City Report · WI

Fitchburg

Pop. 32,619·12th most expensive in Wisconsin·Rental market data updated monthly for Fitchburg, WI
Median rent (all units)
$1,715/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.8%
Month-over-Month
-2.6%
vs US Median
-$247
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Fitchburg · $1,715
More affordable than 60% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
71/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 10% below what Fitchburg's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,715/mo
Expected by trend
$1,911/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Fitchburg's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,208
1 BR
$1,227
2 BR
$1,498
3 BR
$1,518
4 BR+
$2,124
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,498/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,715 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$20,580/yr
At $1,715/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 2.8% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.8% YoY, -2.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Fitchburg, WI is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, 57.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,619
Median income
$86,516
Median age
34.4
Renters
52.4%
Age distribution
16.6%
35.2%
22.6%
15.2%
Under 1816.6%
18–3435.2%
35–5422.6%
55–6410.4%
65+15.2%
Gender
54.1%
45.9%
Male54.1%
Female45.9%
Race & ethnicity
65.2%
14.4%
White65.2%
Black8.7%
Hispanic14.4%
Asian9.9%
Other1.7%
Education (25+)
17.2%
19.3%
57.7%
No HS diploma5.8%
HS diploma17.2%
Some college19.3%
Bachelor's+57.7%
Housing tenure
47.6%
52.4%
Owner47.6%
Renter52.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Fitchburg, WI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,428 → $1,715
up 20.1%
Income
$78,218 → $86,516
up 10.6%
Population
29,361 → 32,619
up 11.1%
Renter share
53% → 52.4%
-0.6 pts
Bachelor's+
57% → 57.7%
+0.7 pts

Since 2022, the typical rent in Fitchburg, WI has climbed from $1,428 to $1,715, a 20.1% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Fitchburg, WI now reports about $86,516, up from $78,218 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 11.1% since 2021, moving from about 29,361 residents to roughly 32,619. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Fitchburg, WI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Fitchburg rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Fitchburg on your salary?

At $1,715/mo, how Fitchburg rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Fitchburg rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Fitchburg. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Fitchburg

About renting in Fitchburg, WI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Fitchburg is $1,715/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,208/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,498/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,227/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,518/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($86,516/yr), Fitchburg ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Fitchburg an affordable city for renters?

Fitchburg is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,715/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($86,516/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Fitchburg falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Fitchburg?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $69,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,715/mo in Fitchburg. The local median household income is $86,516/yr, meaning the typical Fitchburg household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Fitchburg?

Rent in Fitchburg has decreased 2.8% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Fitchburg rent compare to other cities in Wisconsin?

Fitchburg is one of the pricier cities in Wisconsin for rent, ranking #12 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,715/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Fitchburg?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Fitchburg ($1,715/mo): Middleton ($1,564/mo), Madison ($1,621/mo), Monona ($1,699/mo).

What percentage of Fitchburg residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 52.4% of Fitchburg households are renters, while 47.6% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Fitchburg has a strong rental market.

How does Fitchburg rent compare to the national average?

Fitchburg's median rent of $1,715/mo is $247 (13%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #12 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,715/mo, rent takes ~24% of Fitchburg's median household income ($86,516/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Fitchburg 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
Run the Fitchburg affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

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Public schools near Fitchburg, WI

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