Cost of Living in Dunn County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dunn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dunn County ranks #1,687 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dunn County, Wisconsin
Dunn County rents bite slightly harder
Renters in Dunn County spend 15.8% of their income on housing, compared to the nation's typical 14.9%. While Dunn's median household income of $71,785 trails the national average of $74,755, its rent-to-income ratio sits just below the stress threshold where housing costs become unmanageable.
Middle ground in Wisconsin affordability
Dunn County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, meaning renters here face slightly tighter budgets than their neighbors across the state. The county's median rent of $942 runs about $51 higher than the state average of $891, though still more affordable than coastal counterparts.
More expensive than Forest, cheaper than Eau Claire
Dunn County's $942 monthly rent sits between Forest County's bargain $585 and Eau Claire County's pricier $977. Among nearby counties, Dunn offers moderate costs: renters here pay about $57 more than in Green County but $35 less than Eau Claire residents.
Rents and mortgages split the burden
A typical Dunn County renter allocates $942 monthly while homeowners commit $1,164 to mortgage payments—both reasonable shares of the $71,785 median household income. Combined housing costs consume roughly 29% of household income when both rent and ownership options are considered.
Affordable Upper Midwest living awaits
If you're priced out of coastal markets, Dunn County offers a genuine middle path: reliable incomes, moderate rents, and home values averaging $226,200. Compare Dunn's balanced costs against counties like Eau Claire or Green Lake to find your best fit in Wisconsin's affordability landscape.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dunn County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Dunn County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $942/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dunn County is $942/month, while owner costs run $1,164/month. Renting saves approximately $222/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,886/year. With a median household income of $71,785, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Dunn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Door County where rent averages $995/month, Dunn County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dunn County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,675
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.5%
of gross income
The median home in Dunn County may be a stretch
Median home value is $226,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,806 vs. your max of $1,675.
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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