Cost of Living in Forest County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Forest County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Forest County ranks #1,251 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Forest County, Wisconsin
Forest County's rents are truly exceptional
Renters in Forest County spend just 11.8% of their income on housing—well below the national average of 14.9%. Despite a median household income of $59,727, the county's incredibly low median rent of $585 makes it one of America's most affordable rental markets.
Wisconsin's most affordable county
Forest County's 11.8% rent-to-income ratio is dramatically below Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, making it the clear affordability champion in this comparison. The county's $585 median rent is $306 below the state average, a difference that compounds dramatically across years.
Unmatched rental bargains in the region
Forest County's $585 rent undercuts every comparable county by hundreds of dollars monthly—$357 less than Eau Claire, $392 less than Dunn, and $286 less than Fond du Lac. This rural county delivers genuinely exceptional rental affordability.
Housing burden nearly vanishes
Forest County renters spend just $585 monthly while homeowners commit $754 to mortgages against a $59,727 median income. Housing consumes roughly 21% of household income—among the lowest anywhere—leaving substantial room for food, healthcare, and savings.
Unbeatable affordability, with trade-offs
Forest County is a haven for anyone seeking truly low housing costs, particularly remote workers or retirees with outside income sources. The trade-off is geographic isolation and a lower local wage base ($59,727), but for those who can work anywhere, Forest County's $585 rents are unmatched.
Cost of Living Advisory: Forest County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Forest County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $585/month in gross rent, with 19.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $585/month rent versus $754/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $169/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $23,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,314/year. With a median household income of $59,727, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Forest County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Forest County is less affordable than Iron County by roughly 9% ($585/mo vs $640/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Forest County
Rent Burden
11.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,394
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Forest County
Median home value is $170,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,357 vs. your max of $1,394.
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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