Oconto County
WI · Pop. 39,329 · Suburban County
Oconto County, Wisconsin covers 997 square miles with a population of 39,329 and a density of 39.4 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, hay, haylage. A median home price of $212,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.25% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 134-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.7°F and average winter lows of 7.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Hshs St Clare Memorial Hospital is 9.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 88.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Hshs St Clare Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 9.9 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 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.4% 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 134-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 7.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Oconto County, WI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $212k
- Property tax
- 1.25%
- Growing season
- 134 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.8"
- Broadband
- 88.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Hshs St Clare Memorial Hospital, 9.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Oconto County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Oconto County?
- Oconto County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 134-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.7°F, and average winter lows of 7.9°F. The established crops are corn, hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $212,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.25%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 88.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hshs St Clare Memorial Hospital is 9.9 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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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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