Vilas County
WI · Pop. 23,410 · Suburban County
Vilas County, Wisconsin covers 858 square miles with a population of 23,410 and a density of 27.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay. The median home price is $271,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.8%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 132-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.3°F and average winter lows of 4.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 31.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Howard Young Medical Ctr is 14.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 74.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.8% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 10.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 132-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 74.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 4.1°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Vilas County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 52/100
- Median home price
- $271k
- Property tax
- 0.8%
- Growing season
- 132 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 31.8"
- Broadband
- 74.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Howard Young Medical Ctr, 14.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Vilas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Vilas County?
- Vilas County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 132-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.3°F, and average winter lows of 4.1°F. The established crops are hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $271,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.8%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 74.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Howard Young Medical Ctr is 14.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital 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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