Best counties to retire to in Wisconsin

Written by:
February 1, 2021
Wtimmers // Wikimedia Commons

Best counties to retire to in Wisconsin

Buyers and sellers of real estate alike—when asked what are the three most essential considerations about a property—will nearly always reply "location, location, location." While this answer is sometimes tongue-in-cheek, it is often quite accurate, and this reply perhaps applies to retirees more than any other demographic. Settling down after a lifetime of working and perhaps raising a family calls for the perfect location: a spot where you can enjoy life with as few concerns as possible.

When seniors aged 65 years or older decide on where they want to live out their golden years, they consider very specific factors, such as the cost of living, government services, health care facilities, weather and overall climate, crime rate, outdoor recreational activities, eating establishments, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and more.

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Wisconsin using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, healthcare, recreation and weather.

Location is critical as retirees determine where to spend their senior years enjoying favorite activities; however, it’s a very unique decision based on a multitude of preferences and needs. Whether it be bustling downtowns or access to parks, affordable home prices or cultural amenities like museums, retirees seeking to settle in a permanent spot are sure to find a private paradise in any of these counties recommended by Niche because, in the end, there is no place like home—no matter the location.

Read on to discover the best counties to retire to in Wisconsin.

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self // Wikimedia Commons

#23. Waupaca County

- Population: 51,444
- Median home value: $145,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $697 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $57,680
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Appraiser // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Barron County

- Population: 45,252
- Median home value: $150,200 (75% own)
- Median rent: $669 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $50,903
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#21. Adams County

- Population: 20,073
- Median home value: $125,100 (83% own)
- Median rent: $710 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $43,280
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#20. Marquette County

- Population: 15,207
- Median home value: $150,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $691 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $49,586
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123dieinafire // Wikimedia Commons

#19. Polk County

- Population: 43,349
- Median home value: $164,700 (78% own)
- Median rent: $751 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $56,932
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Bobak Ha'Eri // Wikimedia Commons

#18. Marinette County

- Population: 40,537
- Median home value: $117,100 (75% own)
- Median rent: $681 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $47,497
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Jeff the quiet // Wikimedia Commons

#17. Rusk County

- Population: 14,183
- Median home value: $110,400 (77% own)
- Median rent: $680 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $44,302
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#16. Lincoln County

- Population: 27,848
- Median home value: $139,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $650 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $56,086
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Jeff the quiet // Wikimedia Commons

#15. Langlade County

- Population: 19,164
- Median home value: $113,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $629 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $46,557
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#14. Waushara County

- Population: 24,116
- Median home value: $143,100 (82% own)
- Median rent: $670 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $51,195
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Forest County

- Population: 9,018
- Median home value: $130,200 (77% own)
- Median rent: $495 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $44,313
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Green Lake County

- Population: 18,757
- Median home value: $142,600 (75% own)
- Median rent: $704 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $53,260
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Dls4832 // Wikimedia Commons

#11. Bayfield County

- Population: 14,992
- Median home value: $166,300 (83% own)
- Median rent: $664 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $52,910
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Dramsey57 // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Burnett County

- Population: 15,258
- Median home value: $156,100 (81% own)
- Median rent: $735 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $49,982
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pasa47 // Wikimedia Commons

#9. Waukesha County

- Population: 398,879
- Median home value: $272,100 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,014 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $84,331
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Bjoertvedt // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Washburn County

- Population: 15,689
- Median home value: $152,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $679 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $48,422
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Billertl // Wikimedia Commons

#7. Price County

- Population: 13,490
- Median home value: $122,700 (79% own)
- Median rent: $623 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $46,742
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James Meyer // Shutterstock

#6. Ozaukee County

- Population: 88,284
- Median home value: $273,000 (76% own)
- Median rent: $903 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $82,807
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Foreverwiser // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Sawyer County

- Population: 16,370
- Median home value: $164,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $646 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $44,555
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Bobak Ha'Eri // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Iron County

- Population: 5,715
- Median home value: $113,100 (75% own)
- Median rent: $535 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $40,801
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Royalbroil // Wikimedia Commons

#3. Oneida County

- Population: 35,345
- Median home value: $167,800 (84% own)
- Median rent: $761 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $54,198
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Wtimmers // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Door County

- Population: 27,439
- Median home value: $207,100 (78% own)
- Median rent: $770 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $58,287
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TheCatalyst31 // Wikimedia Commons

#1. Vilas County

- Population: 21,593
- Median home value: $206,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $692 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $44,285

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