CountyScore

Waukesha County

Wisconsin · WI

#58 in Wisconsin
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Waukesha scores 26% above national median

Waukesha County's score of 63.2 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. The county demonstrates strong livability fundamentals on multiple fronts.

Slightly below Wisconsin state average

With a score of 63.2, Waukesha falls just short of Wisconsin's 65.6 average, placing it in the middle band of the state's counties. Despite falling slightly below average, it remains competitive statewide.

Excellent health and strong incomes

Waukesha leads with a health score of 83.9—the highest among these eight counties—and an income score of 51.3 backed by median household income of $104,100. The tax score of 68.2 provides reasonable tax relief despite premium property values.

High housing costs and minimal risk buffer

The cost score of 59.8 reflects Wisconsin's highest median home value at $373,600 and premium rent at $1,300 monthly, straining affordability. Risk resilience (11.1) is the lowest among these counties, indicating vulnerability to economic shocks.

For affluent families prioritizing health care

Waukesha works best for wealthy families and executives seeking premium healthcare, excellent incomes, and suburban lifestyle. The county demands financial cushion but rewards with top-tier health outcomes and strong wage opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68.2Cost59.8SafetyComing SoonHealth83.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome51.3Risk11.1WaterComing Soon
🏛68.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.1
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 Waukesha County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Floyd County
Georgia
63.2
Median income: $62,540
Henry County
Illinois
63.2
Median income: $69,912
Barton County
Kansas
63.2
Median income: $56,733
Fayette County
Kentucky
63.2
Median income: $67,631
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
63.2
Median income: $119,750

Deep Dives

Waukesha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Waukesha County

via TaxByCounty

Waukesha's taxes above national average

Waukesha County's 1.211% effective tax rate exceeds the national median, landing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. At $4,525, the median annual property tax is 68% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Below state average despite high values

Waukesha's 1.211% effective rate falls below Wisconsin's 1.436% state average, making it relatively tax-efficient for a prosperous county. Median property taxes of $4,525 are the highest among profiled Wisconsin counties, reflecting Waukesha's elevated home values.

The region's most valuable homes

Waukesha's median home value of $373,600 is the highest in the region, yet its tax rate of 1.211% remains competitive with nearby Washington (1.200%) and superior to Walworth (1.437%). This combination of high values and moderate rates drives Waukesha's robust housing market.

What $373,600 home costs annually

The median Waukesha home worth $373,600 incurs $4,525 in annual property taxes—the highest among all profiled counties. Mortgaged properties pay $4,557, while unmortgaged properties pay $4,463, reflecting minor valuation differences.

Premium homes need premium scrutiny

High-value properties face disproportionate assessment errors due to valuation complexity. Waukesha homeowners should request a professional assessment review—one percentage point in tax rate represents hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Waukesha County

via CostByCounty

Waukesha: Wisconsin's most affluent county

Waukesha County's median household income of $104,100 towers over the national average of $74,755—a 39% premium that anchors the county's prosperity. Despite the highest absolute housing costs in the region, Waukesha's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio matches the national norm perfectly.

Wisconsin's priciest, yet balanced

Waukesha County commands Wisconsin's highest rents ($1,300 vs. state average $891) and home values ($373,600), yet maintains a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exactly matching the state average. This seeming paradox reflects Waukesha's outsized incomes—higher costs are affordable here.

Premium pricing for premium prosperity

Waukesha's $1,300 rent and $373,600 median home value both top every regional neighbor, while its $104,100 median income also leads. You pay for Waukesha's prosperity, but the county's economic engine makes those costs manageable for its residents.

Both renters and owners thrive

Waukesha renters spend 15.0% of income on housing while homeowners spend 18.8%—a gap reflecting the county's expensive real estate. Regardless, the $104,100 median income cushions both markets, making Waukesha genuinely affordable only for higher earners.

High-earning relocators: Waukesha's waiting

Waukesha County is Wisconsin's economic powerhouse, offering top incomes and excellent affordability metrics—but only if you clear the $100,000+ threshold. Moving here makes sense for prosperous professionals; budget-conscious families should explore cheaper alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Waukesha County

via IncomeByCounty

Waukesha leads the nation in earnings

Waukesha County's median household income of $104,100 ranks among the highest in the United States, exceeding the national median of $74,755 by nearly $30,000. This places the county firmly in the top 10% of all U.S. counties by household income.

Wisconsin's most affluent county

Waukesha County is the highest-income county in Wisconsin, with its $104,100 median substantially above the state average of $71,715. The per capita income of $57,291 towers over Wisconsin's $38,794 average, reflecting concentrated wealth and prosperity.

Clear income leader in southeast Wisconsin

Waukesha's $104,100 median household income exceeds all peer counties, including Washington ($95,851), Walworth ($77,359), and Winnebago ($72,873). The county's economic dominance reflects its position as a regional business and employment hub.

Premium incomes with manageable housing costs

Despite the highest median home value of $373,600, Waukesha's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% remains favorable because of the county's exceptional income. Households retain substantial disposable income after housing, enabling significant savings and investment capacity.

Advanced wealth strategies for Waukesha

Waukesha's top-tier income enables sophisticated financial planning—consider alternative investments, charitable giving strategies, and estate planning to preserve and grow wealth. Working with a financial advisor can help optimize taxes and investment returns at this income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Waukesha County

via HealthByCounty

Waukesha leads America in health outcomes

Waukesha County residents live to 80.3 years—a remarkable 3.1 years above the U.S. average—with just 12.2% reporting poor or fair health. These metrics place Waukesha in the nation's healthiest communities, powered by high incomes, education, and healthcare density.

Waukesha's health dominates Wisconsin

At 80.3 years, Waukesha County has the highest life expectancy in Wisconsin, exceeding the state average by 2.5 years and setting the benchmark for health excellence. The county's uninsured rate of 3.9% is the lowest in the state by a significant margin.

Substantially outpaces peer counties

Waukesha's 80.3-year life expectancy towers over Washington County (79.6 years) and vastly exceeds all rural counties in this comparison. With 315 mental health providers per 100K—more than double any other county here—Waukesha offers unparalleled mental health access.

Maximum coverage, maximum providers

Only 3.9% of Waukesha residents lack insurance, the best ratio in Wisconsin, while 140 primary care providers per 100K ensure rapid appointment access. This combination—near-universal coverage plus extraordinary provider density—creates ideal conditions for preventive and chronic disease management.

Stay covered through annual checkups

With Waukesha's exceptionally high coverage rate, focus on maximizing your current plan's preventive benefits during annual open enrollment. If life changes affect coverage, use your county's abundant resources to enroll quickly and maintain continuous care continuity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Waukesha County

via RiskByCounty

Waukesha faces above-average risk

Waukesha County scores 88.87 on the composite risk index, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and 50% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. Among Wisconsin counties, Waukesha ranks among the highest-risk communities.

Second-highest risk in Wisconsin

Waukesha ranks near the top of Wisconsin's risk tier, with exposure to multiple high-impact hazards. The county's rapid suburban development in flood-prone areas and high tornado frequency drive its elevated composite score.

Waukesha's risk stands out regionally

Waukesha's composite score of 88.87 significantly exceeds nearby Washington County (68.32) and Walworth County (74.78). It ranks among the riskiest counties in southeastern Wisconsin's urban corridor.

Tornadoes and flooding hit hardest

Tornado risk scores 95.71—the highest in the county and among Wisconsin's most dangerous—while flood risk reaches 89.76, affecting major urban and suburban zones. Earthquake risk (57.44) and wildfire risk (49.68) pose secondary but notable threats.

Comprehensive coverage is critical

Waukesha residents must prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and tornado protection. Flood insurance is non-negotiable for any property in a mapped flood zone or with flood history; the county's high flood score means many areas face genuine inundation risk.

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.