RentData

Average Rent in Lincoln County, WI Rents rising 3.1% YoY🔻 2nd cheapest in WI

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 138,067

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Lincoln County, WI has rental prices ranging from $706/month to $1,391/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $725/month — 48% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $76,185/year, spending $725/month on a 1-bedroom represents 11% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lincoln County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $933/month, Lincoln County ranks #62 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — more affordable than 60% of all US cities in our data.

The Lincoln County Rental Market

The Lincoln County, WI area has a population of about 138,067 and 27% 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 Lincoln County, WI have risen by $28/month (3.1%) over the past year, from $905 to $933. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lincoln County, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,000. The local median household income of $76,185 exceeds that threshold by $47,185, making Lincoln County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lincoln County, WI has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.1 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$706
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$725
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$933
3.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,307
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,391
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Lincoln County

Is Lincoln County, 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
$37,320/year
Local median income: $76,185
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $933/month and 20% down on a 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 Lincoln County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lincoln County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$933/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $933/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lincoln County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Lincoln County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lincoln County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WI

See how Lincoln County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Lincoln County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋WI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections