Monroe County
WI · Pop. 46,169 · Suburban County
Monroe County is a suburban county in Wisconsin, spanning 901 square miles with 46,169 residents at a density of 51.2 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, hay, haylage. A median home price of $197,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.42% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.1°F and average winter lows of 9.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 34 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Tomah Memorial Hospital is 5.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 74.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $197,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Tomah Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, hay, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.9% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 11.8% 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 147-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.
- Broadband reaches only 74.2% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Monroe County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 42/100
- Median home price
- $197k
- Property tax
- 1.42%
- Growing season
- 147 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 34"
- Broadband
- 74.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Tomah Memorial Hospital, 5.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Monroe County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Monroe County?
- Monroe County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 147-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.1°F, and average winter lows of 9.7°F. The established crops are corn, hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $197,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.42%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 74.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Tomah Memorial Hospital is 5.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
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More counties in Wisconsin
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The closest counties to Monroe 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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