Cost of Living in Racine County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Racine County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Racine County ranks #2,642 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Racine County, Wisconsin
Racine faces above-average housing stress
Racine County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% exceeds the national average, meaning residents dedicate a larger share of income to housing. Despite a median household income of $75,331—nearly matching the U.S. average of $74,755—renters here face noticeably higher affordability pressure.
Racine ranks among Wisconsin's most expensive
At 16.2%, Racine's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Wisconsin, well above the state average of 14.9%. The median rent of $1,017/month represents one of the state's pricier rental markets.
Racine rents lead the comparison group
Racine's median rent of $1,017/month is $59 higher than Rock County and $114 more than Price County, reflecting stronger demand in this southeastern Wisconsin market. Homeowners face the highest ownership costs in this group at $1,278/month.
Homeownership costs run highest here
Racine renters pay $1,017/month while homeowners shoulder $1,278/month—the highest ownership costs in this comparison. With median income of $75,331, housing consumes 16.2% of renters' budgets and 20.3% for homeowners, above comfortable thresholds.
Racine: premium pricing for urban access
Racine works best for those willing to pay more for proximity to Lake Michigan and regional job markets. If you're relocating, weigh Racine's higher costs ($1,017+ rent) against access to amenities and employment opportunities other counties can't match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Racine County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Racine County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,017/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Racine County pay $1,017/month on average, compared to $1,278/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $54,771/year. With a median household income of $75,331, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Racine County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Racine County is less affordable than Milwaukee County by roughly 5% ($1,017/mo vs $1,069/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Racine County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,758
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.4%
of gross income
The median home in Racine County may be a stretch
Median home value is $239,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,911 vs. your max of $1,758.
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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