Cost of Living in Marathon County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marathon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marathon County ranks #1,657 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marathon County, Wisconsin
Marathon rents match state average
Marathon County renters spend 15.0% of their $76,185 median household income on $950 monthly rent, matching Wisconsin's state average exactly and slightly above the national affordability comfort zone. With above-average incomes, Marathon's renters can sustain this level, though it's tighter than ideal.
Middle-of-the-pack within Wisconsin
Marathon's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio sits precisely at the state average, placing it squarely in the middle of Wisconsin's county-by-county affordability rankings. The county's strong median income of $76,185 (above the national median) helps offset slightly elevated housing costs.
Priciest rent in the regional cluster
Marathon's $950 median rent significantly outpaces rural neighbors: Langlade ($737), Lincoln ($768), Manitowoc ($777), and even Marinette ($749). This premium reflects Marathon's stronger economic core and larger urban center (Wausau), driving both higher rents and—crucially—higher incomes.
Owners pay premium too, but incomes help
Renters allocate $950 monthly (15.0%), while homeowners spend $1,027 monthly—about 16.2% of the $76,185 median income—for homes valued at $205,500, the county's highest. Marathon's stronger wages make these costs bearable despite the premium price tags.
Pay more, earn more in Marathon
Marathon County is Wisconsin's pricier option, with $950 rent and $205K home values, but it offsets costs with the state's stronger median income of $76,185. Compare Marathon's higher costs against rural neighbors if you're prioritizing affordability; choose Marathon if you value urban amenities and earning potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marathon County
Affordability Verdict
Marathon County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $950/month — about 15.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Marathon County is $950/month, while owner costs run $1,027/month. Renting saves approximately $77/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,014/year. With a median household income of $76,185, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Marathon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Calumet County where rent averages $1,002/month, Marathon County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marathon County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,778
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marathon County
Median home value is $205,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,641 vs. your max of $1,778.
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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