Cost of Living in DeForest, WI
Population 10,853 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
DeForest sits on the smaller end of the Wisconsin city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 11 miles northeast of Madison, DeForest falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Madison's $347,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in DeForest
The median home value in DeForest is $337,500 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,381/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,223/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 56.5°F and lows of 37.6°F, with about 51.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, DeForest has a cost of living index of 108 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 31 | 44 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 12 | 15 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.47 | 1.52 | 2.26 | 3.78 | 4.10 | 5.28 | 4.51 | 4.16 | 3.43 | 2.77 | 2.22 | 1.63 |
| Snow" | 13.7 | 12.8 | 7.0 | 2.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in DeForest, WI?
DeForest has a cost index of 108 (100 = national average). It is 8% above the national average.
What is average rent in DeForest, WI?
The median gross rent in DeForest is $1,381 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in DeForest?
The median home value in DeForest is $337,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in DeForest?
The median household income in DeForest is $106,223 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in DeForest, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in DeForest is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is DeForest, WI affordable?
DeForest is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 108 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in DeForest?
DeForest has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.1". Average annual snowfall is 51.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
DeForest at a Glance
- Population
- 10,853
- Median Income
- $106,223
- Home Value
- $337,500
- Median Rent
- $1,381/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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