Cost of Living in Vernon County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Vernon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Vernon County ranks #1,446 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Vernon County, Wisconsin
Vernon punches above national affordability weight
Vernon County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national and state averages, with $826 monthly rent sitting 7% below Wisconsin's $891 median. Median income of $69,556 trails the national average by $5,199, yet renters enjoy above-average affordability through lower absolute costs.
Vernon leads mid-tier Wisconsin affordability
Vernon County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Wisconsin's better performers, beating the state average of 14.9% and rivaling top-tier affordable counties. This places Vernon in Wisconsin's affordability sweet spot—cheaper than developed counties but not the absolute cheapest.
Vernon balances cost across region
Vernon's $826 rent splits the difference between Sawyer ($683) and Trempealeau ($887), making it a moderately priced option in southwestern Wisconsin. At $210,600, its median home value slightly trails Trempealeau ($203,300) and Shawano ($179,100), offering modest buyer value.
Vernon keeps housing share lean
Renters spend just $826 monthly (14.3% of $69,556 income), while homeowners carry $956 in mortgage and property costs—the lowest ratio among the eight counties. Vernon's $210,600 median home value delivers solid buyer accessibility.
Vernon County: regional affordability champion
If you're relocating to southwest Wisconsin and want the best rent-to-income ratio in a 400-mile radius, Vernon County delivers above-average affordability without sacrificing community stability. Stack this against pricier Sheboygan or St. Croix to quantify your potential housing savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Vernon County
Affordability Verdict
Vernon County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $826/month representing approximately 14.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Vernon County is $826/month, while owner costs run $956/month. Renting saves approximately $130/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,971/year. With a median household income of $69,556, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Vernon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Vernon County is more affordable than Lincoln County by roughly 8% ($826/mo vs $768/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Vernon County
Rent Burden
14.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,623
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.5%
of gross income
The median home in Vernon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $210,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,681 vs. your max of $1,623.
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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