Cost of Living in Richland Center, WI
Population 5,030 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Richland Center a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $138,000.
Richland Center is about 50 miles west of Madison, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Madison's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Richland Center
The median home value in Richland Center is $137,700 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $681/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,472/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 37.1°F. Overall, Richland Center has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Richland Center has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 28 | 32 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 39 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 0.88 | 0.87 | 1.88 | 3.69 | 3.72 | 5.28 | 4.54 | 4.17 | 3.42 | 2.48 | 1.95 | 1.20 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Richland Center, WI?
Richland Center has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Richland Center, WI?
The median gross rent in Richland Center is $681 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Richland Center?
The median home value in Richland Center is $137,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Richland Center?
The median household income in Richland Center is $51,472 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Richland Center, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Richland Center is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Richland Center, WI affordable?
Yes, Richland Center is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Richland Center?
Richland Center has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 34.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Richland Center at a Glance
- Population
- 5,030
- Median Income
- $51,472
- Home Value
- $137,700
- Median Rent
- $681/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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