Rock
Wisconsin

What stands out

Against every county in America, Rock County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is in the top 6% of American counties (1.81%), home internet speed is in the top 13% of American counties (277 Mbps), and the uninsured rate is in the bottom 15% of American counties (6.5%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 4th of 72 counties for the property tax rate.

Where you are

You live in Rock County, Wisconsin. 163,817 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +241).

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 $70,630 a year, higher than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,381. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 51% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Wisconsin takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,140 a year.

Home

The median home costs $296K, pricier than 69% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $988 a month. Property tax is 1.81% of home value, roughly $3,499 a year on that median home, higher than 94% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 74% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 27 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 77.1 years, longer than 65% of American counties. There are 297 active physicians in the county, about 18.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.3 of 5 stars. 6.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.98 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 52% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 10 points. 71% 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 49°F, highs near 59 and lows near 38, colder than 79% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 81 out of 100, riskier than 81% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 277 Mbps down, faster than 87% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 5 museums.