Hunt & Live

Juneau County, WI

26,866 residents · 767 sq mi · 35.0/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
45.1°F
35.4" rain/yr
Water
humid
Aridity index 1.74
Hardiness
Zone 6b
Winter low ~-2.7°F

About Juneau County

Juneau County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,718. Its county seat is Mauston.

56
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1131 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a primarily rural experience, with a population density of 35.0 people per square mile. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 45.1°F, with summer highs reaching 81.9°F and winter lows dropping to 7.3°F, providing a growing season suitable for USDA zone 6b crops. The region receives an average of 35.4 inches of rain per year, supporting diverse agricultural activities. However, the cold winters may limit year-round outdoor self-sufficiency efforts.

The county faces several natural hazards, including heat waves (FEMA rank 95) and cold waves (rank 85), which could pose challenges for those relying on outdoor activities for sustenance. The area also has a notable risk for hail (rank 88) and riverine flooding (rank 71). Despite a low violence percentile of 7/100, which indicates a relatively safe environment, the overall disaster percentile at 71/100 suggests that residents should be prepared for potential emergencies. The median home price is $153,700, which may be accessible for some but could be a barrier for others.

This location may be well-suited for individuals or families seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle who are willing to adapt to seasonal challenges. Those with agricultural skills or a strong commitment to self-sufficiency may thrive here, particularly if they are prepared for the colder months. However, individuals looking for urban amenities or those who prefer milder climates year-round may find this area less appealing. The potential for natural hazards and the relatively high disaster percentile could be dealbreakers for some homesteaders.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #936 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#27 of 72 in WI
Ranked #27 of 72 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: heat wave
FEMA ranks heat wave risk at 95/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Rural-suburban mix
35.0 people per square mile.
Climate profile
Classified as humid with a 45.1°F annual mean and 35.4" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $153,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
19
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
71
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
43
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
70.8
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 85
Drought 34
Earthquake 20
Hail 88
Hurricane 9
Heat Wave 95
Riverine Flood 71
Ice Storm 25
Landslide 81
Lightning 53
Strong Wind 54
Tornado 65
Wildfire 47
Winter Weather 41

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
81.9°F
Winter low
7.3°F
Heating degree days
7,734
Cooling degree days
508

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$153,700
Median HH income
$63,455
Price to income
2.4×
Property tax rate
1.6%
~$2,459/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
45.7
Homeownership
79.3%
Poverty rate
14.7%
Unemployment
4.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
56.6%
No internet access
11.9%

Explore Juneau County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.