Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wisconsin Dells?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wisconsin Dells, you need to earn at least $41,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $64,375, which means the typical resident is $23,375 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,703

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$718	$2,393	$28,720	$-35,655
1 Bedroom	$851	$2,837	$34,040	$-30,335
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,025	$3,417	$41,000	$-23,375
3 Bedroom	$1,251	$4,170	$50,040	$-14,335
4 Bedroom	$1,538	$5,127	$61,520	$-2,855

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$64,375

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,375

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Wisconsin Dells

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wisconsin Dells's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,609

Studio

$718/mo

1 BR

$851/mo

2 BR

$1,025/mo

3 BR

$1,251/mo

4 BR

$1,538/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Wisconsin Dells.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $64,375 significantly exceeds the $41,000 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,375 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wisconsin Dells, a studio at $718/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,251/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $50,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $61,500 would position you well — though many residents in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 2,703, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,420 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,000 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

1,420

Active civilian employees in Wisconsin Dells

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wisconsin Dells

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wisconsin Dells under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,000. The median household income in Wisconsin Dells is $64,375.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wisconsin Dells on $64,375?

The affordability verdict for Wisconsin Dells is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.1%, meaning median earners have a $23,375 surplus.

What is the average rent in Wisconsin Dells compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Wisconsin Dells is $851/month. With a median household income of $64,375, residents spend approximately 19.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wisconsin Dells?

A studio in Wisconsin Dells rents for approximately $718/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,720 to afford this.

Is Wisconsin Dells considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,375 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wisconsin Dells is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,000 to the local median household income.

How Wisconsin Dells Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements