Cost of Living in Pepin County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pepin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pepin County ranks #917 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pepin County, Wisconsin
Pepin County delivers exceptional rental value
Pepin County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% ranks among Wisconsin's best and significantly outperforms the state average of 14.9%. With a median household income of $74,536 matching the national median, residents here achieve superior affordability without requiring above-average earnings.
Top-tier affordability in rural Wisconsin
Pepin County ranks among the most affordable counties in Wisconsin for renters, with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio and a median rent of just $860. This affordability level is anchored by Pepin's rural character and stable, working-class economy.
Standout savings in a competitive market
Pepin County's $860 median rent is $209 cheaper than Milwaukee County and competitive with Oconto County ($796) while undercutting Oneida County ($868) by just $8. For homebuyers, Pepin's $196,100 median home value matches Monroe County, making it an accessible entry point.
Minimal housing burden preserves financial flexibility
Pepin County renters spend $860 monthly—roughly $10,320 annually—on housing, leaving substantial income for savings and other priorities. Homeowners face similar affordability at $991 monthly, making Pepin accessible across both tenure types.
Pepin County for practical, affordable living
If you value small-town character and uncompromised affordability, Pepin County delivers both without requiring sacrifice on household income. Your rent or mortgage here will be among Wisconsin's lowest, leaving more resources for your family's goals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pepin County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Pepin County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $860/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $860/month rent versus $991/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $131/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,471/year. With a median household income of $74,536, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Pepin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Pepin County sits 6% more expensive than Crawford County ($809/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pepin County
Rent Burden
13.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,739
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pepin County
Median home value is $196,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,566 vs. your max of $1,739.
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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