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City Report · WI

Kenosha

Pop. 99,372·21st most expensive in Wisconsin·Rental market data updated monthly for Kenosha, WI
Median rent (all units)
$1,637/mo
Year-over-Year
-3.6%
Month-over-Month
+1.2%
vs US Median
-$328
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Kenosha · $1,637
More affordable than 66% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$1,637/mo
Expected by trend
$1,727/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Kenosha's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,123
1 BR
$1,133
2 BR
$1,477
3 BR
$1,983
4 BR+
$2,263
Research median
$1,477/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
$19,644/yr
At $1,637/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-3.6% YoY, +1.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Kenosha, WI is majority owner-occupied, 29% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
99,372
Median income
$71,239
Median age
37.1
Renters
41.3%
Age distribution
23.3%
23.8%
26.8%
12.3%
13.8%
Under 1823.3%
18–3423.8%
35–5426.8%
55–6412.3%
65+13.8%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
68%
19.2%
White68%
Black9.3%
Hispanic19.2%
Asian2%
Other1.6%
Education (25+)
28%
33.3%
29%
No HS diploma9.7%
HS diploma28%
Some college33.3%
Bachelor's+29%
Housing tenure
58.7%
41.3%
Owner58.7%
Renter41.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Kenosha, WI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,251 → $1,637
up 30.9%
Income
$60,219 → $71,239
up 18.3%
Population
99,605 → 99,372
down 0.2%
Renter share
42.5% → 41.3%
-1.2 pts
Bachelor's+
27.4% → 29%
+1.6 pts
Median age
36 → 37.1
+1.1 yrs

The median rent in Kenosha, WI stood at $1,251 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,637, reflecting a 30.9% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $71,239 today, compared with $60,219 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 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Kenosha on your salary?

At $1,637/mo, how Kenosha rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Kenosha rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Kenosha

About renting in Kenosha, WI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Kenosha is $1,637/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,123/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,477/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,133/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,983/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($71,239/yr), Kenosha ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 3.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kenosha an affordable city for renters?

Kenosha is considered affordable for renters. At $1,637/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($71,239/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Kenosha falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Kenosha?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $65,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,637/mo in Kenosha. The local median household income is $71,239/yr, meaning the typical Kenosha household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Kenosha?

Rent in Kenosha has decreased 3.6% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Kenosha neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Kenosha are 53143 ($1,450/mo), 53140 ($1,827/mo), and 53142 ($1,966/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Kenosha is $1,637/mo.

How does Kenosha rent compare to other cities in Wisconsin?

Kenosha is one of the pricier cities in Wisconsin for rent, ranking #21 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,637/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Kenosha?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Kenosha ($1,637/mo): Racine ($1,180/mo), Zion ($1,526/mo).

What percentage of Kenosha residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.3% of Kenosha households are renters, while 58.7% are owner-occupied. Kenosha leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Kenosha rent compare to the national average?

Kenosha's median rent of $1,637/mo is $328 (17%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #21 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,637/mo, rent takes ~28% of Kenosha's median household income ($71,239/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kenosha 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
Run the Kenosha affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Kenosha, WI

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