Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lafayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lafayette County ranks #1,191 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Lafayette rents eat 13.9% of income
Renters in Lafayette County spend 13.9% of their median household income on rent, beating the national affordability sweet spot and outperforming the state average of 14.9%. With median rent at $835 per month against a median household income of $72,091, this county offers genuinely accessible rental housing compared to most of America.
Among Wisconsin's most affordable
Lafayette ranks in the upper tier of Wisconsin counties for housing affordability, with its 13.9% rent-to-income ratio among the lowest in the state. This strong showing reflects both moderate housing costs and stable household incomes that exceed the national median of $74,755.
Lafayette keeps pace with rural peers
At $835/month, Lafayette's median rent sits below nearby Marquette County ($800) and slightly above Menominee County ($624), positioning it squarely in the sweet spot among Wisconsin's rural counties. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% beats most neighbors, reflecting balanced costs relative to local earning power.
Housing takes a reasonable share
Renters dedicate about $835 monthly, while homeowners spend $1,055 on average mortgage and property costs—together, these represent 13.9% and roughly 17.5% of household income, respectively. Lafayette strikes a rare balance: housing costs stay manageable while median home values of $182,100 remain accessible to first-time buyers.
Considering a move to Wisconsin?
If housing affordability matters, Lafayette County delivers solid value: rent under $850, homeownership within reach of a $72K household income, and costs below state averages across the board. Compare this comfort zone to pricier Wisconsin counties before settling elsewhere.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lafayette County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lafayette County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $835/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lafayette County pay $835/month on average, compared to $1,055/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,214/year. With a median household income of $72,091, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Lafayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lafayette County sits 6% less expensive than Trempealeau County ($887/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lafayette County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,682
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lafayette County
Median home value is $182,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,454 vs. your max of $1,682.
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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