Cost of Living in Douglas County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #2,552 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Wisconsin
Douglas lands right at state average
Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% exactly matches Wisconsin's statewide average, making it a reliable benchmark for state-level affordability. Median rent of $903 runs just 1% above state average, while household income of $72,579 sits modestly below national levels.
Perfectly typical Wisconsin housing profile
Douglas County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Wisconsin's statewide average, placing it squarely in the middle of county affordability rankings. This predictable pattern makes Douglas a representative option for understanding typical Wisconsin housing markets.
Moderate pricing between extremes
Douglas's $903 median rent clusters with Chippewa and Dodge ($963 each) while undercutting Door ($995) and Dane ($1,345). Its $190,400 median home value ranks among the lowest, reflecting the Superior area's modest real estate market compared to Madison or tourist-destination Door County.
Housing claims 30% of household income
Douglas residents spend roughly $903 on rent or $1,076 on monthly ownership costs, totaling about 30% of the $72,579 median household income. This moderate allocation positions Douglas households comfortably within conventional affordability guidelines, leaving reasonable room for other expenses.
Douglas offers stability without extremes
If you're relocating to Wisconsin and want to avoid housing-market surprises, Douglas County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio and $190,400 median home value deliver predictable, middle-of-the-road affordability. The Superior area's stable economy and reasonable housing costs make Douglas practical for families seeking balanced community conditions.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Douglas County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $903/month representing approximately 14.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Douglas County pay $903/month on average, compared to $1,076/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,114/year. With a median household income of $72,579, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Douglas County is more affordable than Green County by roughly 6% ($903/mo vs $851/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,694
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Douglas County
Median home value is $190,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,520 vs. your max of $1,694.
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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