Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lincoln County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lincoln County ranks #2,039 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Wisconsin
Lincoln balances rent and income well
Lincoln County renters spend 13.6% of their $67,726 median household income on a $768 monthly rent, edging out the Wisconsin state average of 14.9% and sitting comfortably within national affordability norms. This county delivers solid value for renters seeking a Midwest home without breaking the budget.
Upper-tier affordability in Wisconsin
Lincoln's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Wisconsin's better county performers, reflecting a healthy balance of moderate rents and stable incomes just below the national median. The county punches above its weight on housing affordability.
Lincoln splits the difference regionally
At $768/month, Lincoln sits between cheaper Langlade ($737) and pricier Marinette ($749) and Manitowoc ($777), while its rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% matches Manitowoc exactly and beats nearly all rural peers. Lincoln offers the middle path: neither the lowest rents nor the highest incomes, but excellent balance.
Balanced burden for renters and owners
Renters allocate $768 monthly (13.6%), while homeowners pay $885 monthly—about 15.7% of income—for median-valued homes of $177,700. The roughly 2-percentage-point gap between renting and owning costs remains manageable for households across the affordability spectrum.
Solid middle ground for Wisconsin moves
Lincoln County offers reliable affordability without extremes: $768 rent, $67K household income, and a 13.6% ratio that beats state averages. If you're shopping Wisconsin counties for balance, Lincoln deserves serious consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lincoln County
Affordability Verdict
Lincoln County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $768/month representing approximately 13.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $768/month rent versus $885/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $117/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,929/year. With a median household income of $67,726, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Lincoln County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lincoln County sits 7% less expensive than Buffalo County ($822/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,580
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lincoln County
Median home value is $177,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,419 vs. your max of $1,580.
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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