Dunn County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.1 | 45,794 people · 38th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Dunn County, WI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.1 — 2646th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Housing Cost Burden, where housing costs consume a moderate share of household income. Within Wisconsin, it ranks 38th of 72 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 6 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Dunn County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 60.7 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 60.7
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 43
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 61
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 89
Homeownership Rate 81
Legal Distress 38.5
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 39
Economic Vitality 36.3
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 33
Rent-to-Income Ratio 14
Business Formation Rate 82
House Price Change (YoY) 34
Structural Poverty 31.5
Unemployment Rate 38
Poverty Rate 28
Income vs. State Median 46
Child Poverty Rate 13
Disability Rate 24
Transfer Income Dependency 33
Consumer Credit Distress 17.1
Debt in Collections 13
Medical Debt 32
Auto Loan Delinquency 11
Credit Card Delinquency 14
Uninsured Rate 16
Subprime Credit Population 20

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Dunn County
Dunn County, WI 32.1 Healthy —
Pierce County, WI 33.1 Healthy +1.0
Barron County, WI 30.8 Healthy -1.3
Eau Claire County, WI 30.7 Healthy -1.4
Polk County, WI 30.2 Healthy -1.9
Chippewa County, WI 27.4 Healthy -4.7
St. Croix County, WI 24.3 Healthy -7.8
Pepin County, WI 22.1 Healthy -10.0

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Dunn County
Winona County, MN 32.1 Healthy 0.0
Ford County, IL 32.1 Healthy -0.0
Buena Vista County, IA 32.2 Healthy +0.0
Bureau County, IL 32.2 Healthy +0.1
Todd County, MN 32.0 Healthy -0.1

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Dunn County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Dunn County

Find an Attorney

State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral and Information Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

State Bar of Wisconsin — Lawyer Referral and Information Service 608-257-4666 (Madison); 414-274-6768 (Milwaukee)

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Dunn County residents at no cost.

Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee 414-278-7722
Legal Action of Wisconsin 608-256-3191 (Madison); 414-278-7722 (Milwaukee)
Wisconsin Judicare 715-842-1681 (Wausau); 1-800-472-1638 (statewide)
Disability Rights Wisconsin 608-267-0214
Judicare Legal Aid (715) 842-1681

American Default Research does not endorse, rate, or rank any provider. Verify attorney credentials with your state bar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Dunn County, Wisconsin?

    Dunn County has a County Distress Index score of 32.1 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,646th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 38th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Dunn County?

    The primary driver of distress in Dunn County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 60.7 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Dunn County compare to neighboring counties?

    Dunn County (32.1) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Pierce County, WI (33.1); Barron County, WI (30.8); Eau Claire County, WI (30.7).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Dunn County's score of 32.1 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Dunn County's CDI score?

    Dunn County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Dunn County?

    Dunn County, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 45,794 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.