Cost of Living in Bayfield County, Wisconsin

$789/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$228,100

Median Home Value

11% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$789/mo

11% below state average

Median Home Value

$228,100

19% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

22.0%

% 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 Bayfield County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Bayfield County$789/mo

Wisconsin Average$891/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$789/mo

Median Gross Rent

$228,100

Median Home Value

$898/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

22.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Bayfield County, Wisconsin

Bayfield County balances income and rents

Bayfield County's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Wisconsin's 14.9% state average and approaches ideal affordability benchmarks, supported by a relatively strong median household income of $69,609. Monthly rents of $789 remain modest for the income level.

Above-average incomes, below-average rent burden

Bayfield County ranks well statewide with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio, second-best in this eight-county comparison. The county's $69,609 median income exceeds the state and national medians, making housing costs feel lighter.

Higher home values, best rent-to-income ratio

Bayfield County's $789 monthly rent matches Adams County, but its 13.6% rent-to-income ratio is superior thanks to higher household income. Median home values of $228,100 significantly exceed northern neighbors like Ashland ($160,500), reflecting stronger local demand.

Housing takes 14% of household income

Bayfield County renters spend just 13.6% of their $69,609 household income on $789 monthly rent—nearly optimal affordability. Homeowners with $898/month ownership costs and $228,100 home values enjoy stable equity building with manageable payments.

Best balance: income, rent, home value

Bayfield County combines strong median incomes with low rent-to-income ratios and appreciating home values, making it ideal for households valuing affordability and stability. If you're considering a move to rural Wisconsin, Bayfield's balanced fundamentals offer an attractive entry point.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Bayfield County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

13.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,624

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.5%

of gross income

The median home in Bayfield County may be a stretch

Median home value is $228,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,821 vs. your max of $1,624.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bayfield County, Wisconsin has a median monthly rent of $789/mo and a median home value of $228,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 22.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Bayfield County?

The median gross rent in Bayfield County is $789/mo. This is 11% below state average for Wisconsin.

Is Bayfield County affordable?

Bayfield County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 22.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Bayfield County's median rent of $789/mo is 11% below state average of $891/mo for Wisconsin.

What is the median home value in Bayfield County?

The median home value in Bayfield County, Wisconsin is $228,100. This is 19% below the national median home value of $281,900.