Rusk County
WI · Pop. 14,146 · Rural County
Rusk County, Wisconsin covers 914 square miles with a population of 14,146 and a density of 15.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $152,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.21% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 140-day growing season, average summer highs of 78°F and average winter lows of 4.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 33.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Marshfield Medical Center - Ladysmith is 1.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 67.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $152,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Marshfield Medical Center - Ladysmith, with an emergency room, is just 1.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 15.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- A 140-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 67.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 4.2°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Rusk County, WI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 62/100
- Median home price
- $152k
- Property tax
- 1.21%
- Growing season
- 140 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 33.9"
- Broadband
- 67.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Marshfield Medical Center - Ladysmith, 1.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Rusk County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Rusk County?
- Rusk County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 140-day growing season, average summer highs of 78°F, and average winter lows of 4.2°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $152,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.21%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 67.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Marshfield Medical Center - Ladysmith is 1.8 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 Rusk 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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