Wisconsin · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Rusk County, WI

The median household in Rusk County, WI earns $59,944 a year ($4,995/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $973/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $38,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 5.9% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$59,944$4,995 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$973HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)94.1-5.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate19.6¢per kWh · EIA Residential WI
Census Population14,179Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Rusk County, WI

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$973Monthly market rent
Share of gross income19.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$38,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,499At 30% of $59,944
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Rusk County, WI

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Rusk County, WI. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Rusk County, WI
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$737$8,844$29,48014.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$742$8,904$29,68014.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$973$11,676$38,92019.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,196$14,352$47,84023.9%
4-Bedroom Home$1,288$15,456$51,52025.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Rusk County, WI →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Rusk County, WI

Based on the local median household income of $59,944/year ($4,995/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,498/moRent ($973 2-BR), utilities (~$176/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,499/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 94.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$999/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Wisconsin

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Wisconsin state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$59,944
$20,000$120,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$59,944
Net 81%
Fed 8%
WI 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$48,278After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,023Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,857Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,013 / yr
Wisconsin state income tax$2,067 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,586 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Wisconsin with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Rusk County, WI

What is the median household income in Rusk County, WI?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Rusk County, WI is $59,944 per year (approximately $4,995 per month).

What is the average rent in Rusk County, WI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Rusk County, WI are $737 for a studio, $742 for 1 bedroom, $973 for 2 bedrooms, $1,196 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,288 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Rusk County, WI compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Rusk County, WI is 94.1 (5.9% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Rusk County, WI?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($973/month) in Rusk County, WI requires a minimum gross household income of $38,920 per year ($3,243 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Rusk County, WI?

For a typical household earning the median income of $59,944/year ($4,995/month) in Rusk County, WI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,498/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,499/month to discretionary spending, and $999/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Rusk County, WI?

Residential electricity rates in Wisconsin average 19.6¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $176 per month.