Cost of Living in Ashland County, Wisconsin

$665/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$160,500

Median Home Value

25% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$665/mo

25% below state average

Median Home Value

$160,500

43% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

25.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Ashland County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Ashland County$665/mo

Wisconsin Average$891/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$665/mo

Median Gross Rent

$160,500

Median Home Value

$872/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

25.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Ashland County, Wisconsin

Ashland County leads on rental affordability

Ashland County residents enjoy a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, beating both the national standard and Wisconsin's 14.9% state average. The county's median household income of $57,645 is lower than the national median of $74,755, yet affordable rents at $665/month cushion that gap.

Among Wisconsin's most affordable counties

Ashland County ranks favorably statewide with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, comfortably below the state average of 14.9%. Its median rent of $665 is the lowest among the eight comparison counties, offering genuine affordability relief for renters.

Cheapest rents in the northern group

Ashland County's $665 monthly rent undercuts all comparable counties, including nearby Bayfield ($789) and Burnett ($758), reflecting its lower regional housing demand. Despite lower incomes, Ashland's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio is the best among its peers.

Rents consume just 14% of income

Ashland County renters spend $665 monthly—only 13.8% of the $57,645 median household income—leaving substantial room in household budgets. Homeowners face higher relative costs at $872/month, though median home values of $160,500 remain among the county's lowest in this group.

Best rental value in northern Wisconsin

Ashland County delivers the strongest rent-to-income ratio in this comparison, ideal for renters prioritizing affordability in a rural setting. If lower cost of living appeals to you more than wage premiums, Ashland's combination of cheap rents and manageable home values merits serious consideration.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Ashland County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

13.8%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,345

per month

Owner Cost Burden

18.2%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Ashland County

Median home value is $160,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,281 vs. your max of $1,345.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ashland County, Wisconsin?

Ashland County, Wisconsin has a median monthly rent of $665/mo and a median home value of $160,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 25.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Ashland County?

The median gross rent in Ashland County is $665/mo. This is 25% below state average for Wisconsin.

Is Ashland County affordable?

Ashland County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Ashland County's rent compare to the state average?

Ashland County's median rent of $665/mo is 25% below state average of $891/mo for Wisconsin.

What is the median home value in Ashland County?

The median home value in Ashland County, Wisconsin is $160,500. This is 43% below the national median home value of $281,900.