Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Kenosha, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.9% of gross income.
Kenosha rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Kenosha, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Kenosha
View full rent data for Kenosha, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Kenosha, WI?
Median rent in Kenosha is $1,637 a month. A typical firefighter in Wisconsin earns about $59,670 a year, which makes that rent 32.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Kenosha?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Wisconsin (~$59,670/yr) supports up to $1,492 a month in rent. Kenosha's current median rent is $1,637/mo, which is $145/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Kenosha?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a firefighter in Wisconsin works roughly 57.1 hours a month to cover Kenosha's median rent of $1,637.
Where is rent cheaper than Kenosha for a firefighter?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Glendale ($1,636/mo), Saint Francis ($1,634/mo), Wauwatosa ($1,633/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.