Thinking of retiring in the Badger State? Based on an article from Stacker.com featuring Niche’s rankings, here are the top 25 counties to retire in Wisconsin—plus a few standout towns and communities in each. Niche’s methodology typically weighs factors like cost of living, access to healthcare, safety, amenities, and outdoor recreation. So you’ll see a mix of lake country, Northwoods quiet, and convenient suburbs represented. Do you agree with their findings?
25) Oconto – Oconto Falls, Oconto, Lena
24) Barron – Rice Lake, Chetek, Barron
23) Buffalo – Cochrane, Alma, Nelson
22) Marquette – Moundville, Endeavor, Westfield
21) Adams – Dell Prairie, Rome, Friendship
20) Wood – Marshfield, Port Edwards, Lake Wazeecha
19) Rusk – Ladysmith, Big Bend, Bruce
18) Langlade – Antigo, Rolling, Antigo Township
17) Polk – Amery, Dresser, Osceola
16) Lincoln – Tomahawk, Merrill, Birch
15) Waushara – Wautoma, Wild Rose, Rose
14) Marinette – Peshtigo, Niagara, Marinette
13) Green Lake – Berlin, Green Lake, Berlin Township
12) Bayfield – Bayview, Washburn, Washburn Township
11) Forest – Laona, Lincoln, Argonne
10) Waukesha – Elm Grove, Brookfield, Nashotah
9) Price – Worcester, Phillips, Park Falls
8) Burnett – Sand Lake, Webster, Roosevelt
7) Washburn – Spooner, Long Lake, Barronett
6) Ozaukee – Cedarburg, Mequon, Thiensville
5) Iron – Hurley, Gurney, Montreal
4) Sawyer – Hayward, Bass Lake, Lenroot
3) Oneida – Rhinelander, Woodruff, Minocqua
2) Door – Sturgeon Bay, Gibraltar, Egg Harbor
1) Vilas – Arbor Vitae, Presque Isle, Plum Lake
What stands out:
- The Northwoods dominate the top tier (Vilas, Oneida, Sawyer) with endless lakes, trails, and four-season recreation.
- Door County offers a unique blend of arts, dining, shoreline, and small-town charm.
- Ozaukee and Waukesha bring suburban convenience, cultural amenities, and proximity to top medical systems.
Before you choose: consider year-round realities (winter maintenance and snow removal), distance to hospitals and specialists, broadband reliability, property taxes/insurance, and the local social fabric—senior centers, volunteer groups, libraries, and lifelong-learning options can make a big difference in day-to-day happiness.
Ultimately, the ideal county balances quality of life with logistics. Visit in different seasons, compare taxes and housing, check broadband and hospital access, and choose the spot that supports how you want to live.
Please note: Any opinions discussed in this article belong solely to the author, Marissa Berends, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Capitol Lien.
About the Author
Marissa Berends is a Certified Abstractor and Industry Relations Coordinator at Capitol Lien, a nationwide due diligence and risk mitigation services provider. Since joining the company in September 2021, she has earned abstractor certifications in Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota. She is pursuing her Wisconsin Title Examiner certification, which is expected to be completed in Fall 2025.
Marissa is involved with the following groups: Wisconsin Land Title Association’s (WLTA) Convention Committee & Young Title Professionals; Nebraska Land Title Association’s (NLTA) Convention Committee; Property Record Industry Association (PRIA) National Education Committee; Illinois Land Title Association’s (ILTA) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Acceptance (IDEA) Committee; and the National Association of Land Title Examiners and Abstractors (NALTEA).
About Capitol Lien
Capitol Lien empowers real estate and title professionals with trusted public record research and due diligence services nationwide. With 35 years of experience, Capitol Lien specializes in fast, accurate property and title searches, lien reports, and document retrieval that help title agents, underwriters, and legal teams operate their businesses with confidence. The Capitol Lien team takes the hassle out of title research with local experts and innovative tools that make it easier to mitigate risk, stay on schedule, and keep your closings moving smoothly.
Learn more at capitollien.com. Ready to simplify your title research? Send your next order to Capitol Lien and experience the difference trusted diligence makes. Stay in touch with Capitol Lien on LinkedIn for industry updates and information. Reach out! contact@capitollien.com or 800-845-4077.