Cost of Living in Adams County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Adams County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Adams County ranks #2,306 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Adams County, Wisconsin
Adams County rents stretch budgets
Renters in Adams County spend 16.0% of their income on rent, slightly above the national standard where housing should consume no more than 30% of income. The county's median household income of $59,153 lags the national median by $15,602, making even modest rents harder to afford.
Mid-pack affordability in Wisconsin
Adams County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio sits above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, indicating slightly tighter affordability than the typical Wisconsin county. Median rent here is $102 below the state average of $891, yet incomes are lower, creating a cost squeeze.
Comparable to Burnett, less than Brown
Adams County's $789 monthly rent closely matches Burnett County's $758, though Adams has a higher rent-to-income ratio at 16.0% versus Burnett's 14.8%. Brown County to the east commands $973 in monthly rent—$184 more—reflecting its stronger median income of $77,490.
Housing eats 16% of household income
At $59,153 median household income, an Adams County renter paying $789/month dedicates 16% of gross income to rent, while homeowners with a median home value of $184,500 carry monthly costs of $845. Together, these figures show housing claims a meaningful but manageable portion of the county's budget.
Affordable rents, but watch your income
Adams County offers below-state-average rents and stable home values, making it attractive for budget-conscious renters and first-time buyers. If you earn near the county median, compare your salary to the $59,153 benchmark—a higher income from remote work could make Adams County an excellent value play.
Cost of Living Advisory: Adams County
Affordability Verdict
Adams County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $789/month — about 16.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Adams County is $789/month, while owner costs run $845/month. Renting saves approximately $56/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,214/year. With a median household income of $59,153, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Adams County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Adams County sits 7% more expensive than Langlade County ($737/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Adams County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,380
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Adams County may be a stretch
Median home value is $184,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,473 vs. your max of $1,380.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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