countyscore
53.1
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.

Score breakdown

Tax10.2Cost52.5Safety59.8Health75Schools69.8Income57.9Risk24.1Water67.5Weather49.2
🏛10.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Wood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Wood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive school systems in a town setting

Wood County supports a population of 11,258 students through 32 public schools spread across five districts. The infrastructure includes 16 elementary schools and 8 high schools, ensuring a clear path for students from kindergarten through graduation. The system is centered around several key towns and the surrounding rural areas.

High graduation rates with lean budgets

Wood County students achieve a 93.7% graduation rate, beating the state average of 91.8% and the national average of 87%. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $7,826, which is lower than both state and national benchmarks. A school score of 57.3 further confirms the county's strong academic standing.

Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids lead the county

The Marshfield Unified School District is the largest by enrollment, serving 3,764 students across eight schools. Wisconsin Rapids also maintains a significant presence, hosting Lincoln High, the county's largest campus with 1,380 students. Three charter schools and two alternative schools add valuable diversity to the county's educational offerings.

Mid-sized schools in a town-and-country mix

The county's schools are split between 19 town-based campuses and 13 rural locations, creating a balanced geographic mix. The average school size is 352 students, though the major high schools in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids provide a more large-scale suburban feel. This variety allows families to choose between intimate rural settings and more resource-rich town schools.

Establish your family in a high-achieving county

With a graduation rate nearly seven points above the national average, Wood County is an excellent place for families to invest in a home. The districts in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids are known for their stability and academic results. Finding a home here means joining a community that prioritizes its students' long-term success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 53.1 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 #26 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 $2,629, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Wood County a tax score of 10.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wood County?
The median household income in Wood County, Wisconsin is $66,417 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wood County earns an income score of 57.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wood County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Wood County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 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.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.