Cost of Living in Sauk County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sauk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sauk County ranks #2,334 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sauk County, Wisconsin
Sauk County maintains solid affordability balance
Sauk County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% sits just barely above the national comfort zone, with a median household income of $77,648—3.9% above the U.S. average. Residents here enjoy relatively balanced housing costs and earnings.
Sauk ranks among Wisconsin's best values
At 15.0%, Sauk's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly even with Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $970/month remains below the upper-cost counties while median income ranks among the highest.
Sauk offers excellent cost-income balance
Sauk's median rent of $970/month sits between lower-cost rural counties and higher-cost urban areas, while its median income of $77,648 ranks second-highest in this group. This combination makes Sauk one of the region's most balanced markets.
Sauk renters enjoy sustainable housing costs
Renters pay $970/month while homeowners allocate $1,228/month for housing in Sauk County. Against a median income of $77,648, renters dedicate just 15.0% of annual earnings to housing, while homeowners commit 19.0%—solid positioning for long-term financial health.
Sauk offers genuine relocation opportunities
Sauk County represents an excellent choice for relocators seeking sustainable housing costs paired with strong median income of $77,648. Consider Sauk if you value small-town Wisconsin living with responsible housing burden ratios and a median home value of $242,400 for investment.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sauk County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Sauk County is affordable. The median rent is $970/month against a median household income of $77,648, putting rent at 15.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sauk County is $970/month, while owner costs run $1,228/month. Renting saves approximately $258/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,629/year. With a median household income of $77,648, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Sauk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to La Crosse County where rent averages $1,023/month, Sauk County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sauk County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,812
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
The median home in Sauk County may be a stretch
Median home value is $242,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,935 vs. your max of $1,812.
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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