Cost of Living in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

$1,300/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$373,600

Median Home Value

46% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,300/mo

46% above state average

Median Home Value

$373,600

33% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Waukesha County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Waukesha County$1,300/mo

Wisconsin Average$891/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,300/mo

Median Gross Rent

$373,600

Median Home Value

$1,628/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Waukesha: Wisconsin's most affluent county

Waukesha County's median household income of $104,100 towers over the national average of $74,755—a 39% premium that anchors the county's prosperity. Despite the highest absolute housing costs in the region, Waukesha's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio matches the national norm perfectly.

Wisconsin's priciest, yet balanced

Waukesha County commands Wisconsin's highest rents ($1,300 vs. state average $891) and home values ($373,600), yet maintains a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exactly matching the state average. This seeming paradox reflects Waukesha's outsized incomes—higher costs are affordable here.

Premium pricing for premium prosperity

Waukesha's $1,300 rent and $373,600 median home value both top every regional neighbor, while its $104,100 median income also leads. You pay for Waukesha's prosperity, but the county's economic engine makes those costs manageable for its residents.

Both renters and owners thrive

Waukesha renters spend 15.0% of income on housing while homeowners spend 18.8%—a gap reflecting the county's expensive real estate. Regardless, the $104,100 median income cushions both markets, making Waukesha genuinely affordable only for higher earners.

High-earning relocators: Waukesha's waiting

Waukesha County is Wisconsin's economic powerhouse, offering top incomes and excellent affordability metrics—but only if you clear the $100,000+ threshold. Moving here makes sense for prosperous professionals; budget-conscious families should explore cheaper alternatives.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Waukesha County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.0%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,429

per month

Owner Cost Burden

18.8%

of gross income

The median home in Waukesha County may be a stretch

Median home value is $373,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,983 vs. your max of $2,429.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.0%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Waukesha County, Wisconsin?

Waukesha County, Wisconsin has a median monthly rent of $1,300/mo and a median home value of $373,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Waukesha County?

The median gross rent in Waukesha County is $1,300/mo. This is 46% above state average for Wisconsin.

Is Waukesha County affordable?

Waukesha County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Waukesha County's rent compare to the state average?

Waukesha County's median rent of $1,300/mo is 46% above state average of $891/mo for Wisconsin.

What is the median home value in Waukesha County?

The median home value in Waukesha County, Wisconsin is $373,600. This is 33% above the national median home value of $281,900.