Douglas County
WI · Pop. 44,197 · Suburban County
Douglas County sits in Wisconsin across 1,304 square miles, home to 44,197 people at 33.9 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $190,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.35%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 141-day growing season, average summer highs of 79°F and average winter lows of 5.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Essentia Health St Mary's Hospital - Superior is 19 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 72.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $190,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A low poverty rate of 10.4% signals a relatively stable local economy.
- A median household income of $72,579 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 141-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.35% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 72.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 5.5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Douglas County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 45/100
- Median home price
- $190k
- Property tax
- 1.35%
- Growing season
- 141 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.9"
- Broadband
- 72.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Essentia Health St Mary's Hospital - Superior, 19 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Douglas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Douglas County?
- Douglas County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 141-day growing season, average summer highs of 79°F, and average winter lows of 5.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $190,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.35%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 72.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Essentia Health St Mary's Hospital - Superior is 19 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Wisconsin
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The closest counties to Douglas 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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