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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dane County ranks #2,695 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dane County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Dane County is affordable. The median rent is $1,345/month against a median household income of $88,108, putting rent at 18.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dane County is $1,345/month, while owner costs run $1,742/month. Renting saves approximately $397/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $74,657/year. With a median household income of $88,108, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Dane County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Dane County is more affordable than St. Croix County by roughly 9% ($1,345/mo vs $1,238/mo).
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
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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