Cost of Living in Crawford County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Crawford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Crawford County ranks #1,991 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Crawford County, Wisconsin
Crawford stretches tight household budgets
Crawford County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% exceeds the national average, with median household income of $63,496 among the lowest in this group. Though median rent is a modest $809 monthly, this smaller income base means housing absorbs a larger share of Crawford household earnings.
Affordability challenged by lower incomes
Crawford's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Wisconsin's 14.9% average despite having the second-lowest median rent in this county set. The county's affordability challenges stem primarily from lower household incomes rather than high housing costs.
Cheap rent, but tight paychecks
Crawford's $809 median rent ranks second-lowest here, beaten only by Clark County's $786. However, Crawford's median income of $63,496 is the lowest in this cohort, making housing cost burden relatively heavier despite modest rents.
Housing claims 32% of household income
Crawford residents spend roughly $809 on rent or $804 on mortgage costs—totaling about 32% of the $63,496 median household income. This leaves Crawford households with the least discretionary income among these counties, straining ability to cover healthcare, childcare, and unexpected expenses.
Consider Crawford only with stable employment
Crawford's low housing costs ($809 rent, $175,100 median home value) appeal to budget-conscious relocators, but the lower median income of $63,496 suggests moving here requires securing above-average local wages. Comparing Crawford's tight margins to higher-income neighbors like Columbia or Dane highlights the importance of job prospects before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Crawford County
Affordability Verdict
Crawford County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $809/month — about 15.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Crawford County is $809/month, while owner costs run $804/month. Owning saves approximately $5/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,457/year. With a median household income of $63,496, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Crawford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Crawford County is more affordable than Burnett County by roughly 7% ($809/mo vs $758/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Crawford County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,482
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Crawford County
Median home value is $175,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,398 vs. your max of $1,482.
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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