What Do You Pay for Rent? There’s a Price Difference Across Wisconsin and it’s Huge; Plus, What Else You Need to Know This Week

What do you pay for rent? There’s a price difference depending on where you live across Wisconsin — and it’s huge. Also, why you may want to hold the ketchup. And the State Fair is underway! Here’s a quick round-up of some of the things you need to know this week:

Number 1. What do you pay for rent? Though we’ve thought there’s a difference depending on where you live in Wisconsin, now we know it’s true. And it’s HUGE. Plus, where to turn if you need help.

You probably know, rent prices have been on the rise for the past several years. And this may surprise you, but the current cost is up as much as 35% in Oshkosh and 43% in Green Bay. Yet, some experts who track these numbers believe the prices still haven’t peaked!

Now, a new survey shows Just how much renters are paying each month. These are the average prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the state’s six largest cities:

1. Madison = $1,450. This average rent price puts Madison at the top of the list in Wisconsin. But, with the national average at $1, 506 each month, Madison falls to #39 behind Portland, New Orleans, and St. Pete Beach. However, Madison is more expensive than Minneapolis.
2. Kenosha = $1,200
3. Milwaukee = $1,199. The average price in Milwaukee puts the city at #79 on the national average list.
4. Eau Claire = $895
5. La Crosse = $850
6. Green Bay = $775

If it makes you feel better to know this, renters in New York City are paying close to an average of $4,000 a month for a very small one-bedroom apartment.

The solution? More affordable options, which is something being discussed in many places, including Wisconsin. But this won’t happen overnight.

If you are facing an increase in the cost of your rent, the Tenant Resource Center based in Madison offers these great resources to help you understand the legality and limitations on raising your rent.

Number 2. Hold the ketchup! It’s time for the mustard to shine.

Did you know the National Mustard Museum is in Wisconsin? Along with the museum in Middleton, there’s a shop, and on Saturday, August 5, the condiment gets all the glory during a celebration of what is officially “Mustard Day!” If you want to learn more about the event, mustard in general, or hear a song from the Museum’s Barry Levenson during his recent interview with our Max Ink Radio Music Show crew, find it here. It’s pretty funny and sure to make you smile!

Number 3. Why have there been more than 1,000 police chases in Milwaukee during the last year? It’s all about policy.

The number of police chases is 20 times what was reported in Milwaukee just ten years ago. Officials loosened restrictions on a policy targeting reckless drivers and now records show an average of almost three chases every day. Critics say this trend is making the streets more dangerous, and even deadly.

Read how one mother is hoping to make a difference in why this is happening, after her son died following a chase that ended with a crash. It’s an eye-opening report from our Wisconsin Watch partners.

Number 4. Watch for the Civic Media “Truth Tent” coming to your town!

It’s true! Civic Media now has a “Truth Tent,” and its first outing is happening this week during the Wisconsin Valley Fair in Wausau. Our radio network marketing team is on site, and asking fair-goers about everything from your favorite foods to the reasons you enjoy your hometown to the issues most concerning to you. Listen to a few of the “truths” below. And watch for the “Truth Tent” in your town. The next planned stop is in the Green Bay area for the Brown County Fair.

Number 5. The Wisconsin State Fair is underway and celebrates traditions old and new.

Hundreds of new foods. A map so you can find and taste every single one. Riding the SkyGlider. The animals. The entertainment. And so much more! It’s hard to explain all the reasons I love not just the county fairs in Wisconsin, but the state fair, too. There really is something for everyone, and every age.

If you enjoy the traditional midway rides, you’ll find some of the most exciting ones at the state fair. I mentioned the food, and there’s so much of it, fair officials had to create a map to help you find everything you want to eat when you are on the grounds. You can also check out some of the best displays created by 4-H’ers and FFA’ers from across the state. And there’s always the animals — from cows to alpacas to rabbits and more. Here’s where you can read and listen to all the reasons I call the state fair a wonderful “Slice of Wisconsin.”

Hope you get time to enjoy the fair which runs through August 13th. That’s all for this week.

Have a great weekend!

Teri Barr