countyscore
51.9
County Score
Health 96.8Income & Jobs 96.3Soil Quality 80.1

County Report Card

About Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Strong Competitive Edge Nationally

Waukesha County posts a composite score of 51.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive location for those looking for suburban stability on a national scale.

A State Leader in Wellness

Surpassing the Wisconsin average of 50.3, Waukesha County is a heavy hitter in the state’s economic landscape. It consistently ranks as one of the healthiest and wealthiest counties in the region.

Top-Tier Health and Income

The county boasts an incredible health score of 96.8 and an income score of 96.3. With a median household income of $104,100, residents enjoy access to some of the best private and public resources in the Midwest.

Expensive Housing and Environmental Risk

Affordability is the main trade-off, with a cost score of 9.2 and a median home value of $373,600. Furthermore, the risk score of 11.1 and water score of 19.5 highlight significant environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Premier Living for the Affluent

Waukesha County is best for affluent professionals and families who prioritize elite health services and high incomes. Those moving here should be prepared for high housing costs and lower scores in environmental resilience.

2040608010025.29.267.696.871.896.311.119.552.7Tax25.2Cost9.2Safety67.6Health96.8Schools71.8Income96.3Risk11.1Water19.5Weather52.751.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Waukesha County DNA

Foverall

How Waukesha County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Waukesha County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (96.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (9.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.2-26.8
Cost
9.2-38.8
Safety
67.6+12.599999999999994
Health
96.8+46.8
Schools
71.8+17.799999999999997
Income
96.3+45.3
Risk
11.1-35.9
Water
19.5-38.5
Weather
52.7
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Whether buying or refinancing in Waukesha County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$373,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,300/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$373,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $104,100/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.6

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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Nearby counties

Milwaukee County
Wisconsin
24.7
Racine County
Wisconsin
38.7
Washington County
Wisconsin
52.5
Walworth County
Wisconsin
50.4
Jefferson County
Wisconsin
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Ozaukee County
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56.1
Kenosha County
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39.9
Dodge County
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44.5

Deep Dives

Waukesha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Waukesha County

via CrimeByCounty

Waukesha County Boasts High Safety Ratings

Waukesha County carries a 98.8 safety score, representing a very secure environment compared to the nation at large. The total crime rate of 757.7 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

The county's 757.7 total crime rate is significantly lower than the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1. A large network of 23 reporting agencies maintains this high level of public safety.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Neighbors

Waukesha is safer than neighboring Washington County, which has a total crime rate of 990.2. It also maintains a lower violent crime rate than nearly all surrounding regions in Wisconsin.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare Locally

Violent crime occurs at a rate of just 58.7 per 100K, far below the national 369.8. Property crime is also low, totaling 699.0 incidents per 100K residents.

Protecting Your Home and Family

Maintaining a safe community starts with active home monitoring and neighborhood awareness. Simple upgrades like smart locks and alarms can further enhance the security of your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Waukesha County

via SchoolsByCounty

A massive and diverse educational powerhouse

Waukesha County manages an expansive system of 112 public schools across 23 districts, educating over 61,000 students. The infrastructure is comprehensive, featuring 61 elementary schools, 25 high schools, and specialized alternative and special education facilities. It is one of the most significant educational hubs in the state of Wisconsin.

Elite outcomes with highly efficient spending

The county matches the state's top tier with a 95.4% graduation rate, well above the 87% national benchmark. Despite its size, the county keeps spending efficient at $7,548 per pupil, which is lower than the Wisconsin average of $8,113. Its composite school score of 57.6 reflects consistently high performance across its many districts.

Waukesha and Elmbrook lead the way

The Waukesha School District is the largest entity, overseeing 27 schools and nearly 12,000 students. Elmbrook follows with over 7,700 students, while the Arrowhead UHS district hosts the county's largest single school with 2,086 students. Sixteen charter schools provide diverse learning options, representing about 14% of total schools.

Suburban variety and large-scale opportunities

Most students attend one of the 64 suburban or 27 city-based schools, where the average enrollment is 546 students. Campus sizes vary wildly, from intimate rural schools to massive high schools like Muskego and Oconomowoc, which both exceed 1,600 students. This variety ensures that families can find an environment that fits their child's specific needs.

Join a community that excels in education

Waukesha County is synonymous with educational excellence in Wisconsin, boasting graduation rates that lead the nation. Moving here provides access to specialized districts and some of the largest, best-resourced high schools in the Midwest. It is an ideal destination for families seeking long-term academic success and strong property values.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Waukesha County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance rate hits double the state average

Waukesha County receives an F grade due to 340 health violations, creating a rate of 136.8 per 100,000 residents. This violation rate is nearly double the Wisconsin average of 76.3, signaling major compliance issues.

Chloride and phosphorus impact county watersheds

The county's impairment rate of 7.6% exactly matches the Wisconsin state average for the 2022 reporting cycle. Phosphorus and chloride are the primary stressors for the 44 water bodies that fail to meet federal standards.

Consistent monitoring of inorganic levels

A network of 187 monitoring sites has generated 160,414 measurements over the last five years. This effort focuses on physical properties and inorganic materials to track the environmental footprint of the region.

Fox River flows slightly below normal

The Fox River at Waukesha is currently discharging at 99 cfs, which is 85% of its long-term seasonal mean of 117 cfs. This indicates relatively stable, though slightly reduced, flow conditions for the drainage area.

Filtration critical for Waukesha residents

Given the high rate of drinking water violations, residents should consider certified home filtration systems and regular private testing. Additionally, reducing road salt use can help mitigate the chloride impairments found in nearly 8% of local water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Waukesha County

via WeatherByCounty

One of Wisconsin's Warmest Spots

Waukesha’s 46.8°F average annual temperature is one of the highest in the state, though it still trails the national median. This area represents the warmer edge of the humid continental climate zone.

Beating the State Average

Waukesha is roughly 2.4 degrees warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. This makes it one of the most temperate counties in a state known for its cold extremes.

The Dry, Warm Choice

Compared to nearby Wood County, Waukesha receives about 14 inches less snow annually. Its 38.3-inch snow total is the lowest among this specific group of Wisconsin counties.

Hot Summers and Manageable Cold

July averages 71.3°F with 8 days of extreme heat peaking above 90°F. Winter is relatively mild for the state, with a seasonal average of 22.9°F.

Focus on Summer Comfort

Because snowfall is lower here than in much of the state, focus resources on HVAC efficiency for the 8 annual heat-wave days. Reliable rain gear is necessary to handle the 36.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Waukesha County

via SoilByCounty

Waukesha's Fertile Fine Sandy Loam

With a high soil score of 80.1, Waukesha County is dominated by Mollisols with a fine sandy loam texture. The pH averages 6.24, which is significantly more neutral than the state average of 5.63. These soils represent some of the most productive land in Southeast Wisconsin.

A Silty, Sandy Foundation

The soil mix is fairly balanced with 43.6% silt, 34.0% sand, and 15.7% clay. This fine sandy loam is prized for its excellent texture and ease of cultivation. It provides enough surface area for nutrient exchange while allowing for good aeration.

Steady Moisture and Healthy Matter

Waukesha features an organic matter content of 5.85%, nearly triple the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.203 in/in, which is right in line with the Wisconsin state average. This combination supports consistent plant growth throughout the spring and summer.

Navigating Very Poorly Drained Areas

The dominant soil is classified as very poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group A/D. This indicates a very high water table, which can lead to standing water in low-lying spots. It is vital to assess your specific site's drainage before starting a construction or garden project.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone and Mollisol foundation are perfect for growing pumpkins, squash, and leafy greens. Because of the drainage challenges, many local gardeners find success with raised beds. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of this rich, high-scoring soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Waukesha County

via LawnByCounty

A top-tier county for turf

Waukesha County is a lawn-lover's paradise with a difficulty score of 79.0, one of the best in the state. This score far exceeds the national average of 50.0 and the Wisconsin average of 64.4. Zone 5b provides a reliable foundation for consistent, healthy lawn growth.

Wet and warm growing conditions

Annual precipitation of 36.2 inches provides more water than the state average, keeping grass hydrated naturally. The 2,598 growing degree days offer a long, productive window for turf development, despite 8 days of extreme heat. Mowing starts early after the April 30 spring frost and continues until mid-October.

Sandy loam requires drainage management

The soil features a pH of 6.24, which is ideal for grass, and a fine sandy loam texture. However, the drainage is classified as very poor, meaning the land can hold onto water too tightly in certain areas. To avoid root rot and compaction, regular core aeration and surface grading are highly recommended.

Reliable moisture throughout the year

With 0.0% of the county currently facing drought conditions and only 4 weeks of drought in the past year, water stress is rare. This stability allows for a more relaxed watering schedule than many other Wisconsin counties. Even in dry weeks, your lawn's sandy loam base helps maintain essential hydration.

Maximize the Waukesha season

Hardiness Zone 5b is perfect for a blend of Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue. Use the long season between April 30 and October 13 to your advantage for seeding or sodding projects. Starting new growth in late summer ensures a strong root system before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waukesha County's county score?
Waukesha County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Waukesha County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Waukesha County ranks #31 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 Waukesha County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Waukesha County is $4,525, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Waukesha County a tax score of 25.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waukesha County?
The median household income in Waukesha County, Wisconsin is $104,100 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waukesha County earns an income score of 96.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waukesha County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Waukesha County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Waukesha 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 Waukesha County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.