countyscore
59.6
County Score
Safety 84.5Schools 68.9Disaster Risk 67.3

County Report Card

About Washburn County, Wisconsin

Outperforming the National Median

Washburn County earns an impressive composite score of 58.2, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests a higher-than-average quality of life compared to most counties across the country.

A Wisconsin Standout for Livability

With its 58.2 score, Washburn significantly exceeds the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. This performance marks it as one of the more desirable northern counties for residents seeking stability and security.

Exceptional Safety and Low Risk

The county excels in security with a safety score of 84.5 and a risk score of 67.3. Residents benefit from a peaceful environment and a median gross rent of only $815, making it an affordable haven.

Lower Incomes and Water Quality Concerns

Economic growth is slower here, with an income score of 42.9 and a median household income of $61,270. Additionally, the water score of 31.1 indicates room for improvement in local infrastructure and resource management.

Perfect for Seekers of Security

This county is best suited for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and low environmental risk over high-climbing salaries. It offers a tranquil, low-cost lifestyle that is hard to find elsewhere in the state.

2040608010031.955.484.561.168.944.167.331.150.1Tax31.9Cost55.4Safety84.5Health61.1Schools68.9Income44.1Risk67.3Water31.1Weather50.159.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Washburn County DNA

Foverall

How Washburn County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Washburn County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (84.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (31.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.9-20.1
Cost
55.4
Safety
84.5+29.5
Health
61.1+11.100000000000001
Schools
68.9+14.900000000000006
Income
44.1
Risk
67.3+20.299999999999997
Water
31.1-26.9
Weather
50.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Washburn County?

Many homeowners in Washburn County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$226,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$795/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$226,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,441/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Lewis County
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Fluvanna County
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Florence County
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Nearby counties

Burnett County
Wisconsin
47.8
Barron County
Wisconsin
51.5
Sawyer County
Wisconsin
48.9
Pine County
Minnesota
47
Douglas County
Wisconsin
40.8
Polk County
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52.4
Rusk County
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53.2
Chisago County
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46.1

Deep Dives

Washburn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Washburn County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite National Safety in Washburn County

Washburn County earns an exceptional safety score of 99.4, making it one of the more secure regions in the country. The total crime rate of 359.6 per 100K is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Wisconsin Safety

The county's safety score beats the Wisconsin state average of 98.3 by a notable margin. Three local reporting agencies coordinate to maintain a crime rate that is nearly three times lower than the state average.

Regional Security Leader Among Neighbors

Washburn's crime rate of 359.6 per 100K is even lower than Waupaca County's impressive 499.8. It stands as a top-tier safety performer compared to both local and state averages.

Minimal Property and Violent Crime Incidents

Property crime sits at just 269.7 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 89.9. Both metrics are significantly better than the national levels, where property crime exceeds 2,000 per 100K.

Preserving Your Local Peace of Mind

Even in an exceptionally safe county, basic home security provides essential protection. Locking doors and utilizing motion-sensor lights ensures the community remains a secure haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washburn County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Humid Continental Climate

Washburn County's average annual temperature of 42.5°F sits nearly 10 degrees below the national median of roughly 53°F. The region experiences a classic humid continental climate defined by its stark seasonal shifts and long winters.

Colder Than the Wisconsin Average

Washburn is cooler than the state average of 44.4°F, reflecting its northern position. While southern Wisconsin enjoys more moderate conditions, this county faces a more rigorous thermal environment.

Snowier Than Its Central Neighbors

With 55.7 inches of annual snow, Washburn is significantly more wintry than central counties like Waushara. It records much lower January temperatures than southern neighbors, averaging just 11.4°F during the year's coldest month.

Brief Summers and Brutal Winters

The county only experiences 4 extreme heat days above 90°F annually, making for very comfortable summers. However, winter temperatures average a frigid 15.2°F, demanding heavy preparation for deep freezes.

Prepare for the Long Freeze

Heavy-duty snow blowers and high-rated attic insulation are essential for the 55.7-inch annual snowfall. Residents can skip intensive cooling upgrades, as July averages stay under 70°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washburn County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Northern Soils

Washburn County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.96, which is much lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is also notable compared to the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data for the dominant soil is limited, the low pH defines the local growing environment.

Sandy Texture with Minimal Clay

The soil here is relatively light, composed of 45.6% sand and only 6.5% clay. With silt making up 28.0% of the mix, the soil is easy to till but may struggle to hold certain nutrients. This high sand content suggests that water moves quickly through the ground.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Fertility is high in Washburn, where organic matter reaches 17.45%, far exceeding the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.215 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.204 in/in. These factors help compensate for the sandy texture by keeping the soil biologically active.

A Focus on Localized Hydrology

Standard drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for the dominant soil profile in this county. However, the high sand percentage typically points toward rapid drainage. Gardeners should monitor moisture levels closely, especially in areas where clay is scarce.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 4a

In the cold climate of zone 4a, you should focus on acid-loving plants like blueberries and potatoes that thrive in these conditions. The high organic matter provides a great energy source for hardy northern crops. Use lime if you want to grow vegetables that prefer a more neutral pH.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washburn County

via LawnByCounty

A tougher test for northern lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 47.8, Washburn County is more challenging than both the national average and the state average of 64.4. This Hardiness Zone 4a region requires specific strategies to handle a shorter, more intense growing season. Homeowners must work harder than their southern neighbors to keep turf healthy.

Cold winters and dry spells

Annual precipitation of 31.6 inches is below the state average, requiring supplemental irrigation during the summer months. The region only sees about 4 extreme heat days per year, but the 2,193 growing degree days limit the total time grass has to recover from damage. Mowing cycles are shorter here, starting after the May 14 frost.

Acidic soils require careful management

The soil pH sits at a very acidic 4.96, well below the ideal range for standard lawn grasses. With a high sand content of 45.6%, nutrients and water leach away quickly. While specific drainage data is limited, the sandy texture suggests you will need regular lime applications and organic matter to boost performance.

Persistent drought challenges turf

Washburn County spent 27 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. With 8.3% of the county in severe drought, water conservation is critical for lawn survival. Focus on keeping high-traffic areas hydrated while allowing peripheral lawn sections to enter natural dormancy.

Resilient grass for Zone 4a

Fine fescues and cold-hardy Kentucky Bluegrass varieties are essential for surviving the harsh Zone 4a winters. Aim to seed in early August to give roots time to establish before the first fall frost on October 4. Despite the challenges, proper species selection ensures a durable green space.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washburn County's county score?
Washburn County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 59.6 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 Washburn County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Washburn County ranks #8 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 Washburn County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Washburn County is $2,377, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Washburn County a tax score of 31.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washburn County?
The median household income in Washburn County, Wisconsin is $63,441 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washburn County earns an income score of 44.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washburn County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Washburn County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Washburn 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 Washburn County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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