Cost of Living in Washington County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #1,350 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, Wisconsin
Washington: affluence meets affordability
Washington County's median household income of $95,851 far exceeds the national average of $74,755—and that income growth helps offset higher housing costs. With a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio, Washington beats the national norm of 14.9%, placing it among Wisconsin's most affordable wealthy counties.
Strong income shields housing costs
Washington County ranks among Wisconsin's best-off communities with the highest median income ($95,851) paired with a favorable 14.1% rent-to-income ratio. While rents at $1,126 exceed the state average of $891, the county's prosperity ensures affordability doesn't strain local households.
Waukesha richer; Walworth cheaper
Washington County's $95,851 income trails only Waukesha's $104,100 in the region, but its $1,126 rent is lower than Waukesha's $1,300. Washington strikes a sweet spot: prosperity without the premium price tag of its wealthier neighbor.
Homeownership is the better value
Washington County renters spend 14.1% of income on housing while homeowners spend 15.2%—a rare reversal where renting edges out ownership. But with median home values at $316,200, the county's $95,851 income easily accommodates both options.
Affluent relocators: Washington excels
Washington County offers upper-middle-class prosperity with genuinely affordable housing by national standards. If you're earning $95,000+, Washington delivers the region's best balance of income security and housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
Washington County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,126/month — about 14.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Washington County is $1,126/month, while owner costs run $1,455/month. Renting saves approximately $329/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $62,357/year. With a median household income of $95,851, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Washington County sits 5% more expensive than Milwaukee County ($1,069/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
14.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,237
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Washington County may be a stretch
Median home value is $316,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,524 vs. your max of $2,237.
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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