Cost of Living in Marinette County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marinette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marinette County ranks #1,615 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marinette County, Wisconsin
Marinette keeps rents in check at 14.2%
Marinette County renters spend 14.2% of their $63,401 median household income on $749 monthly rent, edging slightly above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9% despite notably lower household incomes. This county delivers rental affordability for those with modest earning power.
Above-average affordability in Wisconsin
With a 14.2% rent-to-income ratio, Marinette ranks among Wisconsin's better-performing counties despite below-average household incomes, reflecting genuinely low rents relative to local earning capacity. The county's affordability advantage comes from supply, not demand-driven pricing.
Competitive rents, lower-income context
Marinette's $749 rent sits between cheaper Langlade ($737) and pricier Manitowoc ($777), yet its 14.2% ratio beats Lincoln (13.6%) and Manitowoc (13.6%) because household incomes here run $5-10K lower. Marinette achieves affordability through modest rents, not wage strength.
Homeownership more affordable than renting
Renters spend $749 monthly (14.2%), while homeowners pay just $776 monthly—a remarkably similar 12.2% of income—for median homes valued at $154,600. Marinette's unusually tight rent-to-own gap makes homeownership an attractive alternative for renters.
Marinette rewards first-time homebuyers
If you're considering relocation, Marinette offers one of Wisconsin's easiest paths to ownership: $154K median home values, $776 monthly payments, and only 12.2% of income dedicated to housing. Renters struggling elsewhere should seriously evaluate Marinette's homeownership potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marinette County
Affordability Verdict
Marinette County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $749/month representing approximately 14.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Marinette County pay $749/month on average, compared to $776/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,257/year. With a median household income of $63,401, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Marinette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Marquette County where rent averages $800/month, Marinette County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marinette County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,479
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marinette County
Median home value is $154,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,234 vs. your max of $1,479.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Marinette County, Wisconsin?
What is the median rent in Marinette County?
Is Marinette County affordable?
How does Marinette County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Marinette County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Marinette County, Wisconsin? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Marinette County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.