Cost of Living in Rock County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rock County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rock County ranks #2,631 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rock County, Wisconsin
Rock County's housing costs outpace income
Rock County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% exceeds both the national average and Wisconsin's state average, signaling tight affordability. Although median household income of $74,390 matches the national average, renters here face higher proportional housing costs.
Rock ranks among Wisconsin's least affordable
At 16.4%, Rock County ties for the highest rent-to-income ratio in this comparison, placing it among Wisconsin's least affordable counties against the state average of 14.9%. The median rent of $1,019/month reflects growing demand in this Janesville-centered market.
Rock rents exceed most surrounding counties
Rock's median rent of $1,019/month ranks second-highest in this group, $2 behind Racine and well above rural counties like Price ($801) and Richland ($786). Homeowners pay $1,129/month, placing Rock squarely in the upper tier.
Renters stretch tight budgets here
Rock County renters pay $1,019/month while homeowners allocate $1,129/month for housing costs. Against a median income of $74,390, renters dedicate 16.4% of annual earnings to housing, while homeowners commit 18.2%—both above comfortable thresholds.
Rock requires higher income to thrive
Rock County suits those with secure above-average incomes, as housing costs here run among Wisconsin's highest at $1,019 rent. If you're relocating, prioritize Rock only if local employment opportunities justify the elevated housing burden of 16.4% of household income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rock County
Affordability Verdict
Rock County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,019/month — about 16.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,019/month rent versus $1,129/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $110/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,386/year. With a median household income of $74,390, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Rock County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Rock County sits 6% more expensive than Chippewa County ($963/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rock County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,736
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rock County
Median home value is $215,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,724 vs. your max of $1,736.
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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