Vilas
Wisconsin

What stands out

Against every county in America, Vilas County is unusual in three ways: the average temperature is among the coldest in America (40°F), the restaurant count per person is among the most in America (3.4 per 1,000), and high-school completion is in the top 5% of American counties (95%). Within Wisconsin it ranks 1st of 72 counties for the average temperature, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Vilas County, Wisconsin. 23,146 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +341).

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 $63,726 a year, higher than 59% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,114. Unemployment runs 3.9%, higher than 66% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 17 minutes each way.

Wisconsin takes 4.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,774 a year.

Home

The median home costs $404K, pricier than 86% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $820 a month. Property tax is 0.83% of home value, roughly $2,122 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 71% 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 39 active physicians in the county, about 16.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.08 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 67% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 22 points. 84% 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 40°F, highs near 51 and lows near 29, colder than almost every county in America. About 31 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 8 out of 100, safer than 92% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 171 Mbps down, slower than 63% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 3.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 7 museums.