Cost of Living & Housing in Rice Lake
Rice Lake's cost of living centers on genuinely affordable Northwoods housing and an overall cost of living running below the national average, layered against a property tax rate that sits above the national median but below Wisconsin's own statewide median.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreGenuinely affordable housing and an overall cost of living below the national average
Rice Lake's Zillow-tracked average home value ran $275,677 (up 5.1% year-over-year) -- roughly 26% below the ~$371,774 national average home value. Rice Lake's overall cost-of-living index runs a real, disclosed 92 (100 = national average), roughly 8% below the national average (base record).
A property tax rate above the national median, but below Wisconsin's own statewide median
Rice Lake's own effective property tax rate ran 1.24% (Ownwell, ZIP 54868), essentially matching Barron County's 1.25% countywide median -- both above the 1.02% national median but below the Ownwell-cited Wisconsin statewide median of 1.43%. This sits atop Wisconsin's 4-bracket state income tax (3.54%-7.65% for single filers) with no local piggyback layer (base record).
A regional-hub household income, disclosed honestly
Rice Lake's median household income ran a real, disclosed $52,417, with a median resident age of 37.2 -- consistent with its real role as the regional hub for the 46,741-person Rice Lake Micropolitan Statistical Area (base record).
Key takeaways
- Rice Lake's average home value ($275,677) runs roughly 26% below the national average, and its overall cost of living runs a real 8% below the national average.
- Rice Lake's own 1.24% effective property tax rate runs above the 1.02% national median but below Wisconsin's own 1.43% statewide median.
- Wisconsin layers a 4-bracket state income tax (3.54%-7.65% for single filers) on top of these housing costs, with no local county or city add-on.
- Rice Lake's $52,417 median household income reflects its real role as Barron County's regional hub -- confirm current comparable-sale pricing directly with a local agent.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Rice Lake overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert