Cost of Living in Shawano County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Shawano County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Shawano County ranks #1,277 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Shawano County, Wisconsin
Shawano matches state—beats national trend
Shawano County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average while keeping rents 13% below Wisconsin's median at $777 per month. Even with median income ($67,032) below the national average ($74,755), renters here enjoy tighter housing costs than most U.S. counties.
Tied for Wisconsin's best rental bargains
Shawano shares the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Wisconsin at 13.9%, matching Sawyer County and beating the state average. This places Shawano among the most affordable places to rent in the state.
Shawano undercuts most central Wisconsin peers
At $777 monthly rent, Shawano trails Sheboygan ($889) and Trempealeau ($887) by over $100, though it slightly exceeds Sawyer's $683. For homebuyers, Shawano's $179,100 median home value is the lowest among its neighbors, making it attractive to first-time buyers.
Shawano offers balanced renter and buyer costs
Renters allocate 13.9% of the $67,032 median income to $777 rent, while homeowners spend $932 monthly on mortgages and costs. The county's lowest-in-region home values ($179,100) mean buyers face minimal barriers to entry.
Shawano: affordable entry to Wisconsin living
Relocating to Shawano delivers the state's cheapest home purchases and sub-average rents, ideal for budget-conscious families or remote workers. Stack this against pricier St. Croix County ($349,700 homes) to justify a move to Shawano's more modest real estate market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Shawano County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Shawano County is affordable. The median rent is $777/month against a median household income of $67,032, putting rent at 13.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Shawano County is $777/month, while owner costs run $932/month. Renting saves approximately $155/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,943/year. With a median household income of $67,032, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Shawano County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wood County where rent averages $831/month, Shawano County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Shawano County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,564
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Shawano County
Median home value is $179,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,430 vs. your max of $1,564.
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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