Jefferson County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.7 | 85,743 people · 36th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Jefferson County, WI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.7 — 2602nd 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 36th of 72 counties. Among its 5 neighboring counties, 3 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Jefferson County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 53.2 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 53.3
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 42
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 51
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 91
Homeownership Rate 57
Economic Vitality 44.3
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 55
Rent-to-Income Ratio 10
Business Formation Rate 76
House Price Change (YoY) 30
Legal Distress 36.9
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 37
Consumer Credit Distress 24.7
Debt in Collections 18
Medical Debt 57
Auto Loan Delinquency 25
Credit Card Delinquency 21
Uninsured Rate 13
Subprime Credit Population 17
Structural Poverty 16.8
Unemployment Rate 19
Poverty Rate 15
Income vs. State Median 20
Child Poverty Rate 10
Disability Rate 16
Transfer Income Dependency 19

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Jefferson County
Jefferson County, WI 32.7 Healthy —
Rock County, WI 49.2 Normal +16.6
Walworth County, WI 38.2 Normal +5.5
Dane County, WI 35.0 Healthy +2.3
Dodge County, WI 31.0 Healthy -1.6
Waukesha County, WI 25.3 Healthy -7.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Jefferson County
Ogle County, IL 32.7 Healthy +0.0
Bingham County, ID 32.6 Healthy -0.0
Hanover County, VA 32.8 Healthy +0.2
Marathon County, WI 32.5 Healthy -0.2
Cole County, MO 32.5 Healthy -0.2

Download Data

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

Find Help in Jefferson County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Jefferson County.

JEFFERSON COUNTY AT HOME
Jefferson
920-674-8711 Website
Home Improvement/RehabPre-PurchaseHomebuyer Education

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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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, Wisconsin?

    Jefferson County has a County Distress Index score of 32.7 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,602nd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 36th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Jefferson County?

    The primary driver of distress in Jefferson County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 53.2 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Jefferson County compare to neighboring counties?

    Jefferson County (32.7) can be compared to its 5 neighboring counties: Rock County, WI (49.2); Walworth County, WI (38.2); Dane County, WI (35.0).

  • 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). Jefferson County's score of 32.7 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

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

    Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?

    Jefferson County, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 85,743 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.