Florence
Wisconsin

What stands out

Three things set Florence County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the school test score is among the highest in America (3.87 where 3.0 is grade level), and homeownership is among the highest in America (90%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 4th of 72 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Florence County, Wisconsin. 4,574 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +13).

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 $58,049 a year, lower than 58% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $36,280. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 56% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Wisconsin takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,473 a year.

Home

The median home costs $204K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $675 a month. Property tax is 1.31% of home value, roughly $2,070 a year on that median home, higher than 78% of American counties. 90% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 73% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 76.7 years, longer than 60% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 13.1 per 10,000 people. 6.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.70 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than almost every county in America. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 47 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 81% 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 41°F, highs near 53 and lows near 30, colder than 97% of American counties. About 31 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 153 Mbps down, slower than 70% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 1.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.