Rusk
Wisconsin

What stands out

If you had to describe Rusk County in numbers, start here: the average temperature is in the bottom 5% of American counties (43°F), natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 11% of American counties (11 of 100), and home internet speed is in the bottom 15% of American counties (109 Mbps). Within Wisconsin it ranks 15th of 72 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Rusk County, Wisconsin. 14,179 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +152).

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 $57,473 a year, lower than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,068. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 60% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 25 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.2% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,443 a year.

Home

The median home costs $220K, cheaper than 56% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $803 a month. Property tax is 1.28% of home value, roughly $1,853 a year on that median home, higher than 76% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 60% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

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 4.2 per 10,000 people. 7.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.92 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 59% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 34 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 43°F, highs near 53 and lows near 32, colder than 95% of American counties. About 28 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 11 out of 100, safer than 89% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 109 Mbps down, slower than 85% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.