CountyScore

Washburn County

Wisconsin · WI

#9 in Wisconsin
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Washburn County, Wisconsin

Washburn ranks solidly above national median

Washburn County's score of 70.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, landing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. This 40-point advantage reflects strong livability fundamentals across affordability and economic stability.

Above average among Wisconsin counties

At 70.0, Washburn outperforms Wisconsin's average score of 65.6 and ranks in the upper third of the state's counties. The county stands as one of Wisconsin's more livable options overall.

Affordability and tax efficiency shine

Washburn excels in cost (80.2) with the state's most affordable housing—median home values at $207,900 and rent at just $815 monthly. The county's tax score of 71.1 and effective rate of 1.109% rank among Wisconsin's lowest tax burdens.

Lower incomes offset affordability gains

The income score of 23.4 reflects median household earnings of $61,270, notably below state and national averages. While risk resilience (67.3) is solid, income growth and wage opportunities represent the primary livability constraint.

Ideal for budget-conscious rural seekers

Washburn suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low cost of living and tax efficiency over high local wages. The county delivers exceptional affordability and stability for those willing to trade income potential for financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.1Cost80.2SafetyComing SoonHealth71.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.4Risk67.3WaterComing Soon
🏛71.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.3
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 Washburn County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Pike County
Georgia
70
Median income: $84,184

Deep Dives

Washburn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Washburn County

via TaxByCounty

Washburn's taxes rank among nation's lowest

At 1.109%, Washburn County has an effective tax rate well below the national median, placing it in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. Residents pay just $2,305 in median annual property taxes—14% less than the national median of $2,690.

Wisconsin's most tax-friendly county

Washburn County ranks among the lowest in Wisconsin with a 1.109% effective rate, significantly below the state average of 1.436%. Its median property tax of $2,305 is the lowest among all profiled Wisconsin counties.

A regional tax bargain

Washburn's rate undercuts nearly every regional peer, from Walworth (1.437%) to Winnebago (1.713%). Only Washington County's 1.200% comes close to challenging Washburn's advantage.

What $207,900 home costs annually

The median Washburn home valued at $207,900 carries a tax bill of just $2,305 per year. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less ($2,230), while those without see $2,413 in annual taxes.

Even in affordable Washburn, appeal errors exist

Even counties with lower rates can have assessment errors affecting individual properties. If you believe your assessment is too high, Washburn's assessor office handles free appeals that could yield savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washburn County

via CostByCounty

Washburn rents well below national average

Washburn County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds the national 14.9%, but the county's low absolute rents of $815/month are a major relief compared to higher-cost regions. Despite a median household income of $61,270—18% below the national average—Washburn offers genuine housing affordability.

Wisconsin's most affordable rents

Washburn ranks among Wisconsin's most affordable counties with $815 monthly rent versus the state average of $891. At 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, Washburn hovers just slightly above Wisconsin's 14.9% state average despite lower incomes.

Cheapest rents in the region

Washburn's $815 rent undercuts every measured neighbor: Waupaca ($834), Waushara ($789, slightly lower), and Winnebago ($924). For budget-conscious renters, Washburn and rural Waushara are the region's affordability champions.

Low income, low costs align well

Washburn's $61,270 median income is paired with equally modest housing costs: $815 rent and $895 monthly owner costs. While incomes lag the state, the county maintains balance—neither renters nor homeowners face disproportionate housing burdens.

Budget movers: Washburn is your answer

Washburn County delivers genuine affordability with the state's lowest absolute rents and a welcoming 16.0% rent-to-income ratio. If you're relocating with a modest income, Washburn offers breathing room that pricier Wisconsin counties cannot match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washburn County

via IncomeByCounty

Washburn lags the national income average

Washburn County's median household income of $61,270 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by approximately $13,485. This places the county in the lower third nationally, indicating below-average household earnings compared to the broader U.S.

Below average for Wisconsin

Washburn ranks in the lower tier of Wisconsin counties, with its $61,270 median income trailing the state average of $71,715 by $10,445. Per capita income of $36,411 also lags the state's $38,794 average, signaling economic challenges relative to peer counties.

Lowest income among nearby peers

Washburn's $61,270 median household income is the lowest in its region, falling well below Waupaca ($71,189), Waushara ($64,968), and Wood ($66,417) counties. This economic disparity reflects Washburn's more rural character and limited job market compared to surrounding areas.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

Washburn's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is reasonable in absolute terms, but the lower median income of $61,270 makes the median home value of $207,900 relatively less affordable. Households here have tighter margins for non-housing expenses compared to higher-income counties.

Strategic financial planning for Washburn

Lower household incomes require disciplined budgeting and intentional savings. Prioritize emergency funds, explore low-cost retirement savings options, and investigate local workforce development programs that could boost earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Washburn County

via HealthByCounty

Washburn lags national health benchmarks

Washburn County's 76.0-year life expectancy falls 1.2 years short of the U.S. average of 77.2 years, while its 16.9% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national norm. These gaps suggest chronic disease and preventive care gaps that require attention.

Washburn ranks below Wisconsin average

At 76.0 years, Washburn's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Wisconsin, falling 1.8 years below the state average of 77.8 years. The county's health challenges place it in the lower third of state performance metrics.

Similar challenges to Waupaca County

Washburn and Waupaca County (76.5 years) face comparable health headwinds, significantly trailing Winnebago County (77.9 years) just to the south. Despite Washburn's strong primary care density at 96 per 100K, outcomes suggest barriers beyond provider availability—possibly transportation, income, or preventive engagement.

Rural isolation compounds coverage gaps

Washburn's 8.4% uninsured rate is the second-highest among these counties, exceeding the state average by 1.4 percentage points. Geographic distance and rural poverty likely limit residents' ability to reach care, even with 148 mental health providers available per 100K.

Coverage options start with a conversation

Washburn residents without insurance should contact Rural Health Clinic community navigators or Wisconsin's BadgerCare program to explore low-cost options tailored to farming and seasonal work patterns. Medicaid expansion eligibility can unlock critical preventive and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washburn County

via RiskByCounty

Washburn ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 32.76, Washburn County ranks in the very low risk category—well below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 and significantly safer than most U.S. counties. This northwestern Wisconsin county faces substantially lower natural disaster exposure overall.

Wisconsin's safest county

Washburn ranks lowest for natural disaster risk among all Wisconsin counties, with a score dramatically below the state average. The county's remote location and northern geography provide natural protection from several major hazard types.

Safest in a relatively protected region

Washburn's risk score of 32.76 is substantially lower than most surrounding counties, including Bayfield and Ashland. Its very low risk profile reflects geographic advantages shared only by the most isolated Wisconsin counties.

Wildfire poses the main concern

Wildfire risk reaches 39.47 in Washburn, the highest hazard score in the county, though still moderate compared to state averages. Tornado risk (35.53) and flood risk (32.54) round out the top three, all remaining well below dangerous thresholds.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Washburn residents should maintain defensible space around homes and keep gutters clear to reduce wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate coverage for the county's low-risk profile, but verify your policy includes wind and fire protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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