Income Needed to Buy a Home in Wisconsin (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $98,221/year (#27 least affordable of 51 US states)
Wisconsin ranks #27 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $330,171 requires a household income of about $98,221. That's $20,733 more than the median household actually earns ($77,488) — a shortfall of 27% of typical income.
Wisconsin's affordability ratio of 1.27 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 0.8% better than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 4.8% below the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 1.25% adds $344 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,303/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $2,292.
Wisconsin monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $330,171 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $297,154 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $1,839 |
| Monthly property tax (1.25% rate) | $344 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $109 |
| Total monthly PITI | $2,292 |
| Required household income | $98,221 |
| Median household income | $77,488 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Wisconsin compares
- Louisiana — similar affordability (ratio 1.26, requires $77,091)
- Texas — similar affordability (ratio 1.26, requires $100,396)
- Virginia — similar affordability (ratio 1.26, requires $115,911)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Wisconsin in 2026?
About $98,221 per year to afford the median-priced home of $330,171, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Wisconsin household earns $77,488.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Wisconsin?
Roughly $2,292 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Wisconsin affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $20,733 (27%), ranking Wisconsin #27 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.