Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Waupun?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waupun, you need to earn at least $38,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $66,033, which means the typical resident is $27,633 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 11,109

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$672	$2,240	$26,880	$-39,153
1 Bedroom	$797	$2,657	$31,880	$-34,153
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$960	$3,200	$38,400	$-27,633
3 Bedroom	$1,171	$3,903	$46,840	$-19,193
4 Bedroom	$1,440	$4,800	$57,600	$-8,433

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$66,033

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$27,633

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Waupun's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,651

Studio

$672/mo

1 BR

$797/mo

2 BR

$960/mo

3 BR

$1,171/mo

4 BR

$1,440/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Waupun

Waupun, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $66,033 significantly exceeds the $38,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $27,633 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Waupun, a studio at $672/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,171/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $57,600 would position you well — though many residents in Waupun 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 Waupun, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 11,109, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,243 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,400 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

5,243

Active civilian employees in Waupun

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Waupun

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waupun under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,400. The median household income in Waupun is $66,033.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Waupun on $66,033?

The affordability verdict for Waupun is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.4%, meaning median earners have a $27,633 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Waupun is $797/month. With a median household income of $66,033, residents spend approximately 17.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Waupun?

A studio in Waupun rents for approximately $672/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,880 to afford this.

Is Waupun considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $27,633 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Waupun is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,400 to the local median household income.

How Waupun Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements