Washburn County, Wisconsin

County Distress Index: Healthy · 33.5 | 16,930 people · 29th most distressed in Wisconsin
American Default Research

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Washburn County, WI ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 33.5 — 2560th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Legal Distress, where bankruptcy filings are moderately elevated. Within Wisconsin, it ranks 29th of 72 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 4 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Washburn County's primary driver is Legal Distress at 59.2 — above the national median.

Legal Distress Primary driver 59.2
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 59
Structural Poverty 57.6
Unemployment Rate 61
Poverty Rate 27
Income vs. State Median 73
Child Poverty Rate 38
Disability Rate 50
Transfer Income Dependency 78
Economic Vitality 46.5
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 61
Rent-to-Income Ratio 23
Business Formation Rate 58
House Price Change (YoY) 21
Housing Cost Burden 41.7
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 65
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 21
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 74
Homeownership Rate 15
Consumer Credit Distress 16.3
Debt in Collections 13
Medical Debt 53
Auto Loan Delinquency 6
Credit Card Delinquency 10
Uninsured Rate 26
Subprime Credit Population 6

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Washburn County
Washburn County, WI 33.5 Healthy —
Rusk County, WI 42.5 Normal +9.0
Sawyer County, WI 38.9 Normal +5.3
Douglas County, WI 37.5 Normal +4.0
Burnett County, WI 33.6 Healthy +0.0
Barron County, WI 30.8 Healthy -2.7
Bayfield County, WI 28.0 Healthy -5.5

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Washburn County
Idaho County, ID 33.5 Healthy -0.0
Burnett County, WI 33.6 Healthy +0.0
Cass County, MN 33.5 Healthy -0.1
Sheridan County, WY 33.7 Healthy +0.1
Stewart County, TN 33.7 Healthy +0.1

Download Data

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

Find Help in Washburn 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 Washburn 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 Washburn County, Wisconsin?

    Washburn County has a County Distress Index score of 33.5 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,560th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 29th in Wisconsin out of 72 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Washburn County?

    The primary driver of distress in Washburn County is Legal Distress, where the county scores 59.2 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Bankruptcy Filing Rate.

  • How does Washburn County compare to neighboring counties?

    Washburn County (33.5) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Rusk County, WI (42.5); Sawyer County, WI (38.9); Douglas County, WI (37.5).

  • 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). Washburn County's score of 33.5 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

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

    Washburn 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 Washburn County?

    Washburn County, Wisconsin has a population of approximately 16,930 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a small county.