Cost of Living in Columbia County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Columbia County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Columbia County, Wisconsin
Columbia combines high income and affordability
Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the national pattern, thanks to median household income of $82,792. Though median rent runs $926 monthly—slightly above state average—Columbia's higher earnings cushion this housing cost comfortably.
Wisconsin's most affordable county here
At 13.4%, Columbia's rent-to-income ratio beats Wisconsin's statewide 14.9% average by a meaningful margin. This strong performance reflects both reasonable rents and above-average incomes that insulate households from severe housing-cost burden.
Best affordability ratio in the region
Columbia's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio outperforms all regional neighbors—Dane (18.3%), Door (16.6%), Chippewa (15.6%), and Dodge (15.6%). This advantage stems not from lowest rents, but from Columbia's higher household incomes paired with moderate housing costs.
Housing takes just 26% of household budgets
Combined rent and ownership costs of $926 and $1,275 monthly consume roughly 26% of Columbia's $82,792 median income—the lowest burden ratio in this cohort. This leaves households substantially more discretionary income for savings, education, and quality-of-life investments.
Columbia balances income and housing costs
If you're seeking a county where earnings outpace housing demands, Columbia delivers with the strongest income-to-housing ratio here. Its $258,700 median home value and 13.4% rent-to-income ratio offer genuine affordability within a stable, moderate-income community.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Columbia County
Rent Burden
13.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,932
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Columbia County may be a stretch
Median home value is $258,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,065 vs. your max of $1,932.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.