Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Onalaska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Onalaska, you need to earn at least $50,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $80,296, which means the typical resident is $29,736 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,837

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$885	$2,950	$35,400	$-44,896
1 Bedroom	$1,049	$3,497	$41,960	$-38,336
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,264	$4,213	$50,560	$-29,736
3 Bedroom	$1,542	$5,140	$61,680	$-18,616
4 Bedroom	$1,896	$6,320	$75,840	$-4,456

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$80,296

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$50,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$29,736

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Onalaska's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,007

Studio

$885/mo

1 BR

$1,049/mo

2 BR

$1,264/mo

3 BR

$1,542/mo

4 BR

$1,896/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Onalaska

Onalaska, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $80,296 significantly exceeds the $50,560 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $29,736 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Onalaska, a studio at $885/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,542/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $61,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $75,840 would position you well — though many residents in Onalaska 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 Onalaska, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 18,837, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 9,904 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $50,560 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

9,904

Active civilian employees in Onalaska

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Onalaska

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Onalaska under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $50,560. The median household income in Onalaska is $80,296.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Onalaska on $80,296?

The affordability verdict for Onalaska is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%, meaning median earners have a $29,736 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Onalaska is $1,049/month. With a median household income of $80,296, residents spend approximately 18.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Onalaska?

A studio in Onalaska rents for approximately $885/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $35,400 to afford this.

Is Onalaska considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $29,736 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Onalaska is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $50,560 to the local median household income.

How Onalaska Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements