Baraboo
RANK #44 / 996 NAT · #4 / 29 WI · POP 65,664
1YR FORECAST: +3.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +40%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 ranks #44 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 96/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.6% and a median household income of $72,930 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Sauk County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $227,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $914/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Sauk County are hiring — job growth of +1.6% — but the population is close to flat (+0.4% YoY). Home values moved +4.6% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.42% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Sauk County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.