Education, Employment and Housing

Dodge County, WI, has 31 public schools, including 8 high schools. About 92% of adults have at least a high school diploma, while 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Average public school test scores are 50% in math and 54% in reading. The county invests in safety programs, maintaining lower-than-average school crime rates. Adult education is bolstered by Moraine Park Technical College programs. Dodge County schools offer AP, vocational training, and STEM initiatives, supporting diverse educational needs.

As of 2023, Dodge County, WI, has an employment rate of approximately 66%. Manufacturing leads employment at 28%, followed by healthcare and social assistance (13%), and retail trade (10%). Common occupations include production (20%), office and administrative support (12%), and sales (9%). The average commute time is 22.5 minutes, with 83% driving alone, and 33% of workers commuting outside the county, primarily to Fond du Lac, Washington, and Waukesha counties. This diversified employment base reflects a balanced local economy centered on industry, healthcare, and retail sectors.

Dodge County, WI, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values near $220,000 as of 2023. Median monthly rent is approximately $950. The local housing market has seen a moderate 5% annual value increase. Predominant housing types are single-family homes, with some duplexes and apartments, particularly in larger towns like Beaver Dam and Watertown. Popular neighborhoods include Burnett and Mayville. Property tax rates average 1.8% of assessed value. The county offers a mix of rural and small-town living, with affordable real estate and diverse housing options.

Elections

Dodge County, WI, had 59,240 registered voters for the November 2022 election, out of a total population of about 89,000. Elections include federal, state, county, and local races. In 2020, 63% voted Republican and 35% Democrat in the Presidential election. There are 53 polling locations, typically open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Dodge County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with Wisconsin state law. Main issues include agriculture policy and taxation. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active locally, with high Republican turnout in recent years. Voter registration can be completed online or at polling sites.

County Crime & Safety

Dodge County, WI, maintains a moderate crime rate, with a 2022 overall crime rate of 14.2 per 1,000 residents—lower than the national average. Violent crime is notably low at 1.5 per 1,000, while property crime rates are approximately 12.7 per 1,000. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office reports an annual average of 1,300 crimes and prioritizes community policing, prompt response, and safety programs. Crime rates have remained relatively stable in recent years, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to improve community-wide safety.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Dodge County, WI, had a population of approximately 89,396. The median age is about 41 years. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female residents. Racially, the population is predominantly White (88.1%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (3.8%), Asian (0.7%), Native American (0.4%), and those identifying as two or more races (5%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 7.7% of the county’s population.