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City Report · WI

Middleton

Pop. 22,301·23rd most expensive in Wisconsin·Middleton rents have dropped 8.1%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,601/mo
Year-over-Year
-8.1%
Month-over-Month
-5.5%
vs US Median
-$364
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Middleton · $1,601
More affordable than 69% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
75/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Middleton's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,601/mo
Expected by trend
$1,827/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Middleton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,090
1 BR
$1,290
2 BR
$1,480
3 BR
$1,950
4 BR+
$2,170
Research median
$1,480/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
$19,212/yr
At $1,601/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 8.1% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-8.1% YoY, -5.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Middleton, WI is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 61.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,301
Median income
$89,524
Median age
39.1
Renters
54.3%
Age distribution
19.9%
24.7%
25.8%
17.8%
Under 1819.9%
18–3424.7%
35–5425.8%
55–6411.7%
65+17.8%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
73.8%
13.6%
White73.8%
Black2.9%
Hispanic13.6%
Asian7.3%
Other2.4%
Education (25+)
21.7%
61.7%
No HS diploma4.7%
HS diploma11.9%
Some college21.7%
Bachelor's+61.7%
Housing tenure
45.7%
54.3%
Owner45.7%
Renter54.3%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Middleton, WI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,342 → $1,601
up 19.3%
Income
$78,537 → $89,524
up 14.0%
Population
21,634 → 22,301
up 3.1%
Renter share
52% → 54.3%
+2.3 pts
Bachelor's+
63% → 61.7%
-1.3 pts
Median age
38.2 → 39.1
+0.9 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Middleton, WI paid around $1,342 a month. That figure now sits near $1,601, up 19.3% from the 2022 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $78,537 in 2021 to $89,524 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Middleton, WI adding about 667 residents over the five-year window, up 3.1% on net. The renter share has risen from 52% to 54.3%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Middleton, WI market of 2022.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Middleton on your salary?

At $1,601/mo, how Middleton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Middleton rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Middleton

About renting in Middleton, WI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Middleton is $1,601/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,090/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,480/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,290/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,950/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($89,524/yr), Middleton ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Middleton an affordable city for renters?

Middleton is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,601/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($89,524/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Middleton falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Middleton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $64,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,601/mo in Middleton. The local median household income is $89,524/yr, meaning the typical Middleton household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Middleton?

Rent in Middleton has decreased 8.1% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Middleton rent compare to other cities in Wisconsin?

Middleton is middle-of-the-pack for Wisconsin for rent, ranking #23 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,601/mo.

What percentage of Middleton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 54.3% of Middleton households are renters, while 45.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Middleton has a strong rental market.

How does Middleton rent compare to the national average?

Middleton's median rent of $1,601/mo is $364 (19%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #23 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,601/mo, rent takes ~21% of Middleton's median household income ($89,524/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Middleton 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.5–7.65%
Run the Middleton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Middleton, WI

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