Columbia County
WI · Pop. 58,322 · Suburban County
Columbia County is a suburban county in Wisconsin, spanning 766 square miles with 58,322 residents at a density of 76.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, haylage. The median home price is $259,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.48%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 155-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.7°F and average winter lows of 12.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 36.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital is 9.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.3% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 9.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.8% 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 155-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.48% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 12.3°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Columbia County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 40/100
- Median home price
- $259k
- Property tax
- 1.48%
- Growing season
- 155 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 36.1"
- Broadband
- 87.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, 9.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Columbia County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Columbia County?
- Columbia County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 155-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.7°F, and average winter lows of 12.3°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $259,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.48%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital is 9.5 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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The closest counties to Columbia 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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