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Wisconsin

Cost of living in Rusk County, WI

Estimated monthly cost
$2,627/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 14,146 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $711 27%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $430 16%
Groceries $329 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $179 7%
State tax $128 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Rusk County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$707
per month
1 bedroom
$711
per month
2 bedroom
$933
per month
3 bedroom
$1,124
per month
4 bedroom
$1,237
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Rusk County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$58,322
per year
Individual earnings
$36,362
per year
Per capita
$32,642
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Rusk County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$152,000
Annual property tax
$1,834

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Rusk County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$121
per month · 17.3¢/kWh
Natural gas
$58
per month
Annual total
$2,148
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Rusk County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.4%

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 Rusk County

State and local tax rates for Wisconsin.

State income tax
7.7%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.0%
Combined sales tax
5.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Rusk County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
27.0 min
Drive alone
79.6%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
9.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Rusk County

What it costs to live in Rusk County each month.

Single person
$2,627
per month
  • Rent $711
  • Energy $179
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $329
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $430
  • State tax $128
Couple
$3,886
per month
  • Rent $933
  • Energy $215
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $545
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $624
  • State tax $225
Family
$6,208
per month
  • Rent $1,124
  • Energy $268
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $827
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $624
  • State tax $225

Frequently asked questions about Rusk County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Rusk County?

In Rusk 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 Rusk County?

In Rusk County, WI, the average household income is $58,322 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,362 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Rusk County?

The estimated cost of living in Rusk County, WI is approximately $2,627 per month for a single person, $3,886 for a couple, $6,208 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Rusk County?

The combined sales tax rate in Rusk County, WI is 5.44%, which includes the Wisconsin state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 0.44%.

Is Rusk County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Rusk County, WI would need approximately $2,627 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $58,322 per year ($4,860 per month). Rusk County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Rusk County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Rusk County, WI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Rusk County?

The average home value in Rusk County, WI is $152,000, with average annual property taxes of $1,834, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Rusk County compare to other areas?

You can compare Rusk County, WI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Rusk County is in Wisconsin.

Other counties in Wisconsin

Browse the full list of counties in Wisconsin, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Wisconsin

Compare Rusk County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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
Methodology All data sources