Forest
Wisconsin

What stands out

Against every county in America, Forest County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), the average temperature is among the coldest in America (41°F), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 3% of American counties (3 of 100). Within Wisconsin it ranks 4th of 72 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Forest County, Wisconsin. 9,239 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +54).

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 $55,552 a year, lower than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,541. Unemployment runs 4.7%, higher than 85% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Wisconsin takes 4.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,341 a year.

Home

The median home costs $229K, cheaper than 52% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $617 a month. Property tax is 1.23% of home value, roughly $1,968 a year on that median home, higher than 74% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 60% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.9 years, shorter than 81% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 4.3 per 10,000 people. 7.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.85 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 66% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 26 points. 70% 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 52 and lows near 30, colder than almost every county in America. About 31 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 3 out of 100, safer than 97% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 87 Mbps down, slower than 91% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.