Cost of Living in Jackson County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #1,646 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, Wisconsin
Jackson County near national affordability
Jackson County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio sits right at the national sweet spot, just below the 15% threshold where housing affordability becomes strained. Median household income of $65,508 is slightly below the national median, but housing costs scale appropriately to local wages.
Middle ground in Wisconsin
Jackson County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio edges just below Wisconsin's 14.9% state average, placing it slightly above the state median for affordability. Median rent of $789 is 11% less than the state average, offering modest savings for tenants.
Balanced costs in west-central Wisconsin
Jackson County rents of $789 fall between rural Iron County ($640) and more developed Juneau County ($847). Home values average $186,900—affordable compared to Jefferson ($253,800) and Iowa ($248,100) counties while remaining above Iron County's $155,200.
Jackson County income allocation
Renters allocate $789 monthly (14.4% of the $65,508 median income) while homeowners spend $983 (18.0% of income). Both figures remain within healthy affordability ranges, though homeownership requires a slightly higher income commitment than renting.
Jackson County for balanced living
Jackson County offers solid middle-ground housing costs without the premium prices of southern counties or the economic constraints of rural alternatives. Its 14.4% rent ratio puts you ahead of most Wisconsin markets while home values stay under $190,000.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Jackson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $789/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jackson County pay $789/month on average, compared to $983/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,129/year. With a median household income of $65,508, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Jackson County sits 7% more expensive than Langlade County ($737/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,529
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jackson County
Median home value is $186,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,492 vs. your max of $1,529.
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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