Cost of Living in Bayfield County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bayfield County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bayfield County ranks #724 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 23%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bayfield County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Bayfield County is affordable. The median rent is $789/month against a median household income of $69,609, putting rent at 13.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bayfield County is $789/month, while owner costs run $898/month. Renting saves approximately $109/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 $38,486/year. With a median household income of $69,609, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Bayfield County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Langlade County where rent averages $737/month, Bayfield County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bayfield County
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
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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