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City Report · WI

Janesville

Pop. 66,030·44th most expensive in Wisconsin·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,214/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.6%
Month-over-Month
+2.3%
vs US Median
-$751
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Janesville · $1,214
More affordable than 92% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
61/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Janesville's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,214/mo
Expected by trend
$1,282/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Janesville's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$820
1 BR
$880
2 BR
$1,150
3 BR
$1,510
4 BR+
$1,530
Research median
$1,150/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$14,568/yr
At $1,214/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.6% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.6% YoY, +2.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Janesville, WI is majority owner-occupied, 27.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
66,030
Median income
$73,446
Median age
40.7
Renters
32.7%
Age distribution
21.2%
21.2%
26%
13.4%
18.2%
Under 1821.2%
18–3421.2%
35–5426%
55–6413.4%
65+18.2%
Gender
49.1%
50.9%
Male49.1%
Female50.9%
Race & ethnicity
85.2%
White85.2%
Black3.1%
Hispanic7.8%
Asian1.6%
Other2.4%
Education (25+)
32.5%
34.6%
27.3%
No HS diploma5.6%
HS diploma32.5%
Some college34.6%
Bachelor's+27.3%
Housing tenure
67.3%
32.7%
Owner67.3%
Renter32.7%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Janesville, WI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,005 → $1,214
up 20.8%
Income
$63,259 → $73,446
up 16.1%
Population
65,506 → 66,030
up 0.8%
Renter share
33.8% → 32.7%
-1.1 pts
Bachelor's+
26.2% → 27.3%
+1.1 pts
Median age
39.7 → 40.7
+1.0 yrs

The median rent in Janesville, WI stood at $1,005 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,214, reflecting a 20.8% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $73,446 today, compared with $63,259 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Janesville on your salary?

At $1,214/mo, how Janesville rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Janesville rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Janesville

About renting in Janesville, WI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Janesville is $1,214/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $820/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,150/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $880/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,510/mo.

At 20% of local median household income ($73,446/yr), Janesville ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Janesville an affordable city for renters?

Janesville is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,214/mo, rent takes approximately 20% of the local median household income ($73,446/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Janesville falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Janesville?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $49,000/year (~$24/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,214/mo in Janesville. The local median household income is $73,446/yr, meaning the typical Janesville household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Janesville?

Rent in Janesville has decreased 0.6% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Janesville neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Janesville are 53548 ($1,090/mo), and 53545 ($1,113/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Janesville is $1,214/mo.

How does Janesville rent compare to other cities in Wisconsin?

Janesville is one of the more affordable cities in Wisconsin for rent, ranking #44 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,214/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Janesville?

Rockford is nearby and more affordable at $1,208/mo, which is $6 less than Janesville.

What percentage of Janesville residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.7% of Janesville households are renters, while 67.3% are owner-occupied. Janesville leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Janesville rent compare to the national average?

Janesville's median rent of $1,214/mo is $751 (38%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #44 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
20%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,214/mo, rent takes ~20% of Janesville's median household income ($73,446/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Janesville 20%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
Run the Janesville affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Janesville
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Janesville, WI

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