CountyScore

Wood County

Wisconsin · WI

#49 in Wisconsin
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Wood County, Wisconsin

Wood ranks 29% above national median

Wood County's score of 64.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 14.5 points, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. The county delivers reliable livability across affordability and stability metrics.

Just below Wisconsin state average

At 64.5, Wood scores slightly below Wisconsin's average of 65.6, placing it in the middle band of the state's 72 counties. The county remains competitive statewide for overall livability.

Outstanding housing affordability

Wood excels in cost with a score of 80.7—the highest among these eight counties—featuring median home value at $168,100 and rent at just $831. Health (75.2) and moderate risk resilience (24.1) round out the strengths.

Lower incomes constrain economic growth

The income score of 26.7 reflects median household income of $66,417, significantly below state norms and limiting wealth accumulation. Tax burden (58.3) and risk management (24.1) also present improvement opportunities.

Ideal for cost-conscious families seeking value

Wood County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and budget-focused families prioritizing affordability above wage potential. The county delivers exceptional housing value and decent healthcare for those comfortable with modest incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax58.3Cost80.7SafetyComing SoonHealth75.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.7Risk24.1WaterComing Soon
🏛58.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡24.1
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 Wood County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Gila County
Arizona
64.5
Median income: $59,089
Washington County
Arkansas
64.5
Median income: $66,426
Del Norte County
California
64.5
Median income: $66,780
Elkhart County
Indiana
64.5
Median income: $65,617
Dallas County
Iowa
64.5
Median income: $102,349

Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wood County

via TaxByCounty

Wood County's taxes among nation's highest

Wood County's 1.564% effective tax rate ranks in the top tier nationally, significantly exceeding the national median. At $2,629, the median annual property tax is 2% below the national median of $2,690, showing high rates applied to modest home values.

Third-highest rate in Wisconsin

Wood County's 1.564% effective rate ranks third among Wisconsin's 72 counties, exceeded only by Winnebago (1.713%) and Waupaca (1.492%). This elevated rate reflects the county's reliance on property taxes relative to community wealth.

High taxes on lower-value homes

Wood County's 1.564% rate far outpaces most peers like Washburn (1.109%) and Waushara (1.321%), though it trails Winnebago's record burden. The county's median home value of $168,100 is the state's lowest, intensifying the tax burden per dollar of property.

What $168,100 home costs annually

Wood County's median home worth $168,100 carries $2,629 in annual property taxes—the lowest absolute tax bill among profiled counties despite having the third-highest rate. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $2,685; without, they drop to $2,554.

Lower-value homes deserve assessment review

Assessment errors disproportionately affect modest-value homes where errors represent larger percentage overages. Wood County homeowners should request a full assessment review—successfully reducing your $168,100 valuation by 5% saves nearly $130 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wood County

via CostByCounty

Wood County delivers rural affordability

Wood County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio matches the national benchmark perfectly despite a median household income of $66,417—11% below the nation's average. The key: $831 monthly rents keep housing costs low enough to balance below-average earnings.

Wisconsin's most affordable ownership market

Wood County ranks among Wisconsin's best values, especially for homebuyers: with median owner costs of just $838/month and home values at $168,100, it's the state's most accessible ownership market. The 15.0% rent-to-income ratio matches state average despite modest incomes.

Cheapest homes, competitive rents

Wood County's $168,100 median home value is Wisconsin's lowest among these eight counties, while its $831 rent undercuts Winnebago ($924) and Walworth ($1,090). For ownership seekers, Wood is unbeatable; renters find better rates in Waushara and Washburn.

Homeownership is the clear win

Wood County homeowners spend just 15.1% of income on ownership versus renters at 15.0%—nearly identical, but ownership includes equity-building. With median home values at $168,100 and incomes at $66,417, first-time buyers have genuine opportunity here.

First-time buyers: Wood leads the way

Wood County is Wisconsin's most accessible homeownership market, combining the state's lowest median home value ($168,100) with modest ownership costs ($838/month). If building equity on a $66,000 income is your goal, Wood County is unmatched.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wood County

via IncomeByCounty

Wood County earns below national median

Wood County's median household income of $66,417 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly $8,338. This places the county in the lower-middle tier nationally, with below-average household earnings compared to most U.S. counties.

Below average for Wisconsin

Wood County ranks in the lower tier of Wisconsin counties, with its $66,417 median income trailing the state average of $71,715 by about $5,298. Per capita income of $37,954 also falls short of Wisconsin's $38,794 state average, indicating economic headwinds.

Lower income in central Wisconsin

Wood County's $66,417 median household income ranks among the lowest in its region, exceeding only Washburn ($61,270) while trailing Waushara ($64,968), Waupaca ($71,189), and Winnebago ($72,873). This reflects Wood's reliance on traditional industries and smaller job market.

Affordable housing eases budget pressure

Wood County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is manageable, and the median home value of $168,100 is the most affordable in its peer group. This housing affordability provides meaningful relief for households with below-average earnings.

Smart savings strategies for Wood County

Lower incomes require strategic financial planning and cost discipline. Prioritize building an emergency fund, explore employer benefits, and investigate workforce training programs that could increase earning potential and financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wood County

via HealthByCounty

Wood County slightly lags national health trends

Wood County's 77.1-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 77.2 years, though modestly, while 16.9% report poor or fair health. These metrics suggest room for improvement through targeted preventive care and coverage expansion.

Wood County ranks in lower health tier

At 77.1 years, Wood County's life expectancy ranks 0.7 years below Wisconsin's 77.8-year average, placing it in the state's lower third. The county's health outcomes require sustained attention to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Middling performance among peer counties

Wood County's 77.1-year life expectancy exceeds Washburn (76.0) and Waupaca (76.5) but underperforms Winnebago (77.9) and eastern suburbs. Despite strong primary care density at 138 per 100K, outcomes remain modest compared to affluent peers.

Moderate uninsured rate masks access gaps

Wood County's 5.8% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average, but 199 mental health providers per 100K shows solid psychiatric access. The county's challenge appears less about coverage availability and more about preventive engagement.

Stay covered with annual plan review

Wood County residents with coverage should use open enrollment to confirm plans match family needs, while the 5.8% uninsured should contact local health centers about marketplace plans or Medicaid eligibility. Continuous coverage supports preventive screenings that can improve long-term outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wood County

via RiskByCounty

Wood County's risk runs elevated

Wood County scores 75.89 on the composite risk index, earning a relatively low risk rating despite running 28% above Wisconsin's state average of 59.08. The county's hazard profile ranks in the moderate-to-high range nationally.

Upper-middle tier within Wisconsin

Wood County ranks in the upper portion of Wisconsin's 72 counties for natural disaster risk. Flood and tornado hazards significantly exceed state averages, driving the county's elevated composite score.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Wood County (75.89) faces higher composite risk than Washburn County (32.76) and Waushara County (43.26) to the north and south. It remains comparable to or slightly safer than Walworth County (74.78) and Winnebago County (86.83).

Floods and tornadoes lead threats

Flood risk scores 77.67 in Wood County, affecting significant portions of the community, while tornado risk reaches 78.98. Wildfire risk (48.16) and earthquake risk (21.37) pose secondary threats; hurricane risk remains zero.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance

Wood County homeowners need comprehensive coverage including strong wind and tornado protection in standard policies. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is highly recommended, especially for properties near rivers, streams, or mapped flood zones.

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.