Barron County
WI · Pop. 46,741 · Suburban County
Barron County, Wisconsin covers 863 square miles with a population of 46,741 and a density of 54.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, hay, soybeans. The median home price is $198,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.42%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F and average winter lows of 5°F. Annual rainfall averages 31 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $198,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland, with an emergency room, is just 2.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, hay, soybeans means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 9.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A 142-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.42% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Barron County, WI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 55/100
- Median home price
- $198k
- Property tax
- 1.42%
- Growing season
- 142 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 31"
- Broadband
- 88.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland, 2.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Barron County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Barron County?
- Barron County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F, and average winter lows of 5°F. The established crops are corn, hay, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $198,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.42%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland is 2.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Wisconsin
All Wisconsin countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Barron County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.