Cost of Living in Richland County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Richland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Richland County ranks #1,295 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Richland County, Wisconsin
Richland balances low income with low rents
Richland County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits slightly above the national average, though the median household income of $62,649 falls 16.2% below the U.S. average. Low rents of $786/month partially offset income challenges.
Richland ranks solidly among state affordability
At 15.1%, Richland's rent-to-income ratio sits just above Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, positioning the county in the middle range. The median rent of $786/month runs $105 below the state average, offering meaningful relief.
Richland rents beat most comparisons
Richland's median rent of $786/month ranks among the lowest in this group, undercut only by Price County ($801). Homeowners benefit similarly, paying $930/month—well below the regional average.
Low costs offset lower incomes
Renters spend $786/month while homeowners pay $930/month on housing in Richland, both among the region's lowest costs. The median income of $62,649 means housing consumes 15.1% of renters' budgets and 17.8% for homeowners—manageable despite lower wages.
Richland offers rural affordability balance
If you're relocating from a high-cost area but don't require high local wages, Richland delivers genuine affordability at $786/month rent. The median home value of $182,800 and low housing costs make this county ideal for remote workers or retirees seeking rural living.
Cost of Living Advisory: Richland County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Richland County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $786/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $786/month rent versus $930/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $144/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,857/year. With a median household income of $62,649, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Richland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Richland County is less affordable than Kewaunee County by roughly 6% ($786/mo vs $839/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Richland County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,462
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Richland County
Median home value is $182,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,459 vs. your max of $1,462.
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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