Rhinelander, WI
Population 8,248 · Wisconsin
About Rhinelander, WI
Rhinelander is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 8,248 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,561 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rhinelander features a median home value of $123,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rhinelander one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $818, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,369 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (2,305 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (1,052 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rhinelander shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rhinelander have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Rhinelander residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rhinelander, WI
Compared to national averages, Rhinelander has a median household income of $53,561 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $818 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Rhinelander's income is 26% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 40% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Rhinelander, WI?
Rhinelander offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $818/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,561) that falls below the national average. However, Rhinelander’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rhinelander has a population of 8,248 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Rhinelander with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Rhinelander
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somers | 8,245 | $78,068 | $287,800 | Compare |
| Pewaukee | 8,240 | $62,380 | $266,300 | Compare |
| Sheboygan Falls | 8,190 | $68,264 | $205,400 | Compare |
| Mukwonago | 8,411 | $96,096 | $335,900 | Compare |
| Kronenwetter | 8,420 | $107,268 | $240,700 | Compare |
| Antigo | 8,058 | $46,791 | $94,700 | Compare |
| Lake Geneva | 8,443 | $73,199 | $323,000 | Compare |
| Waukesha | 8,479 | $126,286 | $375,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rhinelander With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinelander
What is the population of Rhinelander, WI?
The population of Rhinelander, WI is 8,248 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Rhinelander?
The median household income in Rhinelander, WI is $53,561 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rhinelander?
The median home value in Rhinelander, WI is $123,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rhinelander?
The median monthly rent in Rhinelander, WI is $818, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rhinelander?
The unemployment rate in Rhinelander, WI is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rhinelander, WI a good place to live?
Rhinelander offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,248 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rhinelander, WI?
21.7% of residents in Rhinelander aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rhinelander?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rhinelander, WI: median home value is $123,300 (50% below national), median rent is $818/month, and median household income is $53,561. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rhinelander?
The poverty rate in Rhinelander, WI is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rhinelander, WI?
Rhinelander's population is 1.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.