RentData

Average Rent in Janesville, WI Rents rising 4.3% YoY🔺 5th priciest in WI

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 163,944

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Janesville, WI has rental prices ranging from $823/month to $1,531/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $879/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,390/year, spending $879/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Janesville Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,153/month, Janesville ranks #5 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — pricier than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Janesville Rental Market

The Janesville, WI area has a population of about 163,944 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Janesville, WI have risen by $48/month (4.3%) over the past year, from $1,105 to $1,153. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Janesville, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,160. The local median household income of $74,390 exceeds that threshold by $39,230, making Janesville relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Janesville, WI is $297,863, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.5. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$823
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$879
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,153
4.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,509
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,531
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$297,863
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,585/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Janesville, WI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$46,120/year
Local median income: $74,390
To buy a median home
$63,414/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,153/month and 20% down on a $297,863 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in WIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Kenosha County$1,104$1,111$1,447$1,944
Milwaukee$939$1,056$1,257$1,558
Madison$1,080$1,282$1,472$1,935
Green Bay$841$918$1,147$1,521
Appleton$769$866$1,106$1,528
Racine$788$901$1,149$1,490

Rent or Buy in Janesville?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Janesville data

$
Home Value
$297,863
2BR Rent
$1,153/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,585/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,193/movs rent: $1,153/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $297,863 home at 7% rate

20% — $59,573
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,585
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$238,290
Total Paid
$570,727
Total Interest
$332,437
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Janesville

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Janesville

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Janesville

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Janesville

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋WI Tenant Rights

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