Chippewa County
WI · Pop. 66,558 · Suburban County
Chippewa County, Wisconsin covers 1,008 square miles with a population of 66,558 and a density of 66 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, hay, soybeans. The median home price is $238,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.16%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 145-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.6°F and average winter lows of 6.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. St Josephs Hospital is 9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 92% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- St Josephs Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 9 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 3.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 9.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 145-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 6.5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Chippewa County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $238k
- Property tax
- 1.16%
- Growing season
- 145 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.1"
- Broadband
- 92%
- Nearest hospital
- St Josephs Hospital, 9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Chippewa County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Chippewa County?
- Chippewa County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 145-day growing season, average summer highs of 79.6°F, and average winter lows of 6.5°F. The established crops are corn, hay, soybeans.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $238,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.16%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Josephs Hospital is 9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
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More counties in Wisconsin
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The closest counties to Chippewa 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.
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