Marathon County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.5 | 138,612 people · 37th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Marathon County, WI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.5 — 2614th 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 37th of 72 counties. Among its 8 neighboring counties, 5 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Marathon County's primary driver is Housing Cost Burden at 51.1 — above the national median.

Housing Cost Burden Primary driver 51.1
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 60
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 43
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 40
Homeownership Rate 55
Legal Distress 49.0
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 49
Economic Vitality 37.5
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 38
Rent-to-Income Ratio 23
Business Formation Rate 69
House Price Change (YoY) 15
Consumer Credit Distress 23.5
Debt in Collections 16
Medical Debt 54
Auto Loan Delinquency 26
Credit Card Delinquency 18
Uninsured Rate 29
Subprime Credit Population 12
Structural Poverty 21.1
Unemployment Rate 13
Poverty Rate 17
Income vs. State Median 36
Child Poverty Rate 21
Disability Rate 20
Transfer Income Dependency 15

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Marathon County
Marathon County, WI 32.5 Healthy —
Waupaca County, WI 39.1 Normal +6.6
Langlade County, WI 34.8 Healthy +2.2
Lincoln County, WI 34.7 Healthy +2.2
Wood County, WI 33.5 Healthy +1.0
Shawano County, WI 32.9 Healthy +0.4
Clark County, WI 28.4 Healthy -4.1
Portage County, WI 27.9 Healthy -4.6
Taylor County, WI 27.9 Healthy -4.6

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Marathon County
Cole County, MO 32.5 Healthy -0.0
Bingham County, ID 32.6 Healthy +0.1
Jefferson County, WI 32.7 Healthy +0.2
Ogle County, IL 32.7 Healthy +0.2
Carroll County, MD 32.3 Healthy -0.2

Download Data

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

Find Help in Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon County, Wisconsin?

    Marathon County has a County Distress Index score of 32.5 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,614th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 37th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Marathon County?

    The primary driver of distress in Marathon County is Housing Cost Burden, where the county scores 51.1 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Rent-Burdened (30%+), Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+), Mortgage-Burdened (30%+).

  • How does Marathon County compare to neighboring counties?

    Marathon County (32.5) can be compared to its 8 neighboring counties: Waupaca County, WI (39.1); Langlade County, WI (34.8); Lincoln County, WI (34.7).

  • 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). Marathon County's score of 32.5 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

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

    Marathon 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 Marathon County?

    Marathon County, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 138,612 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.