Cost of Living in Rusk County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rusk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rusk County ranks #1,221 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rusk County, Wisconsin
Rusk County faces steep affordability challenges
Rusk County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks among the highest in the nation, significantly exceeding the national average. With a median household income of just $58,322—21.9% below the U.S. average—housing costs consume an outsized share of household budgets.
Rusk ranks as Wisconsin's least affordable
At 16.8%, Rusk County faces the worst rent-to-income ratio in this comparison and among the highest in Wisconsin, well above the state average of 14.9%. The county struggles with both low incomes and limited housing availability, compounding affordability strain.
Rusk offers lowest rents despite worst ratio
Rusk's median rent of $816/month is among the region's lowest, yet the 16.8% rent-to-income ratio remains the worst due to depressed local incomes ($58,322). This reflects Rusk's economic challenges beyond housing markets alone.
Housing crisis grips Rusk households
Renters spend $816/month while homeowners pay $827/month—among the lowest nominal costs statewide. Yet with median income of just $58,322, renters dedicate 16.8% of annual earnings to housing, creating genuine financial hardship for many households.
Rusk requires careful consideration before moving
Rusk County offers the lowest nominal rents in this group, but the highest rent-to-income ratio signals deeper economic challenges. Only relocate here if you have secure remote employment or retirement income that doesn't depend on local wage opportunities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rusk County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Rusk County is affordable. The median rent is $816/month against a median household income of $58,322, putting rent at 16.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $816/month rent versus $827/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $11/month cheaper — a 1% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,443/year. With a median household income of $58,322, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Rusk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Rusk County is less affordable than Oneida County by roughly 6% ($816/mo vs $868/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rusk County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,361
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rusk County
Median home value is $152,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,213 vs. your max of $1,361.
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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