RentData

Average Rent in Monroe County, WI Rents rising 6.1% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 46,169

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

Market Overview

Monroe County, WI has rental prices ranging from $726/month to $1,519/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $857/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $68,213/year, spending $857/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Monroe County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,059/month, Monroe County ranks #16 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — pricier than 72% of all US cities in our data.

The Monroe County Rental Market

The Monroe County, WI area has a population of about 46,169 and 28% 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 Monroe County, WI have risen by $61/month (6.1%) over the past year, from $998 to $1,059. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Monroe County, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,280. The local median household income of $68,213 exceeds that threshold by $33,933, making Monroe County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Monroe County, WI has an unemployment rate of 3.0%, 0.9 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
$726
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$857
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,059
6.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,375
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,519
Affordable
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Is Monroe 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
$42,360/year
Local median income: $68,213
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,059/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 Monroe County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Monroe County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,059/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,059/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Monroe County

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Monroe County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Monroe County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in WI

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⚖️Compare Monroe County

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📋WI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections