Cost of Living in Waupaca County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Waupaca County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Waupaca County ranks #1,134 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Waupaca County, Wisconsin
Waupaca beats national affordability standard
Waupaca County renters spend just 14.1% of their income on housing, edging below the national 14.9% threshold. Though the median household income of $71,189 trails the national average by 5%, the county's modest $834 monthly rents deliver genuine affordability.
Among Wisconsin's most affordable
Waupaca ranks among Wisconsin's best-value counties with a 14.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 14.9% and rents of just $834 versus $891 statewide. The county punches above its weight in affordability despite below-average incomes.
Cheaper than Walworth and Winnebago
Waupaca's $834 rent undercuts Walworth ($1,090) and Winnebago ($924) while matching the rural affordability of Waushara ($789). For value-conscious renters across central Wisconsin, Waupaca consistently delivers.
Renters have the advantage here
Waupaca renters spend 14.1% of income on housing—genuinely affordable—while homeowners spend 17.5% on mortgages, a larger burden. For renters earning $71,189, Waupaca offers breathing room that ownership does not.
Renters on modest budgets: consider Waupaca
Waupaca County delivers Wisconsin's best affordability for renters, combining below-state-average rent-to-income ratios with genuinely low absolute costs. If you're renting on a $71,000 income, Waupaca is worth serious consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Waupaca County
Affordability Verdict
Waupaca County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $834/month representing approximately 14.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $834/month rent versus $1,039/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $205/month cheaper — a 20% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,529/year. With a median household income of $71,189, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Waupaca County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Waupaca County sits 6% less expensive than Trempealeau County ($887/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Waupaca County
Rent Burden
14.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,661
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Waupaca County
Median home value is $192,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,539 vs. your max of $1,661.
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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