Lincoln County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Healthy · 34.7 | 28,405 people · 25th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Lincoln County, WI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 34.7 — 2493rd 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 25th of 72 counties. Among its 5 neighboring counties, 4 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Lincoln County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 60.0 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 60.0
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 84
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 51
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 59
Homeownership Rate 27
Legal Distress 39.0
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 39
Structural Poverty 38.3
Unemployment Rate 34
Poverty Rate 20
Income vs. State Median 44
Child Poverty Rate 21
Disability Rate 41
Transfer Income Dependency 57
Economic Vitality 31.0
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 29
Rent-to-Income Ratio 7
Business Formation Rate 78
House Price Change (YoY) 20
Consumer Credit Distress 21.9
Debt in Collections 22
Medical Debt 65
Auto Loan Delinquency 18
Credit Card Delinquency 5
Uninsured Rate 16
Subprime Credit Population 12

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Lincoln County
Lincoln County, WI 34.7 Healthy —
Langlade County, WI 34.8 Healthy +0.1
Price County, WI 33.8 Healthy -0.8
Marathon County, WI 32.5 Healthy -2.2
Oneida County, WI 29.2 Healthy -5.5
Taylor County, WI 27.9 Healthy -6.8

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Lincoln County
Gem County, ID 34.7 Healthy 0.0
Wyandot County, OH 34.7 Healthy -0.0
Stevens County, WA 34.7 Healthy -0.0
Alcona County, MI 34.7 Healthy +0.0
Woodford County, KY 34.6 Healthy -0.0

Download Data

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

Find Help in Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, Wisconsin?

    Lincoln County has a County Distress Index score of 34.7 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,493rd nationally out of 3,144 counties and 25th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Lincoln County?

    The primary driver of distress in Lincoln County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 60.0 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Lincoln County compare to neighboring counties?

    Lincoln County (34.7) can be compared to its 5 neighboring counties: Langlade County, WI (34.8); Price County, WI (33.8); Marathon County, WI (32.5).

  • 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). Lincoln County's score of 34.7 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

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

    Lincoln 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 Lincoln County?

    Lincoln County, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 28,405 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.