Cost of Living in Walworth County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Walworth County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Walworth County ranks #1,564 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 50%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Walworth County, Wisconsin
Walworth rents slightly above national norm
Walworth County renters spend 16.9% of their income on housing, outpacing the nation's typical 14.9% rent-to-income ratio. The median household income here is $77,359—about 3% above the national median of $74,755—but housing costs climb faster than earnings.
More expensive than most Wisconsin peers
Walworth's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Wisconsin's pricier counties, exceeding the state average of 14.9%. At $1,090 monthly rent versus the state average of $891, Walworth renters pay roughly $200 more per month for the same housing.
Waukesha is pricier; Waupaca is cheaper
Walworth's $1,090 median rent falls between its neighbors: Waukesha County charges $1,300 (19% higher) while Waupaca County averages just $834 (23% lower). Among homebuyers, Walworth's $275,900 median value is also middle-ground—pricier than rural neighbors but less than Waukesha's $373,600.
Renters, not owners, feel the squeeze
Walworth renters dedicate 16.9% of income to housing versus homeowners at just 15.5% of income for mortgage costs. The county's $77,359 median income supports both markets, but rental affordability is the tighter constraint.
Renters: consider Waupaca or Winnebago
If affordability is your priority, nearby Waupaca and Winnebago offer cheaper rents (14.1% and 15.2% rent-to-income ratios) while keeping you in southern Wisconsin. Homebuyers will find Walworth's $275,900 median price competitive regionally if they can clear the $77,000+ income threshold.
Cost of Living Advisory: Walworth County
Affordability Verdict
Walworth County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,090/month — about 16.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,090/month rent versus $1,347/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $257/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,729/year. With a median household income of $77,359, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Walworth County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pierce County where rent averages $1,025/month, Walworth County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Walworth County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,805
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Walworth County may be a stretch
Median home value is $275,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,203 vs. your max of $1,805.
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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