Cost of Living in Waushara County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Waushara County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Waushara County ranks #1,151 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Waushara County, Wisconsin
Waushara: rural affordability champion
Waushara County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national 14.9% and matches Wisconsin's 14.9% state average despite a median income of just $64,968. The county's $789 monthly rent is among the state's lowest, making it genuinely affordable for modest-income households.
Wisconsin's cheapest rents, best ratios
Waushara offers Wisconsin's lowest absolute rents ($789 vs. state average $891) paired with a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio matching state averages. For budget-stretched families, Waushara's rural affordability is unmatched across the state.
Waushara and Washburn dominate rural value
Waushara's $789 rent edges out Washburn ($815) as the region's cheapest, while both rural counties vastly undercut suburban Walworth ($1,090) and Winnebago ($924). For affordability-first movers, this rural corridor is Wisconsin's bargain.
Low income, lower costs align perfectly
Waushara's $64,968 median income pairs with equally modest housing: $789 rent and $923 monthly owner costs. The county demonstrates that rural Wisconsin can offer balanced affordability even for lower-income earners.
Budget relocators: Waushara awaits
Waushara County is Wisconsin's most affordable option for renters and owners on tight budgets, with $789 rents and a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio matching state standards. If you're earning under $65,000, Waushara offers the state's clearest path to housing stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Waushara County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Waushara County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $789/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Waushara County pay $789/month on average, compared to $923/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,557/year. With a median household income of $64,968, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Waushara County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Langlade County where rent averages $737/month, Waushara County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Waushara County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,516
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Waushara County
Median home value is $186,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,485 vs. your max of $1,516.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Waushara County, Wisconsin?
What is the median rent in Waushara County?
Is Waushara County affordable?
How does Waushara County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Waushara County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Waushara County, Wisconsin? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Waushara County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.