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
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.
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
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.