Cost of Living in Shawano, WI

Population 9,236 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Shawano is a smaller Wisconsin community of around 9000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,457 and housing costs ($127,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Shawano is about 35 miles northwest of Green Bay, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 59

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Shawano

The median home value in Shawano is $127,200 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $773/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,457/year is 24% 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 54.7°F and lows of 36.7°F, with about 55.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Shawano has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$127,200
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$241,300
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$773/mo
41% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$712
1 BR
$781
2 BR
$997
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,448
Owner-occupied 57.8%
Renter-occupied 42.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$773
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,387/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
16.9 min
37% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.4%
Carpooled
4.7%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
1.2%
Work from home
6.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 7.7%
Total Sales Tax 5.4%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$56,457
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,383
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
34% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.0%
Labor Force Participation
58.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.1%
Graduate degree 8.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.3
Male median age 35.4
Female median age 40.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
54.7°F
Avg Low
36.7°F
Annual Precip
31.6"
Annual Snowfall
55.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 262940546777817972584431
Low °F 111324354656605850402918
Precip" 1.391.201.963.003.354.103.623.393.202.671.981.75
Snow" 14.312.08.14.70.00.00.00.00.00.33.113.1

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
2,414
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Shawano, WI?

Shawano has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in Shawano, WI?

The median gross rent in Shawano is $773 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Shawano?

The median home value in Shawano is $127,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Shawano?

The median household income in Shawano is $56,457 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Shawano, WI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shawano is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.

Is Shawano, WI affordable?

Yes, Shawano is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Shawano?

Shawano has average high temperatures of 54.7°F and average lows of 36.7°F. Annual precipitation is 31.6". Average annual snowfall is 55.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Shawano at a Glance

Population
9,236
Median Income
$56,457
Home Value
$127,200
Median Rent
$773/mo
Unemployment
3.2%
Avg High Temp
54.7°F
Sales Tax
5.4%
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