Cost of Living in Dane County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dane County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dane County, Wisconsin
Dane's housing costs strain even high earners
Dane County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% is the highest among these eight counties and well above national norms, despite having the strongest median household income at $88,108. Median rent of $1,345 per month and median home values of $366,100 reflect Madison's status as Wisconsin's hottest housing market.
Wisconsin's priciest housing market
Dane County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest statewide, more than 3 percentage points above Wisconsin's 14.9% average. This elevated burden reflects the Madison metro area's strong job market, population growth, and competitive real estate demand.
Significantly costlier than all regional peers
Dane's $1,345 median rent crushes every neighbor—Clark ($786), Crawford ($809), and Chippewa ($963) all cost far less. Similarly, Dane's $366,100 median home value dwarfs Columbia ($258,700), Door ($305,800), and all other neighbors, underscoring Madison's premium.
Housing claims 37% of gross household income
Dane residents allocate roughly $1,345 in rent or $1,742 in monthly ownership costs, totaling about 37% of the $88,108 median household income. Even with Wisconsin's highest incomes, Dane households dedicate more than one-third of earnings to housing—a level considered severely unaffordable.
Dane demands strong income before relocating
Dane County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio signals that only well-compensated professionals should consider moving here without significant savings. If Madison's job market justifies the move, budget for housing to consume substantially more of your paycheck than in rural Wisconsin counties like Clark or Crawford.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dane County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,056
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.7%
of gross income
The median home in Dane County may be a stretch
Median home value is $366,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,923 vs. your max of $2,056.
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.