Cost of living in Forest County, WI
Population 9,261 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Forest County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Forest County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Forest County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Forest County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Forest County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Forest County
State and local tax rates for Wisconsin.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Forest County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Forest County
What it costs to live in Forest County each month.
- Rent $711
- Energy $179
- Water $50
- Groceries $329
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $475
- State tax $141
- Rent $933
- Energy $215
- Water $60
- Groceries $545
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $647
- State tax $232
- Rent $1,124
- Energy $268
- Water $70
- Groceries $827
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $647
- State tax $232
Frequently asked questions about Forest County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Forest County?
In Forest County, WI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $711 per month, a two-bedroom averages $933 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,124 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Forest County?
In Forest County, WI, the average household income is $59,727 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,107 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Forest County?
The estimated cost of living in Forest County, WI is approximately $2,685 per month for a single person, $3,916 for a couple, $6,238 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Forest County?
The combined sales tax rate in Forest County, WI is 5.44%, which includes the Wisconsin state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 0.44%.
Is Forest County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Forest County, WI would need approximately $2,685 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $59,727 per year ($4,977 per month). Forest County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Forest County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Forest County, WI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Forest County?
The average home value in Forest County, WI is $170,000, with average annual property taxes of $1,988, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Forest County compare to other areas?
You can compare Forest County, WI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Forest County is in Wisconsin.
Other counties in Wisconsin
Browse the full list of counties in Wisconsin, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP