Wisconsin
For Americans thinking of retiring to Wisconsin from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Wisconsin run at 94.1 against a US average of 100, with housing at 79.3. We cover Wisconsin's 72 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Wisconsin is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Wisconsin, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Wisconsin's 72 counties
Every county in Wisconsin on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = more)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 72 counties, with their figures
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Adams County
21,752 residents, 7,227 aged 65 or older (33.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,195 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Adams County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Adams, Friendship, Wisconsin Dells (Census, 1 July 2024).
Adams County page → -
Ashland County
16,203 residents, 3,976 aged 65 or older (24.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,959 Lower than 16 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ashland County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,886 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ashland, Mellen, Butternut (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ashland County page → -
Barron County
46,484 residents, 12,153 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,594 Lower than 22 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Barron County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 92 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,694 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rice Lake, Barron, Cumberland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Barron County page → -
Bayfield County
16,787 residents, 5,850 aged 65 or older (34.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,525 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bayfield County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.59 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,914 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Washburn, Bayfield, Mason (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bayfield County page → -
Brown County
275,803 residents, 50,642 aged 65 or older (18.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.1 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Green Bay, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,820 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 94 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Green Bay, De Pere, Howard (Census, 1 July 2024).
Brown County page → -
Buffalo County
13,318 residents, 3,462 aged 65 or older (26.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,608 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Buffalo County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mondovi, Buffalo City, Fountain City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Buffalo County page → -
Burnett County
17,223 residents, 6,113 aged 65 or older (35.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,238 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Burnett County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.94 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grantsburg, Siren, Webster (Census, 1 July 2024).
Burnett County page → -
Calumet County
53,982 residents, 10,568 aged 65 or older (19.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.4 Cheaper than 31 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Appleton, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,949 Lower than 16 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Calumet County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Harrison, Appleton, Chilton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Calumet County page → -
Chippewa County
67,614 residents, 14,883 aged 65 or older (22.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.8 Cheaper than 29 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Eau Claire, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,797 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chippewa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chippewa Falls, Lake Hallie, Stanley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chippewa County page → -
Clark County
35,052 residents, 6,790 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,074 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clark County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Neillsville, Abbotsford, Thorp (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clark County page → -
Columbia County
58,132 residents, 12,901 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Madison, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,764 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Columbia County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.31 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,142 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Portage, Columbus, Lodi (Census, 1 July 2024).
Columbia County page → -
Crawford County
15,910 residents, 4,210 aged 65 or older (26.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,460 Lower than 11 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Crawford County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Prairie du Chien, Wauzeka, Soldiers Grove (Census, 1 July 2024).
Crawford County page → -
Dane County
590,375 residents, 99,754 aged 65 or older (16.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Madison, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,691 Lower than 9 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 4 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 93 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.73 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,298 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dane County page → -
Dodge County
89,097 residents, 19,710 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,165 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dodge County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.75 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,945 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Beaver Dam, Watertown, Waupun (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dodge County page → -
Door County
30,616 residents, 11,050 aged 65 or older (36.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,561 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Door County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.51 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,945 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, Forestville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Door County page → -
Douglas County
43,990 residents, 10,130 aged 65 or older (23.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.8 Cheaper than 47 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Duluth, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,420 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Douglas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.93 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 83 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,665 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Superior, Lake Nebagamon, Solon Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Douglas County page → -
Dunn County
46,223 residents, 8,831 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,864 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dunn County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Menomonie, Colfax, Boyceville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dunn County page → -
Eau Claire County
109,033 residents, 20,575 aged 65 or older (18.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.8 Cheaper than 29 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Eau Claire, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,712 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Eau Claire County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Eau Claire, Altoona, Augusta (Census, 1 July 2024).
Eau Claire County page → -
Florence County
4,748 residents, 1,695 aged 65 or older (35.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,236 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Florence County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.73 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Florence County page → -
Fond du Lac County
104,669 residents, 22,890 aged 65 or older (21.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Fond du Lac, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,286 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fond du Lac County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,998 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fond du Lac, Ripon, North Fond du Lac (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fond du Lac County page → -
Forest County
9,574 residents, 2,765 aged 65 or older (28.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,761 Lower than 38 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Forest County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,350 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Crandon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Forest County page → -
Grant County
52,446 residents, 10,959 aged 65 or older (20.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,759 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grant County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,622 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Platteville, Lancaster, Boscobel (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grant County page → -
Green County
37,227 residents, 8,735 aged 65 or older (23.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Madison, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,600 Lower than 10 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Green County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Monroe, Brodhead, New Glarus (Census, 1 July 2024).
Green County page → -
Green Lake County
19,305 residents, 5,115 aged 65 or older (26.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,416 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Green Lake County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,046 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Berlin, Markesan, Princeton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Green Lake County page → -
Iowa County
23,951 residents, 5,794 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 97.3 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Madison, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,333 Lower than 12 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Iowa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,286 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dodgeville, Mineral Point, Barneveld (Census, 1 July 2024).
Iowa County page → -
Iron County
6,127 residents, 2,263 aged 65 or older (36.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,730 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Iron County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.74 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,658 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hurley, Montreal (Census, 1 July 2024).
Iron County page → -
Jackson County
20,999 residents, 4,807 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,864 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jackson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 57 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Black River Falls, Merrillan, Melrose (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jackson County page → -
Jefferson County
86,505 residents, 17,841 aged 65 or older (20.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,114 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jefferson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Watertown, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jefferson County page → -
Juneau County
26,649 residents, 6,500 aged 65 or older (24.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,131 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Juneau County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mauston, New Lisbon, Elroy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Juneau County page → -
Kenosha County
168,448 residents, 31,027 aged 65 or older (18.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 101.1 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Kenosha, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,509 Lower than 11 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 74 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, Salem Lakes (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kenosha County page → -
Kewaunee County
20,758 residents, 4,958 aged 65 or older (23.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.1 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Green Bay, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,025 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kewaunee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Algoma, Kewaunee, Luxemburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kewaunee County page → -
La Crosse County
121,339 residents, 24,656 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.8 Cheaper than 33 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,375 Lower than 12 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- La Crosse County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,878 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen (Census, 1 July 2024).
La Crosse County page → -
Lafayette County
17,478 residents, 3,762 aged 65 or older (21.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,494 Lower than 11 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lafayette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,298 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Darlington, Shullsburg, Belmont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lafayette County page → -
Langlade County
19,534 residents, 5,623 aged 65 or older (28.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,363 Lower than 26 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Langlade County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Antigo, White Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Langlade County page → -
Lincoln County
28,403 residents, 7,600 aged 65 or older (26.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,630 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,658 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Merrill, Tomahawk (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
Manitowoc County
81,710 residents, 20,294 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,047 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Manitowoc County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Kiel (Census, 1 July 2024).
Manitowoc County page → -
Marathon County
139,432 residents, 29,821 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.7 Cheaper than 29 % of the other 3,142 US counties Wausau, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,129 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marathon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.00 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wausau, Weston, Kronenwetter (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marathon County page → -
Marinette County
42,574 residents, 12,051 aged 65 or older (28.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,208 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marinette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marinette, Peshtigo, Niagara (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marinette County page → -
Marquette County
15,927 residents, 4,569 aged 65 or older (28.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,423 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marquette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.40 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Montello, Westfield, Oxford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marquette County page → -
Menominee County
4,199 residents, 742 aged 65 or older (17.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $12,469 Lower than 0 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Menominee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Menominee County page → -
Milwaukee County
924,216 residents, 149,434 aged 65 or older (16.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.9 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $6,742 Lower than 4 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 22.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 10 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.75 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa (Census, 1 July 2024).
Milwaukee County page → -
Monroe County
46,572 residents, 9,459 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,710 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Monroe County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sparta, Tomah, Cashton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Monroe County page → -
Oconto County
40,195 residents, 10,365 aged 65 or older (25.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.1 Cheaper than 27 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Green Bay, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,125 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Oconto County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oconto, Oconto Falls, Gillett (Census, 1 July 2024).
Oconto County page → -
Oneida County
38,131 residents, 12,389 aged 65 or older (32.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,117 Lower than 51 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Oneida County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Rhinelander (Census, 1 July 2024).
Oneida County page → -
Outagamie County
195,894 residents, 36,424 aged 65 or older (18.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.4 Cheaper than 31 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Appleton, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,803 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Outagamie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Appleton, Kaukauna, Greenville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Outagamie County page → -
Ozaukee County
94,346 residents, 23,047 aged 65 or older (24.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.9 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,154 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ozaukee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mequon, Cedarburg, Port Washington (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ozaukee County page → -
Pepin County
7,513 residents, 2,055 aged 65 or older (27.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,761 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pepin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Durand, Pepin, Stockholm (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pepin County page → -
Pierce County
43,519 residents, 8,466 aged 65 or older (19.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,773 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pierce County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: River Falls, Prescott, Ellsworth (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pierce County page → -
Polk County
45,803 residents, 11,749 aged 65 or older (25.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,958 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Polk County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.83 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Amery, Osceola, St. Croix Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Polk County page → -
Portage County
71,943 residents, 14,978 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,028 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Portage County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Stevens Point, Plover, Whiting (Census, 1 July 2024).
Portage County page → -
Price County
13,988 residents, 4,493 aged 65 or older (32.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,631 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Price County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,694 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Park Falls, Phillips, Prentice (Census, 1 July 2024).
Price County page → -
Racine County
198,919 residents, 40,148 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.0 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 3,142 US counties Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,707 Lower than 9 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 69 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Racine, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Racine County page → -
Richland County
17,036 residents, 4,491 aged 65 or older (26.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,847 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Richland County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.63 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 31 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Richland Center, Lone Rock, Viola (Census, 1 July 2024).
Richland County page → -
Rock County
166,472 residents, 33,317 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Janesville-Beloit, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,596 Lower than 10 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 86 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Janesville, Beloit, Edgerton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rock County page → -
Rusk County
14,146 residents, 4,128 aged 65 or older (29.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,928 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Rusk County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.31 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ladysmith, Bruce, Hawkins (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rusk County page → -
St. Croix County
98,276 residents, 18,211 aged 65 or older (18.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.8 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,096 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- St. Croix County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,914 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hudson, New Richmond, River Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
St. Croix County page → -
Sauk County
66,652 residents, 14,854 aged 65 or older (22.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,082 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sauk County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Baraboo, Reedsburg, Prairie du Sac (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sauk County page → -
Sawyer County
18,846 residents, 6,113 aged 65 or older (32.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,811 Lower than 59 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sawyer County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,694 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hayward, Winter, Radisson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sawyer County page → -
Shawano County
41,560 residents, 10,038 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,770 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Shawano County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Shawano, Bonduel, Wittenberg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Shawano County page → -
Sheboygan County
118,047 residents, 26,096 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 94.0 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 3,142 US counties Sheboygan, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,867 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sheboygan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.68 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sheboygan, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sheboygan County page → -
Taylor County
20,118 residents, 4,662 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,880 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Taylor County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.94 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Medford, Rib Lake, Stetsonville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Taylor County page → -
Trempealeau County
31,171 residents, 6,422 aged 65 or older (20.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,446 Lower than 11 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Trempealeau County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Arcadia, Trempealeau, Osseo (Census, 1 July 2024).
Trempealeau County page → -
Vernon County
31,443 residents, 7,386 aged 65 or older (23.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.8 Cheaper than 33 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,657 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Vernon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,758 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Viroqua, Westby, Hillsboro (Census, 1 July 2024).
Vernon County page → -
Vilas County
23,761 residents, 8,808 aged 65 or older (37.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,563 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Vilas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Eagle River (Census, 1 July 2024).
Vilas County page → -
Walworth County
106,127 residents, 24,505 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,667 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Walworth County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,298 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Walworth County page → -
Washburn County
17,087 residents, 5,499 aged 65 or older (32.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,680 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Washburn County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.79 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 92 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,694 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spooner, Shell Lake, Minong (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washburn County page → -
Washington County
139,238 residents, 31,970 aged 65 or older (23.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.9 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,859 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Washington County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 96 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: West Bend, Germantown, Hartford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washington County page → -
Waukesha County
417,210 residents, 96,610 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.9 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,003 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 4 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 95 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waukesha, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Waukesha County page → -
Waupaca County
51,461 residents, 12,602 aged 65 or older (24.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,841 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Waupaca County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,021 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waupaca, New London, Clintonville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Waupaca County page → -
Waushara County
25,223 residents, 7,112 aged 65 or older (28.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,246 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Waushara County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,945 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wautoma, Redgranite, Plainfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Waushara County page → -
Winnebago County
174,218 residents, 34,237 aged 65 or older (19.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 92.9 Cheaper than 28 % of the other 3,142 US counties Oshkosh-Neenah, WI metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,703 Lower than 9 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 87 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oshkosh, Neenah, Fox Crossing (Census, 1 July 2024).
Winnebago County page → -
Wood County
74,060 residents, 18,187 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Wisconsin nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,376 Lower than 12 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wood County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,130 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, Nekoosa (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wood County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where Wisconsin stands, on the six criteria
Wisconsin's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 2 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Wisconsin, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
94.1 Cheaper than 62% of the other 50 · housing 79.3 · goods 94.3 · utilities 89.9 · other services 99.5
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $4,980 (90% margin USD $4,955–$5,005) Lower than 22% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
81 % of residents 65+ Higher than 82% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
5.3 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 5.0–5.6) Lower than 62% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
4.7 months a year More than 44% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 92% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Wisconsin
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Wisconsin, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,870 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $16,170 in a bad year (from USD $13,270), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 22 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,130 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 8 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Wisconsin's 72 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Wisconsin does not use the federal Medigap plan letters; insurers sell Wisconsin standardized Medigap policies with the same basic benefits and optional riders, and the state adds no enrollment right beyond the federal six-month open enrollment period. Wisconsin's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Wisconsin: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-800-242-1060 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Wisconsin: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Wisconsin, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Healthcare access: higher than 82% of the other 50 (81 % of residents 65+). CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
- Natural-hazard risk: lower than 92% of the other 50 (USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings). FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB)
Cons
None of Wisconsin's six figures is in the bottom fifth of the states.
Also shown, not scored
Wisconsin's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Wisconsin — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
5,972,787 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
1,241,547 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
23.4 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Wisconsin
We apply Wisconsin's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Wisconsin's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 7.65 % Wisconsin Department of Revenue: Tax Rates (2025 Married Filing Joint Tax Rates) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security is not taxable for Wisconsin: 100 % of it Wisconsin Department of Revenue, 2025 Schedule SB Instructions, Line 4 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Retirement income subtraction, both spouses 67 or older: USD $48,000, from age 67 Wisconsin Department of Revenue, 2025 Schedule SB Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
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