Cost of Living in Kenosha County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kenosha County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kenosha County ranks #2,561 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Kenosha County: Wisconsin's affordability outlier
Kenosha County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio stands well above the national comfort zone, making it Wisconsin's least affordable market in this comparison. At $1,175 monthly median rent against a $79,412 median income, renters here devote nearly a fifth of earnings to housing costs.
Wisconsin's tightest housing market
Kenosha County tops the list for housing pressure with a 17.8% rent-to-income ratio—significantly above Wisconsin's 14.9% state average. Median rent of $1,175 exceeds the state average by 32%, driven by proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago markets.
Premium Lake Michigan location
Kenosha County's $1,175 median rent is the highest in this entire comparison—$234 more than Jefferson County and $536 more than Jackson County. Home values of $247,800 reflect the same regional premium, making Kenosha a budget stretch for most relocating households.
Kenosha County's steep housing burden
Renters spend $1,175 monthly (17.8% of the $79,412 median income) while homeowners commit $1,341 (20.2% of income). Both figures approach or exceed the 30% affordability threshold, leaving households with limited flexibility for other expenses.
Kenosha County: for high-income movers only
Kenosha's Lake Michigan location and Milwaukee proximity come at a steep price—the highest housing costs in this comparison. Only consider relocating here if your household income significantly exceeds the $79,412 median or if urban amenities justify the 17.8% housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kenosha County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Kenosha County is affordable. The median rent is $1,175/month against a median household income of $79,412, putting rent at 17.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Kenosha County pay $1,175/month on average, compared to $1,341/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,471/year. With a median household income of $79,412, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Kenosha County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ozaukee County where rent averages $1,112/month, Kenosha County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kenosha County
Rent Burden
17.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,853
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.3%
of gross income
The median home in Kenosha County may be a stretch
Median home value is $247,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,978 vs. your max of $1,853.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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