The Appleton metro is home to 244,163 people (up 4.1% over five years), with a median household income of $83,919. Typical rent of $1,197/month works out to 17.1% of the median household income — comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold (Census ACS + Zillow, September 2026).
The share of Appleton's workforce by sector — the base of tenant demand:
| Sector | % of workforce |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 22.6% |
| Education & health care | 20.4% |
| Retail trade | 10.0% |
| Professional & management | 8.9% |
| Construction | 7.2% |
Manufacturing is the metro's largest employment base; a diversified mix beneath it spreads tenant-demand risk.
Rents at 17.1% of median income leave room for rent growth without pricing out the median tenant. Market pricing, yields and the Star Score live on the Appleton market page; run a deal in the calculator.
At the 30%-of-income affordability rule, typical rent of $1,197/month suggests a household income around $48,000/year. The metro's median household income is $83,919.
By workforce share: Manufacturing (22.6%), Education & health care (20.4%), Retail trade (10.0%) (Census ACS 5-year).