countyscore
52.8
County Score
Health 75Schools 69.8Soil Quality 68.8

County Report Card

About Wood County, Wisconsin

Above the National Average

Wood County earns a composite score of 53.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a generally high level of livability for its residents compared to the rest of the country.

Beating the State Benchmark

The county’s score of 53.1 is higher than the Wisconsin average of 50.3. Wood County offers a more favorable mix of housing costs and community services than many other parts of the state.

Healthy Living and Clean Water

Wood County performs well with a health score of 75.0 and a water score of 67.5. It also offers excellent housing value, with a cost score of 52.5 and a median home value of just $168,100.

High Taxes and Environmental Risk

A low tax score of 10.2 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.564%, which can impact disposable income. Additionally, the risk score of 24.1 suggests the area faces more environmental hazards than the state average.

Perfect for First-Time Homebuyers

Wood County is a premier destination for first-time homebuyers seeking affordable property and good health services. It offers a high-value lifestyle for those who can navigate the local tax structure.

204060801009.751.959.87569.857.324.167.549.2Tax9.7Cost51.9Safety59.8Health75Schools69.8Income57.3Risk24.1Water67.5Weather49.252.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Wood County DNA

Foverall

How Wood County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Wood County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (75/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (9.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
9.7-42.3
Cost
51.9
Safety
59.8
Health
75+25
Schools
69.8+15.799999999999997
Income
57.3
Risk
24.1-22.9
Water
67.5+9.5
Weather
49.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$175,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$856/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$175,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,989/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.7

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

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Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Wood County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Rankings for Wood County

Wood County maintains a safety score of 98.5, indicating a secure community environment. Its total crime rate of 925.3 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Average Safety Scores

The county’s safety score is slightly higher than the Wisconsin average of 98.3. Six reporting agencies track a total crime rate that remains lower than the state average of 1,103.1.

Safe Relative to Larger Regional Centers

Wood County’s crime rate of 925.3 is lower than Winnebago’s 1,306.7. However, it is higher than Waupaca County's exceptionally low rate of 499.8.

Understanding Local Crime Rate Breakdowns

Property crime is relatively low at 736.5 per 100K, while violent crime is 188.8. While violent crime is slightly above the state average, it remains far below the national rate of 369.8.

Keeping Your Wood County Home Secure

Residents can help keep crime rates low by securing their homes and being active in neighborhood watches. Motion sensors and modern alarm systems provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wood County

via WeatherByCounty

High Snowfall and Cold Air

Wood County's 44.0°F annual average temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower than the national median. It sits in a pocket of Wisconsin that experiences significant winter snowfall and crisp summers.

Cooler Than the State Average

Wood County is slightly cooler than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. Its inland location in the center of the state prevents it from benefiting from the moderating effects of the Great Lakes.

A Regional Snow Leader

Wood County records 52.5 inches of annual snowfall, which is 13 inches more than neighboring Winnebago. Its 15°F January average is one of the coldest among central Wisconsin counties.

Sharp Cold and Consistent Precipitation

Winter temperatures average a cold 18.2°F, while summers are mild with a July average of 69.8°F. The county still experiences about 7 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Invest in Snow Management

With over 52 inches of snow, professional-grade snow removal equipment is a vital investment for residents. Home heating systems must be robust to handle the sustained winter average of 18.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wood County

via SoilByCounty

Wood County's Distinct Acidic Profile

Wood County features an average soil pH of 5.13, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.63. While specific taxonomic data for the dominant soil isn't provided, this low pH level is a defining characteristic of the region. This acidity is much lower than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy and Silt-Heavy Earth

The soil composition consists of 37.8% sand, 28.1% silt, and a low 7.8% clay. This creates a light soil that is easy to till and work with by hand. The low clay content means the soil won't get as sticky or compacted as the heavier soils found in the south.

Unmatched Organic Matter Levels

Wood County has an incredible 20.41% organic matter, nearly double the Wisconsin state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.216 in/in, beating the state benchmark of 0.204 in/in. This makes the soil extremely fertile and capable of holding plenty of moisture.

Hydrology Defined by Organic Richness

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for the dominant soil here. However, the combination of high sand and very high organic matter usually allows for decent water movement. Gardeners should expect the soil to behave like a sponge—holding water well but draining when saturated.

Cranberry Country in Zone 4b

The high acidity and incredible organic matter of zone 4b make this perfect cranberry and blueberry country. If you want to grow traditional vegetables, you may need to add lime to balance the pH. Regardless, the rich soil provides a massive head start for any northern gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wood County

via LawnByCounty

A balanced challenge in Wood County

Wood County's lawn difficulty score of 58.5 makes it slightly more challenging than the Wisconsin average of 64.4. As a Hardiness Zone 4b region, the winters are colder and the growing season is shorter than in southern counties. However, it remains significantly easier to manage than many parts of the country.

Northern climate with moderate rain

Annual precipitation of 32.2 inches is slightly below the state average but sufficient for most cool-season grasses. The 2,295 growing degree days provide a concentrated growing season, with only 7 days of extreme heat to stress the turf. Your mowing schedule typically begins after the May 8 spring frost.

Very acidic soil requires attention

At 5.13, the soil pH is quite acidic and will likely require lime applications to reach the ideal range for grass. The soil contains 37.8% sand and 7.8% clay, suggesting a texture that may drain quickly and lose nutrients. Testing your soil is the best way to determine the exact amendments needed for a healthy lawn.

Strong resilience to dry periods

The county is currently drought-free and saw only 8 weeks of drought over the past year. This consistent moisture profile is a major benefit for local homeowners, reducing the need for constant watering. If dry weather arrives, focus on watering early in the day to keep the acidic soil from baking.

Reliable choices for Zone 4b

Focus on cold-tolerant species like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to ensure your lawn survives the 4b winters. The primary growing window stretches from May 8 to the first fall frost on October 5. Early August is the best time for seeding to ensure establishment before the shorter autumn days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wood County's county score?
Wood County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Wood County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Wood County ranks #28 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 Wood County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Wood County is $2,697, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Wood County a tax score of 9.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wood County?
The median household income in Wood County, Wisconsin is $67,989 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wood County earns an income score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wood County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Wood County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Wood 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 Wood County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.