countyscore
45.9
County Score
Health 84.1Soil Quality 74Income & Jobs 73.6

County Report Card

About Winnebago County, Wisconsin

Slightly Below the National Median

Winnebago County holds a composite score of 45.9, which falls just below the national median of 50.0. While it lags slightly in overall score, it remains competitive in several vital socioeconomic areas.

Trailing the Wisconsin Average

The county's score of 45.9 is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. High local taxes and environmental risks are the primary factors weighing down its state ranking.

Excellent Health and Income

Despite the lower overall score, the county boasts a health score of 84.1 and an income score of 73.6. Residents earn a respectable median household income of $72,873 and benefit from strong healthcare access.

High Tax Rates and Climate Risk

A very low tax score of 6.7 stems from an effective tax rate of 1.713%. The risk score of 13.2 also indicates a high vulnerability to environmental factors compared to other Wisconsin counties.

Best for Health-Focused Workers

Winnebago County suits professionals who prioritize high-quality healthcare and solid income potential over low taxes. It is a functional choice for those who value local amenities like good schools and stable earnings.

204060801006.730.142.384.170.373.613.247.953.8Tax6.7Cost30.1Safety42.3Health84.1Schools70.3Income73.6Risk13.2Water47.9Weather53.845.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Winnebago County DNA

Foverall

How Winnebago County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Winnebago County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (84.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.7-45.3
Cost
30.1-17.9
Safety
42.3-12.700000000000003
Health
84.1+34.099999999999994
Schools
70.3+16.299999999999997
Income
73.6+22.599999999999994
Risk
13.2-33.8
Water
47.9-10.100000000000001
Weather
53.8
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Think property taxes are too high in Winnebago County?

Many homeowners in Winnebago 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

$208,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$924/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$208,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,873/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.9

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
Compare Winnebago County with Chilton County →Share on X

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White County
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Nearby counties

Calumet County
Wisconsin
39.2
Outagamie County
Wisconsin
48.1
Fond du Lac County
Wisconsin
47.8
Waupaca County
Wisconsin
54.7
Waushara County
Wisconsin
54.5
Green Lake County
Wisconsin
51.8
Marquette County
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Brown County
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44.1

Deep Dives

Winnebago County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winnebago County

via TaxByCounty

Winnebago has nation's highest tax rates

Winnebago County's 1.713% effective tax rate is among the highest in the nation, nearly 56% above the national median. Residents pay $3,573 in median annual property taxes despite having modest home values around $208,600.

Wisconsin's most heavily taxed county

Winnebago County carries the highest effective tax rate of any Wisconsin county at 1.713%, far exceeding the state average of 1.436%. This steep burden reflects significant municipal service costs and property tax reliance relative to local incomes.

Regional tax burden leader

Winnebago's 1.713% rate substantially exceeds all regional peers, from Washburn (1.109%) to Waupaca (1.492%), making it Wisconsin's most property-tax-dependent county. This rate reflects the Oshkosh-Appleton metro area's infrastructure and service needs.

What $208,600 home costs annually

The median Winnebago home valued at $208,600 incurs $3,573 in annual property taxes—the third-highest among profiled counties despite having lower home values. Mortgaged properties face $3,522, while unmortgaged ones pay $3,660.

Maximum savings potential here

In Wisconsin's highest-tax county, property tax appeals offer outsized savings opportunities. Winnebago homeowners should aggressively challenge assessments—even a modest 1% reduction delivers $20+ in annual savings on a typical home.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winnebago County

via CostByCounty

Winnebago slightly above national benchmark

Winnebago County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national 14.9%, placing modest pressure on renters despite a median household income of $72,873 just below the national average. At $924 monthly rent, Winnebago costs more than rural peers but less than wealthy suburbs.

Mid-range affordability across Wisconsin

Winnebago ranks solidly average among Wisconsin counties with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly above the state's 14.9% and rents of $924 versus $891 statewide. The county offers moderate housing costs without the affordability premiums of its rural neighbors.

More expensive than rural, cheaper than suburbs

Winnebago's $924 rent sits between rural bargains like Waushara ($789) and Washburn ($815) and suburban demands like Walworth ($1,090) and Waukesha ($1,300). The county serves as the affordability bridge between Wisconsin's rural and urban housing markets.

Renting and owning roughly balanced

Winnebago renters spend 15.2% of income on housing while homeowners spend 18.5%, reflecting modest income growth. With median home values at $208,600, the county's $72,873 income supports both markets reasonably well.

Relocate for balance, not bargains

Winnebago County offers solid middle-ground housing costs without the premium pricing of wealthy suburbs or the rural isolation of budget alternatives. Move here if you value community amenities and moderate affordability over extreme bargain-hunting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winnebago County

via IncomeByCounty

Winnebago slightly trails national earnings

Winnebago County's median household income of $72,873 falls modestly below the national median of $74,755 by about $1,882. The county sits near the national middle ground, performing comparably to typical U.S. counties in terms of household earnings.

Close to Wisconsin's state average

Winnebago ranks in the middle of Wisconsin counties, with its $72,873 median income just $1,158 above the state average of $71,715. Per capita income of $40,072 also tracks near Wisconsin's $38,794 state average, reflecting typical earnings distribution for the state.

Moderate income in northeast Wisconsin

Winnebago's $72,873 median income positions it above Waushara ($64,968) and Wood ($66,417), but below Waupaca ($71,189), Walworth ($77,359), and the wealthier counties of Washington and Waukesha. This places Winnebago as a solid middle-income county in its region.

Housing costs balanced with income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.2%, Winnebago households spend a reasonable proportion of earnings on housing. The median home value of $208,600 is accessible for a household earning $72,873, though less spacious than lower-cost nearby areas.

Steady wealth building in Winnebago

Winnebago's moderate, stable income supports consistent financial progress. Establish an emergency fund, contribute regularly to retirement accounts, and consider modest investment strategies to build long-term wealth in this balanced economic environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winnebago County

via CrimeByCounty

Winnebago County Safer Than National Average

Winnebago County holds a safety score of 97.9, which remains higher than most national figures. Its total crime rate of 1,306.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Navigating Public Safety in Winnebago County

The county’s crime rate is higher than the Wisconsin average of 1,103.1. Seven local agencies work together to manage the safety needs of this active and populated region.

Regional Crime Rate Comparison for Residents

Winnebago's crime rate of 1,306.7 is higher than neighboring Wood County at 925.3. It also exceeds the rates found in nearby Waushara and Waupaca counties.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime Trends

Violent crime sits at 191.6 per 100K, which is slightly above the state average but lower than the national 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,115.1 incidents per 100K residents.

Active Home Security Matters Here

Higher regional activity levels mean that home security systems are a practical choice for local residents. Visible cameras and alarm systems are effective tools for discouraging property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Winnebago County

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban-centered education in the Fox Valley

Winnebago County features a large, well-developed education system with 56 schools serving 21,748 students. Unlike its rural neighbors, the county is heavily urbanized, with 36 schools located in city centers. This density allows for a diverse range of 32 elementary schools and 10 high schools across five districts.

Consistent academic success and urban efficiency

The county maintains a high 93.1% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending of $8,010 is almost exactly in line with the Wisconsin state average, demonstrating responsible fiscal management. The composite school score of 57.3 indicates a solid educational foundation for the region.

Oshkosh and Neenah drive regional growth

The Oshkosh Area School District is the largest, managing 22 schools and over 9,100 students. Neenah Joint School District follows with 14 schools, including Neenah High, the county's largest school with 1,943 students. While only 5% of schools are charters, five alternative schools provide critical pathways for different learning styles.

Large city schools with diverse opportunities

Schooling here has a distinct city feel, with an average school size of 410 students. Large high schools like Neenah and Oshkosh West offer a wide array of AP courses and athletic programs that smaller counties cannot match. Families can choose between these large city hubs and smaller suburban schools in the surrounding areas.

Make your home in a vibrant educational hub

Winnebago County is perfect for families who want the resources of a city-based school system alongside high academic standards. With graduation rates well above the national average, the Neenah and Oshkosh areas offer strong incentives for home buyers. Explore the Fox Valley to find a home near these top-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winnebago County

via RiskByCounty

Winnebago faces significant risk

Winnebago County scores 86.83 on the composite risk index, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and 47% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county ranks among Wisconsin's highest-risk communities for natural disasters.

Top-tier risk statewide

Winnebago ranks at the very top of Wisconsin's risk tier, exceeded only by a handful of counties. Multiple high-impact hazards converge here, particularly tornado and flood exposure.

Winnebago's risk stands apart

Winnebago's composite score of 86.83 closely parallels Waukesha County (88.87) as among the state's riskiest. It significantly exceeds surrounding Waupaca County (67.59) and Waushara County (43.26).

Tornado and flood risks peak here

Tornado risk reaches 91.25 in Winnebago—among Wisconsin's highest threat levels—while flood risk scores 89.34, affecting major urban and surrounding areas. Wildfire risk (40.17) poses secondary concern.

Comprehensive insurance is mandatory

Winnebago residents must secure robust homeowners insurance with strong wind and tornado protection. Flood insurance is critical for the county's extensive flood-prone zones; don't assume you're safe without professional assessment of your property's flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Winnebago County

via WaterByCounty

Recurring violations lead to D grade

Winnebago County earns a D grade for recording 28 health violations over the past five years. Even with a violation rate of 19.3 per 100,000 residents—well below the state average of 76.3—the frequency of incidents is a concern.

High impairment rates challenge local waters

The county’s impairment rate of 12.3% significantly exceeds the state average of 7.6%. Phosphorus, total suspended solids, and PCBs are the primary pollutants identified in the 24 impaired water bodies for the 2022 cycle.

Nutrient monitoring tracks watershed changes

Monitoring is concentrated at 36 key sites, producing 23,695 measurements over the last five years. These records provide essential data on nutrient levels and pesticide presence in the county's waterways.

Fox River flow drops below mean

The Fox River at Oshkosh is discharging 3,050 cfs, which is just 65% of its long-term mean of 4,687 cfs. This represents a significant decrease in flow compared to historical seasonal expectations.

Mitigate PCB and low-flow risks

With impairment rates exceeding 12% and the presence of PCBs, residents should follow local fish consumption advisories and minimize runoff. Lower streamflow can concentrate pollutants, making water quality awareness especially critical for the Fox River.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winnebago County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm for the Upper Midwest

Winnebago’s 46.5°F average annual temperature is relatively warm for Wisconsin, though still cooler than the U.S. average. Its location near large water bodies influences its local humidity and temperature patterns.

Leading the State in Heat

Winnebago is about 2 degrees warmer than the state average of 44.4°F. This makes it one of the more temperate counties in the Fox Valley region.

Lower Snowfall Than Central Neighbors

The county receives just 39.2 inches of snow, which is significantly less than Wood or Waupaca counties. Its winter average of 21.5°F is among the highest in this group.

Sunniest Summers in the Group

Winnebago averages 71.8°F in July, the highest summer average among its neighbors. However, it still maintains a brisk January average of 18.3°F.

Prepare for Warm Lake Breezes

The 31.9 inches of annual precipitation is lower than the state average, meaning fewer heavy rain events. Focus on home cooling solutions to handle the 71.8°F July average and periodic 90°F days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winnebago County

via SoilByCounty

The Reliable Alfisols of Winnebago

Winnebago County is dominated by Alfisols with a silt loam texture and an average pH of 5.92. This pH is slightly higher than the state average of 5.63, though it remains below the national median of 6.5. These soils are historically productive and form the backbone of local agriculture.

A Perfectly Balanced Texture

The soil features a very even split of 37.8% sand and 37.6% silt, with 16.1% clay. This silt loam texture is widely considered the gold standard for versatility and ease of farming. It offers enough clay for nutrient storage while remaining loose enough for easy root penetration.

Strong Organic Foundation

With 7.09% organic matter, Winnebago's soil is much richer than the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.197 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.204 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil that can sustain healthy plant growth through varied weather.

Well-Drained Ground for Healthy Roots

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This means water moves through the profile at a steady rate, preventing the 'wet feet' that can kill garden plants. It is a stable choice for building foundations and landscaping alike.

Flourishing Gardens in Zone 5b

Winnebago's 5b hardiness zone and silt loam soil are ideal for growing everything from peppers to fruit trees. The well-drained nature of the land makes it particularly good for sensitive perennials. This is a great place to start a backyard orchard or a large vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winnebago County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable conditions near the water

Winnebago County scores a 68.6 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the state average of 64.4. Its location in Hardiness Zone 5b provides a stable climate for a variety of lawn styles and grass types. Homeowners here typically find it easier to keep their yards green than the average American.

Slightly drier with steady heat

The county averages 31.9 inches of rain, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 34.5 inches. Despite being drier, the 2,630 growing degree days and 7 extreme heat days provide a very productive environment for turf. Grass starts growing quickly after the April 30 spring frost.

Well-drained silt loam foundation

The soil pH of 5.92 is just slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring only minor adjustments for peak performance. Its well-drained silt loam texture, featuring 16.1% clay and 37.8% sand, provides an excellent balance for root health. This natural drainage reduces the risk of fungal diseases and waterlogging.

Currently facing dry conditions

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 13 weeks of drought over the past year. Since annual rainfall is lower than the state average, supplemental watering is necessary to prevent browning during the summer. Use rain barrels or smart irrigation to manage water efficiently while keeping the lawn active.

Thriving in the 5b zone

Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue are the most recommended varieties for this region. You have a long growing window between April 30 and the first frost on October 20. Seeding in late August allows the grass to take advantage of cooler temperatures and autumn rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winnebago County's county score?
Winnebago County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Winnebago County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Winnebago County ranks #56 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 Winnebago County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Winnebago County is $3,573, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Winnebago County a tax score of 6.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winnebago County?
The median household income in Winnebago County, Wisconsin is $72,873 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winnebago County earns an income score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winnebago County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Winnebago County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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.