Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Baraboo?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Baraboo, you need to earn at least $43,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $66,592, which means the typical resident is $22,792 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 12,541

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$767	$2,557	$30,680	$-35,912
1 Bedroom	$909	$3,030	$36,360	$-30,232
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,095	$3,650	$43,800	$-22,792
3 Bedroom	$1,336	$4,453	$53,440	$-13,152
4 Bedroom	$1,643	$5,477	$65,720	$-872

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Baraboo's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$66,592

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,792

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Baraboo

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Baraboo's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,665

Studio

$767/mo

1 BR

$909/mo

2 BR

$1,095/mo

3 BR

$1,336/mo

4 BR

$1,643/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Baraboo.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Baraboo's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Baraboo

Baraboo, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $66,592 significantly exceeds the $43,800 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,792 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Baraboo, a studio at $767/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,336/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $53,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $65,700 would position you well — though many residents in Baraboo manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 12,541, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,575 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,800 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

6,575

Active civilian employees in Baraboo

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Baraboo

What salary do I need to live in Baraboo, Wisconsin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Baraboo under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,800. The median household income in Baraboo is $66,592.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Baraboo on $66,592?

The affordability verdict for Baraboo is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.7%, meaning median earners have a $22,792 surplus.

What is the average rent in Baraboo compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Baraboo is $909/month. With a median household income of $66,592, residents spend approximately 19.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Baraboo?

A studio in Baraboo rents for approximately $767/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,680 to afford this.

Is Baraboo considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,792 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Baraboo is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,800 to the local median household income.

How Baraboo Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements