Wisconsin Living Report — July 25, 2026

Wisconsin often flies under the radar for people considering a move to the Midwest, but the numbers suggest it deserves a closer look. With a population of roughly 5.88 million, the state balances a strong sense of community with access to both urban amenities and vast natural landscapes. For anyone weighing a relocation, the financial picture is particularly compelling.

The cost of living in Wisconsin is notably lower than the national average, and the housing market reflects that. The median home value sits at $231,400, a figure that makes homeownership realistic for many middle-income earners. Renters also find relative affordability: the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $992 per month. Compare that to the median household income of $72,458 per year, which works out to about $6,038 monthly. That means a typical renter would spend roughly 16.4% of their gross income on a one-bedroom—well below the 30% threshold that financial experts consider a sign of housing cost burden. Even with utilities and winter heating factored in, the state remains one of the more affordable places in the country to live comfortably.

The job market is equally encouraging. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is competitive, hovering near historic lows, and the state has a diversified economy rooted in manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and insurance. Major employers like Johnson Controls, Harley-Davidson, and Epic Systems anchor the landscape, while a growing tech and startup scene, especially in the Madison area, draws remote workers and young professionals. The median age of 39.9 suggests a population that skews slightly older than the national average, which aligns with the state’s appeal to established families, retirees, and those seeking a slower pace of life. At the same time, the poverty rate of 10.4% is below the national average, indicating that economic opportunity is relatively widespread.

Quality of life in Wisconsin is defined by its seasons

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 25, 2026.

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