Madison, WI Rental Market
Madison is Wisconsin's state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison — a flagship Big Ten research university — making it one of the most economically resilient rental markets in the Midwest. State government, the UW Health system, and a thriving tech startup scene (Epic Systems nearby in Verona, American Family Insurance) provide a highly educated, stable tenant base. Madison consistently ranks among the best college towns and mid-size cities in the country.
Get a rent estimate for an address in MadisonAverage Rent in Madison, WI
$1,350
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Madison, WI Rental Market
- Average rent in Madison, WI:$1,350/mo
- Median rent:$1,242/mo
- Rent range:$675 – $2,950/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$1,175/mo
- Active listings:1,100
- Avg days to lease:28 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.5%
- Median home value:$290,000
- Est. gross annual yield:5.6%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Madison, WI
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Madison.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $975/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $1,175/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,500/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,875/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $2,125/mo |
Madison Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Madison, WI rental market.
1,100
Available now in Madison
28
From list to lease
$1.05
Average across listings
1,288 sq ft
Typical rental size
$675 – $2,950
Min to max active listings
+3.5%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Madison, WI Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$290,000
Typical purchase price in Madison
Est. Gross Annual Yield
5.6%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,350
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Madison for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Madison, WI Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Madison, WI.
What is the average rent in Madison, WI?
The average rent in Madison, WI is $1,350 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $975/mo, two-bedrooms $1,175/mo, and three-bedroom homes $1,500/mo. Neighborhoods near the Capitol, State Street, and the UW campus command above-average rents.
Is Madison, WI a good place to invest in rental property?
Madison offers a 5.6% estimated gross yield with consistent 3.5% year-over-year rent growth. The dual anchor of UW-Madison (45,000+ students) and state government ensures near-zero vacancy during academic terms and stable year-round demand. Epic Systems and the growing biotech corridor add professional tenant demand.
How competitive is the Madison, WI rental market?
Madison averages just 28 days on market with approximately 1,100 active listings. Properties near the UW campus and Capitol Square are among the most competitive in Wisconsin, often leasing within 2 weeks. The broader market is active year-round, with the spring semester-end (April–May) as the peak leasing season.
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