countyscore
54.5
County Score
Schools 71.2Safety 69.3Lawn Care 67.7

County Report Card

About Waushara County, Wisconsin

Strong National Standing

Waushara County earns a solid composite score of 54.5, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county offers a better-than-average standard of living across several key dimensions.

A Consistent Wisconsin Performer

With a score of 54.5, Waushara is well above the state average of 50.3. It provides a reliable quality of life that balances rural charm with essential community services.

Strong Schools and Safety

The county excels in education with a school score of 71.2 and maintains a safe environment with a safety score of 69.3. Housing is also affordable, with a median gross rent of only $789 per month.

Tax Burden and Water Quality

The tax score of 20.0 reflects a somewhat high property tax burden for residents. Water infrastructure also has room for growth, as indicated by a water score of 40.3.

Ideal for Value-Minded Parents

Waushara County is a top choice for parents looking for good schools and safe neighborhoods on a budget. The low cost of housing makes it particularly attractive for those with moderate household incomes.

20406080100205269.359.371.254.356.840.349.9Tax20Cost52Safety69.3Health59.3Schools71.2Income54.3Risk56.8Water40.3Weather49.954.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Waushara County DNA

Foverall

How Waushara County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Waushara County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (71.2/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (20/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
20-32
Cost
52
Safety
69.3+14.299999999999997
Health
59.3+9.299999999999997
Schools
71.2+17.200000000000003
Income
54.3
Risk
56.8+9.799999999999997
Water
40.3-17.700000000000003
Weather
49.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Waushara County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$789/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,968/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.4

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

Marquette County
Wisconsin
51.7
Green Lake County
Wisconsin
51.8
Adams County
Wisconsin
42.8
Portage County
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Waupaca County
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Winnebago County
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Juneau County
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Wood County
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Deep Dives

Waushara County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Waushara County

via TaxByCounty

Waushara taxes moderate by national standards

Waushara County's 1.321% effective tax rate exceeds the national median, placing it slightly above the U.S. average. Median property taxes of $2,458 are 9% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting modest home values in a moderately taxed county.

Below Wisconsin's state average

Waushara's 1.321% rate sits below Wisconsin's state average of 1.436%, positioning it in the lower half of state counties. The median tax of $2,458 is well below the state average of $3,081 due to lower home values.

Mid-range taxes in the region

Waushara's 1.321% rate falls between Washburn's bargain 1.109% and Waupaca's steep 1.492%, making it a regional middle ground. Compared to more affluent neighbors like Waukesha, Waushara offers tax relief despite higher rates than Washburn.

What $186,000 home costs annually

The median Waushara home worth $186,000 carries $2,458 in annual property taxes—among the state's lowest in absolute terms. With a mortgage, taxes rise slightly to $2,483; without one, they drop to $2,427.

Lower-value properties benefit from appeals too

Even modest-value homes like Waushara's median $186,000 property can be overassessed, and appeals remain free and accessible. A successful appeal reducing your assessment by just 5% saves over $60 annually on a Waushara home.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Waushara County

via CostByCounty

Waushara: rural affordability champion

Waushara County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national 14.9% and matches Wisconsin's 14.9% state average despite a median income of just $64,968. The county's $789 monthly rent is among the state's lowest, making it genuinely affordable for modest-income households.

Wisconsin's cheapest rents, best ratios

Waushara offers Wisconsin's lowest absolute rents ($789 vs. state average $891) paired with a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio matching state averages. For budget-stretched families, Waushara's rural affordability is unmatched across the state.

Waushara and Washburn dominate rural value

Waushara's $789 rent edges out Washburn ($815) as the region's cheapest, while both rural counties vastly undercut suburban Walworth ($1,090) and Winnebago ($924). For affordability-first movers, this rural corridor is Wisconsin's bargain.

Low income, lower costs align perfectly

Waushara's $64,968 median income pairs with equally modest housing: $789 rent and $923 monthly owner costs. The county demonstrates that rural Wisconsin can offer balanced affordability even for lower-income earners.

Budget relocators: Waushara awaits

Waushara County is Wisconsin's most affordable option for renters and owners on tight budgets, with $789 rents and a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio matching state standards. If you're earning under $65,000, Waushara offers the state's clearest path to housing stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Waushara County

via IncomeByCounty

Waushara falls below the national average

Waushara County's median household income of $64,968 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $9,787. This places the county in the lower-middle range nationally, indicating below-average household earnings compared to typical U.S. counties.

Below Wisconsin's average earnings

Waushara ranks in the lower-middle tier of Wisconsin counties, with its $64,968 median income falling $6,747 below the state average of $71,715. Per capita income of $39,624 also lags Wisconsin's state average of $38,794, indicating economic challenges in the county.

Modest income in central Wisconsin

Waushara's $64,968 median household income exceeds only Wood County ($66,417) in its immediate peer group, falling below Winnebago ($72,873) and Waupaca ($71,189). This economic position reflects Waushara's rural character and smaller employment base.

Affordable housing supports household budgets

Waushara's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% is favorable, and the median home value of $186,000 is highly affordable relative to the $64,968 median income. This housing affordability provides meaningful relief for households managing lower overall earnings.

Disciplined saving in Waushara

Below-average income requires intentional financial planning and discipline. Leverage the county's affordable housing to maximize savings, explore community development resources, and seek skill-building opportunities that could increase earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Waushara County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Ranking for Waushara

Waushara County earns a high safety score of 98.9, placing it well above national norms. Its crime rate of 717.4 per 100K is less than a third of the national 2,385.5.

Beating State Safety Averages with Ease

The county beats the Wisconsin average safety score of 98.3. Six agencies contribute data that shows total crime is roughly 35% lower than the state average of 1,103.1.

Competitive Safety Profile Among Regional Neighbors

Waushara's crime rate of 717.4 per 100K is slightly higher than Waupaca’s 499.8. However, it is much lower than Winnebago’s rate of 1,306.7.

Violent Crime Stays Well Below Average

Violent crime stays low at 81.1 per 100K, while property crime is recorded at 636.3. Both figures are significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Essential Tips for Home Protection

Even in peaceful counties, an ounce of prevention goes a long way. Keeping garage doors closed and using outdoor motion lighting are easy ways to deter property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Waushara County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small rural districts serving local families

Waushara County operates a streamlined school system with just 11 public schools serving 2,560 students. These schools are managed by four districts, with a focus on elementary education through five primary campuses. This small-scale infrastructure ensures that students in this rural area remain connected to their local communities.

Strong graduation rates in Central Wisconsin

The county's 93.4% graduation rate is a point of pride, beating both the state and national benchmarks. Spending is closely aligned with the state average at $8,029 per pupil, showing a committed investment in local youth. A school score of 57.5 puts the county ahead of the Wisconsin average of 56.9.

Wautoma Area leads the local districts

Wautoma Area School District is the largest in the county, educating 1,307 students—over half of the county's total enrollment. Westfield School District also maintains a significant presence with five schools serving just over 1,000 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as the region relies on traditional district models and one alternative school.

Intimate rural learning environments

With nine of its 11 schools in rural locales, Waushara County offers a true country-school feel. The average school size is 256 students, and even the largest campus—Parkside School—has fewer than 500 students. This ensures a high degree of familiarity and support for every student within the system.

Put down roots near high-performing rural schools

For families seeking a quiet life without sacrificing academic quality, Waushara County is a hidden gem. The high graduation rates and small school sizes make it an attractive option for those who value individual attention for their children. Search for homes in the Wautoma or Wild Rose areas to join these successful local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Waushara County

via RiskByCounty

Waushara's risk falls below state norm

Waushara County scores 43.26 on the composite risk index, ranking in the relatively low risk category and 27% below Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county faces lower natural disaster exposure than most Wisconsin communities.

Among Wisconsin's safer counties

Waushara ranks in the lower half of Wisconsin's 72 counties for disaster risk. The county's central location and moderate exposure to most hazard types create a genuinely favorable risk profile.

Safer than surrounding counties

Waushara's composite score of 43.26 is substantially lower than nearby Walworth County (74.78), Waupaca County (67.59), and Winnebago County (86.83). It remains among the safest communities in central Wisconsin.

Wildfire risk leads all hazards

Wildfire risk scores 51.27 in Waushara—the county's highest hazard score, though still moderate overall. Tornado (60.21) and flood (44.94) risks follow, with all three remaining well below dangerous thresholds.

Standard coverage likely sufficient

Waushara residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with fire and wind protection. Flood insurance is recommended only for properties in mapped flood zones, and most residents can skip this added expense.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Waushara County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F for drinking water compliance

Waushara County receives an F grade following two health violations, resulting in a rate of 31.8 per 100,000 residents. While this rate is lower than the Wisconsin average of 76.3, the violations reflect serious regulatory concerns.

Watershed health remains a bright spot

Only 3.1% of the county's 286 assessed water bodies are impaired, significantly better than the 7.6% state average. The 2022 assessment identified phosphorus and suspended solids as the top stressors for the nine impaired sites.

Dense network monitors pesticide levels

A robust network of 198 sites has produced 86,841 measurements over the last five years. These monitoring efforts focus on organic compounds and pesticides to ensure the purity of the region’s water.

Live streamflow data not available

Waushara County does not have an active USGS primary streamgage to report live discharge data. Residents must rely on drinking water compliance records and the county's extensive historical monitoring footprint for quality insights.

Address drinking water health concerns

While the county's surface waters are generally healthy, the F grade for compliance means residents should be vigilant about tap water quality. Regularly testing your well and using certified filters can protect against the pollutants identified in recent violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Waushara County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Continental Climate

Waushara County averages 44.9°F annually, trailing the national median by roughly 8 degrees. This climate features distinct seasons with significant annual precipitation totaling 34.7 inches.

Slightly Above the State Average

At 44.9°F, the county is just a fraction of a degree warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It represents the transition point between the state's frozen north and its milder south.

Lower Snowfall Than Western Neighbors

Waushara receives 43.1 inches of snow, nearly 10 inches less than Wood County to the west. Its temperature profile is very similar to Waupaca, making them climate twins.

Predictable Heat and Moderate Cold

The county sees 7 days of extreme heat over 90°F and a winter average of 19.6°F. July is pleasant with an average of 70.3°F, while January dips to 16.4°F.

Winterize and Waterproof

With 34.7 inches of rain, proper basement sealing and gutter maintenance are critical. Standard winter tires are recommended to handle the 43.1 inches of snow that fall throughout the season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Waushara County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Sandy Waushara Soil

Waushara County features an average soil pH of 5.57, aligning closely with the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. Though the specific taxonomic order isn't listed for the dominant soil, the pH indicates a typical northern acidic profile. This acidity level is lower than the national median of 6.5.

Dominance of Sand and Silt

The soil composition is very light, featuring 57.7% sand and only 9.5% clay. With 15.9% silt, this mix is exceptionally easy to dig and work with tools. However, the high sand content means the ground does not naturally hold moisture or nutrients very well.

High Organic Matter Beats State Average

Waushara excels in organic matter, boasting 12.87%, which is higher than the state average of 11.02%. However, its available water capacity is low at 0.163 in/in compared to the state’s 0.204 in/in. This means while the soil is fertile, it needs frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.

Observing Local Water Movement

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are unavailable for the dominant soil in this county. Given the 57.7% sand content, you can generally expect rapid drainage and low water retention. This makes the soil warm up quickly in the spring, which is a benefit for early planting.

Early Season Planting in Zone 5a

The sandy soils of zone 5a are famous for supporting root crops like carrots and potatoes. Because the soil warms up fast, you can often start your garden earlier than neighbors with heavier clay soils. Be sure to add plenty of mulch to help retain that vital moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Waushara County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable growing in sandy Waushara

Waushara County features a lawn difficulty score of 67.7, slightly better than the state average of 64.4. Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, it offers a solid environment for standard Wisconsin turf varieties. While it is easier than the national average, the sandy soil presents its own set of unique rules.

Average temps and ample rain

The county receives 34.7 inches of precipitation annually, which is almost identical to the state average. With 7 extreme heat days and 2,417 growing degree days, the climate is well-suited for traditional cool-season grasses. Mowing begins in mid-May once the risk of the May 10 frost passes.

High sand content demands nutrients

Soil here is very sandy (57.7%) with an acidic pH of 5.57, meaning it doesn't hold nutrients or water as well as silt-heavy soils. While drainage class data is limited, sandy soils typically require more frequent, smaller doses of fertilizer to stay green. Adding organic compost can help improve the soil's structure and water-holding capacity.

Moderate drought history

The county has faced 8 weeks of drought in the past year, and 24.8% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Because sand dries out quickly, your lawn may show signs of stress sooner than those in neighboring counties. Focus on early morning watering to minimize evaporation and keep roots hydrated.

Best bets for 5a turf

Creeping Red Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are excellent choices for the sandy soils of Zone 5a. Aim to establish new grass between the May 10 spring frost and the October 8 fall frost. Early autumn is the ideal time to seed so that the lawn is well-established before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waushara County's county score?
Waushara County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 54.5 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 Waushara County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Waushara County ranks #19 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 Waushara County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Waushara County is $2,458, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Waushara County a tax score of 20/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Waushara County?
The median household income in Waushara County, Wisconsin is $64,968 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Waushara County earns an income score of 54.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Waushara County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Waushara County scores 54.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Waushara 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 Waushara 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.