Lafayette
Wisconsin

What stands out

Against every county in America, Lafayette County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is in the top 7% of American counties (1.77%), life expectancy is in the top 9% of American counties (80.1 years), and the school test score is in the top 9% of American counties (3.38 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Wisconsin it ranks 7th of 72 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Lafayette County, Wisconsin. 16,716 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -82).

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 $69,293 a year, higher than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,347. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 85% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,069 a year.

Home

The median home costs $243K, pricier than 53% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $758 a month. Property tax is 1.77% of home value, roughly $2,947 a year on that median home, higher than 93% of American counties. 79% 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. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 80.1 years, longer than 91% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 8.4 per 10,000 people. 11.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.36 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 91% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 12 points. 69% 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 59 and lows near 37, colder than 81% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 34 out of 100, safer than 66% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 154 Mbps down, slower than 69% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.