

With the highest school scores in the area and a 96% graduation rate, Vilas County is a premier choice for families. Look for homes in the Northland Pines district to enjoy some of the best educational outcomes in Wisconsin.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Vilas County

via WeatherByCounty

Wisconsin's Ice Box

Vilas County is defined by an annual average temperature of just 39.8°F, one of the lowest in the continental U.S. This extreme northern climate is characterized by intense, long-lasting winters.

Coldest in the Region

Vilas is far colder than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. While its 33.1 inches of precipitation is near the state norm, the vast majority of it arrives as snow.

Regional Snow Leader

The county receives a massive 89.0 inches of snow annually, nearly double that of Shawano or Sheboygan. Its 39.8°F average temperature makes it a distinct outlier even among its northern neighbors.

Extreme Snow and Brief Summers

Winters are brutal, with January averages of 10.7°F and nearly 90 inches of snowfall. Summers are exceptionally cool, with a 65.9°F July average and only 2 days per year over 90°F.

Built for the Northwoods

Professional-grade snow removal and extreme-cold survival gear are essential for the 14.0°F winter average. Invest in the best possible insulation, as heating is a year-round priority in this environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Vilas County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Northern Highlands

Vilas County soil is extremely acidic with an average pH of 4.58, far below the national median of 6.5 and state average of 5.63. This is one of the most acidic profiles in Wisconsin, typical of coniferous forest floors. While taxonomic data is not available, the pH strongly dictates what can survive here.

A Predominantly Sandy Surface

The soil is 52.3% sand with a very low clay content of just 5.8%. Silt makes up 30.4%, creating a very light and porous texture that allows for rapid air and water movement. This composition makes the soil extremely easy to dig but very poor at holding onto essential nutrients.

High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

Vilas County has a rich organic matter content of 16.50%, well above the state average of 11.02%. However, the sandy nature results in a low available water capacity of 0.179 in/in, which is below the state average of 0.204 in/in. Plants must be drought-resistant or watered frequently to survive the quick-draining ground.

Rapid Drainage Challenges

There is no specific drainage or hydrologic data available in the dataset, but the 52.3% sand indicates very fast drainage. This prevents waterlogging even in heavy rains but means the soil does not act as a reliable reservoir. Building on this ground is generally straightforward due to the lack of heavy clay.

Hardy Zone 4a Native Growth

As a Zone 4a region, Vilas County is perfect for acid-loving native plants like pines, ferns, and wild berries. To grow vegetables, gardeners should focus on heavy mulching and pH adjustment to overcome the sandy, acidic baseline. It is a challenging but rewarding environment for those who embrace northern hardy species.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Vilas County

via LawnByCounty

Toughest Growing Conditions in the State

Vilas County has a lawn difficulty score of 48.4, making it the most challenging county in this group for lawn care. Its location in Hardiness Zone 4a means a very short season and intense winter pressures on turf.

Slow Growth and Early Frosts

The county records only 1,727 growing degree days, the lowest in the group, which leads to very slow grass recovery. Late May frosts and early September freezes leave a narrow window for any significant lawn repair or establishment.

Sandy, Highly Acidic Soils

A soil pH of 4.58 is extremely acidic and will likely require significant lime treatment to support a standard lawn. The high sand content of 52.3% and low clay of 5.8% mean nutrients wash away quickly, necessitating slow-release fertilizers.

Managing Significant Dry Periods

Despite the northern location, the county faced 22 weeks of drought last year and currently remains 58.7% abnormally dry. Water conservation is critical here; using rain barrels can provide a sustainable water source for your garden and lawn.

Hardy Varieties Only

Only the hardiest cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue will reliably survive the Vilas County climate. Wait until after May 25 to seed, and ensure all work is finished before the first frost hits on September 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vilas County's county score?
Vilas County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 65.2 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 Vilas County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Vilas County ranks #2 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 Vilas County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Vilas County is $2,166, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Vilas County a tax score of 53.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Vilas County?
The median household income in Vilas County, Wisconsin is $67,132 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Vilas County earns an income score of 59.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Vilas County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Vilas County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Vilas 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 Vilas 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.