Dane
Wisconsin

What stands out

What stands out about Dane County: violent crime is in the bottom 2% of American counties (2.7 per 1,000), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 2% of American counties (4.6%), and high-school completion is in the top 3% of American counties (96%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 3rd of 72 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Dane County, Wisconsin. 559,891 people live here with you. The population grew 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,092).

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 $84,297 a year, higher than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $74,481. Unemployment runs 2.2%, lower than 93% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,864 a year.

Home

The median home costs $475K, pricier than 92% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,329 a month. Property tax is 1.78% of home value, roughly $6,103 a year on that median home, higher than 94% of American counties. 58% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 98% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 19 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.2 years, longer than 96% of American counties. There are 4,082 active physicians in the county, about 72.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.4 of 5 stars. 4.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.13 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 72% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 52 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 85% 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 48°F, highs near 58 and lows near 38, colder than 81% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 91 out of 100, riskier than 91% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 255 Mbps down, faster than 76% of American counties. There are 29 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 20 breweries, 13 museums.