Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Middleton, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.2% of gross income.
Middleton 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 Middleton, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Middleton
View full rent data for Middleton, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Middleton, WI?
Median rent in Middleton is $1,601 a month. A typical firefighter in Wisconsin earns about $59,670 a year, which makes that rent 32.2% 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 Middleton?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Wisconsin (~$59,670/yr) supports up to $1,492 a month in rent. Middleton's current median rent is $1,601/mo, which is $109/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Middleton?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a firefighter in Wisconsin works roughly 55.8 hours a month to cover Middleton's median rent of $1,601.
Where is rent cheaper than Middleton for a firefighter?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include River Falls ($1,600/mo), Wauwatosa ($1,600/mo), Germantown ($1,600/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.