RANK #131 / 996 · POP 65,664 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.5%
Sauk County, Wisconsin, is often recognized for the dramatic bluffs of Devil's Lake State Park, a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Located approximately 25 miles northwest of Madison, the county offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Commuting to Madison is feasible via major highways like I-90, I-94, and U.S. Route 12. The community feel is shaped by its "Land Made" identity, emphasizing a connection to the natural landscape, which provides extensive opportunities for hiking, biking on trails like the Great Sauk State Trail, boating on Lake Wisconsin, and exploring numerous nature preserves.
Life in Sauk County offers a balance of rural appeal and access to amenities. The public schools maintain a good reputation. The economy, while impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a rebound, with particular growth in financial activities. Tourism, centered around attractions like Wisconsin Dells, remains a significant industry, drawing a seasonal workforce. Agriculture, including dairy, hogs, and cattle, also plays a role, with local farms and agri-businesses contributing to the economy and offering agritourism experiences. The county is also investing in broadband infrastructure to support remote work and local businesses.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Baraboo Sauk County Campus Redevelopment Plan
Sauk County / City of Baraboo
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Sauk Prairie Residential Development
Undisclosed Developers
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Great Sauk State Trail Bridge Build
Sauk County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Broadband Infrastructure Expansion
Reedsburg Utility Commission (RUC) / Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Sauk County has a Boom Town Index score of 87/100, ranking #131 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $72,930, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Sauk County is $227,500 with median rent at $914/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3206, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed +4.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.42% of Sauk County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.