Cost of Living in Whitewater, WI
Population 15,705 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Whitewater is a smaller Wisconsin community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $49,000 and housing costs ($212,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 29% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Whitewater is about 40 miles east of Madison, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Madison's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Whitewater
The median home value in Whitewater is $211,800 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $985/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,000/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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%. Overall, Whitewater has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% 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
💨 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 Whitewater, WI?
Whitewater has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Whitewater, WI?
The median gross rent in Whitewater is $985 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Whitewater?
The median home value in Whitewater is $211,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Whitewater?
The median household income in Whitewater is $49,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Whitewater, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Whitewater is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Whitewater, WI affordable?
Yes, Whitewater is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
Whitewater at a Glance
- Population
- 15,705
- Median Income
- $49,000
- Home Value
- $211,800
- Median Rent
- $985/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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