DeForest, WI

Average · 103

Wisconsin · Population 10,853 · Updated March 2026

$1,381
Median Rent / Month
$106,223
Median Income
$337,500
Median Home Value
$1,529
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in DeForest

15.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Wisconsin

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

7.65%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.0%
Sales Tax
1.61%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$16,572
Annual Rent
$8,126
State Income Tax
$5,434
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

DeForest has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 103 (where 100 equals the national median), DeForest residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,381/month while earning a median household income of $106,223/year.

The median home value in DeForest, WI is $337,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,529 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Wisconsin has a moderate income tax rate of 7.65%. Combined with a 5.0% sales tax rate and 1.61% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in DeForest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in DeForest

What is the cost of living in DeForest, WI?
The cost of living index in DeForest, WI is 103 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,381, median household income is $106,223/year, and the median home value is $337,500.
Is DeForest, WI affordable?
No, DeForest is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 103. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in DeForest, WI?
The median gross rent in DeForest, WI is $1,381 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,572.
What is the median household income in DeForest?
The median household income in DeForest, WI is $106,223 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a top income tax rate of 7.65%, a sales tax of 5.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.61%.