Cost of Living in Florence County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Florence County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Florence County ranks #909 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Florence County, Wisconsin
Florence County fights affordability challenges
Renters in Florence County spend 16.6% of their income on housing—well above the national average of 14.9%. The county's median household income of $62,786 lags the national average by over $12,000, making housing costs particularly burdensome here.
Wisconsin's most stretched renters
Florence County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio represents some of the tightest affordability in Wisconsin, exceeding the state average of 14.9% by a notable margin. With a median income below state norms and median rent of $871, Florence residents face real affordability pressures.
Lowest income, highest housing stress
Florence's $62,786 median income ranks as the second-lowest in this county group, yet its 16.6% rent burden is among the highest. Only Forest County comes close in terms of strained affordability, though Forest's lower rent of $585 gives residents more breathing room.
Renters and owners both squeezed
Florence renters spend $871 monthly while homeowners commit $773 to mortgages on a median income of just $62,786. Housing costs consume roughly 26% of household income, a manageable share in numbers but tight in practice given low overall earnings.
Affordability exists, but income matters most
Florence County's strength lies in its lower absolute housing costs, but the real challenge here is low median household income. Relocating here makes sense only if you bring remote work or specialized skills that command solid wages in this rural, economically challenged region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Florence County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Florence County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $871/month in gross rent, with 22.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Florence County is $871/month, while owner costs run $773/month. Owning saves approximately $98/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,129/year. With a median household income of $62,786, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Florence County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Winnebago County where rent averages $924/month, Florence County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Florence County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,465
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Florence County
Median home value is $170,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,357 vs. your max of $1,465.
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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