Columbia
Wisconsin

What stands out

What stands out about Columbia County: the uninsured rate is in the bottom 9% of American counties (5.9%), the median household income is in the top 13% of American counties ($79,271), and high-school completion is in the top 13% of American counties (94%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 20th of 72 counties for the uninsured rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Columbia County, Wisconsin. 58,272 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -121).

Wisconsin has a graduated income tax reaching 7.65%, does not tax Social Security, and exempts some retirement income for residents 65 and over. Property taxes are high, largely for schools and local services, with a state lottery credit offsetting part of the bill. Milwaukee and Madison drive most job growth; the northern half of the state is lakes, forests and second homes.

Money

The typical household here brings in $79,271 a year, higher than 87% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,667. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 79% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,598 a year.

Home

The median home costs $359K, pricier than 80% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $947 a month. Property tax is 1.53% of home value, roughly $3,738 a year on that median home, higher than 86% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.2 per 1,000 residents, lower than 82% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.4 years, longer than 79% of American counties. There are 57 active physicians in the county, about 9.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 5.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.94 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 57% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 76% of eligible voters turned out. Under Wisconsin law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 47°F, highs near 58 and lows near 37, colder than 83% of American counties. About 31 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 68 out of 100, riskier than 68% of American counties; the county has had 11 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 200 Mbps down, faster than 50% of American counties. There are 11 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 5 museums.