Cost of Living in Grafton, WI
Population 12,274 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Grafton 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. An unemployment rate of 1.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 20 miles north of Milwaukee, Grafton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 75% higher than Milwaukee's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Grafton
The median home value in Grafton is $301,300 — 1% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,162/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,634/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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 57.4°F and lows of 41.3°F, with about 48.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Grafton has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% less 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 | 31 | 34 | 44 | 55 | 67 | 77 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 61 | 48 | 36 |
| Low °F | 17 | 20 | 29 | 38 | 48 | 58 | 65 | 64 | 56 | 45 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.79 | 1.69 | 2.20 | 3.86 | 3.54 | 4.38 | 3.40 | 3.65 | 3.16 | 2.78 | 2.24 | 1.88 |
| Snow" | 14.9 | 11.8 | 6.7 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.5 | 10.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Grafton, WI?
Grafton has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in Grafton, WI?
The median gross rent in Grafton is $1,162 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Grafton?
The median home value in Grafton is $301,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Grafton?
The median household income in Grafton is $88,634 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Grafton, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grafton is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Grafton, WI affordable?
Grafton is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Grafton?
Grafton has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 41.3°F. Annual precipitation is 34.6". Average annual snowfall is 48.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Grafton at a Glance
- Population
- 12,274
- Median Income
- $88,634
- Home Value
- $301,300
- Median Rent
- $1,162/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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