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
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.
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
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.