Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kenosha?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kenosha, you need to earn at least $52,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $64,963, which means the typical resident is $12,963 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 99,493

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$910	$3,033	$36,400	$-28,563
1 Bedroom	$1,079	$3,597	$43,160	$-21,803
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,300	$4,333	$52,000	$-12,963
3 Bedroom	$1,586	$5,287	$63,440	$-1,523
4 Bedroom	$1,950	$6,500	$78,000	+$13,037

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$64,963

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,963

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kenosha's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,624

Studio

$910/mo

1 BR

$1,079/mo

2 BR

$1,300/mo

3 BR

$1,586/mo

4 BR

$1,950/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kenosha

Living in Kenosha is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,963 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Kenosha typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kenosha, a studio at $910/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,586/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $63,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $78,000 would position you well — though many residents in Kenosha 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 Kenosha, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 99,493, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 50,291 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,000 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

50,291

Active civilian employees in Kenosha

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kenosha

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kenosha under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,000. The median household income in Kenosha is $64,963.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kenosha on $64,963?

The affordability verdict for Kenosha is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.0%, meaning median earners have a $12,963 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Kenosha is $1,079/month. With a median household income of $64,963, residents spend approximately 24.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kenosha?

A studio in Kenosha rents for approximately $910/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,400 to afford this.

Is Kenosha considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,963 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kenosha is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,000 to the local median household income.

How Kenosha Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements