Wood fence cost in Racine, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (150 linear ft)
- $3,050 – $7,550
- Per linear ft
- $20 – $49.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −1%
- US $5,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #108
- 1 = most expensive
A wood fence in Racine, WI usually costs $3,050 to $7,550 for 150 linear ft. That works out to about $20 to $49.50 per linear ft before permits. That is within a few percent of the national midpoint, so there is little local premium or discount. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.8).
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Estimated cost for 150 linear ft in Racine, WI, standard level
$4,400 to $6,200
About $29 to $40.50 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 45% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $3,400 |
| Labor | $2,100 | $2,700 |
| Permits and fees | $70 | $110 |
| Total | $4,400 | $6,200 |
Cost breakdown for 150 linear ft in Racine, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,400 | $2,800 | $4,200 | 53% |
| Labor | $1,600 | $2,400 | $3,200 | 45% |
| Permits and fees | $40 | $90 | $140 | 2% |
| Total | $3,050 | $5,300 | $7,550 | 100% |
What is behind the Racine number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 2 trades: carpenters at 60%, construction laborers at 40%. Weighted together, Racine wages are 1.06 times the national level. Labor makes up about 45% of the midpoint estimate (42% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Racine is at 93.8 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $3,000 nationally becomes $2,800 here (midpoint, 150 linear ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 96.0: $40 to $140.
Optional extras in Racine
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.00 for Racine, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.06) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add one gate (flat) | $150 – $800 |
What local crews earn in Racine
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 2 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Racine the blend is 1.06.
Carpenters (47-2031), 60% of the weighting: a median of $29.29 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $24.17 and $40.84 an hour. About 320 work in the metro. That is 42.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $26.11 an hour, which is 15% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.83 and $33.66 an hour. BLS counts 540 of them working in the area, 70.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $540 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $240. That is a swing of roughly 4.5% to 10.1% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Racine-Mount Pleasant has 76,280 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 243rd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 60% | $24.17 | $29.29 | $40.84 | $29.12 | 1.01 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $21.83 | $26.11 | $33.66 | $22.66 | 1.15 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.06 | |||||
Racine weather and the wood fence calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Racine Batten Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Racine are April through November: 8 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March and December have an average daytime high under 45°F.
In January, February, March and December the average high stays below 45°F. Sealants, adhesives and some materials, such as vinyl, are harder to install well in the cold, and short daylight cuts the working day.
Racine gets about 32 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are April, May and June (4.0 inches in June). Inside the workable window, July and November are the driest, at 2.9 and 2.2 inches. The station averages about 7 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 16 | 1.3 | Cold |
| Feb | 34 | 19 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 43 | 28 | 2.1 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 37 | 3.7 | Workable |
| May | 66 | 46 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 76 | 57 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Jul | 81 | 63 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 63 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 55 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 61 | 43 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 47 | 32 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Dec | 36 | 22 | 1.6 | Cold |
Racine against nearby metros and the rest of Wisconsin
Same job, same size (150 linear ft), priced for the nearest metros. Chicago is the priciest of the group at $6,250.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racine, WIthis page | $3,050 – $7,550 | $5,300 | |
| Milwaukee, WI10 miles | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +2% |
| Kenosha, WI15 miles | $3,150 – $8,000 | $5,600 | +5% |
| Sheboygan, WI65 miles | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,400 | +2% |
| Janesville, WI65 miles | $3,250 – $8,000 | $5,650 | +7% |
| Chicago, IL70 miles | $3,600 – $8,900 | $6,250 | +18% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +1% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,650 | $5,350 | +1% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Racine ranks #108 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Racine is 1% below the Wisconsin figure.
Elsewhere in Wisconsin
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 820,780 jobs | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +2% |
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $3,100 – $7,700 | $5,400 | +2% |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $3,050 – $7,550 | $5,300 | level |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $3,150 – $7,700 | $5,450 | +2% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $3,350 – $8,150 | $5,750 | +9% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $3,050 – $7,600 | $5,350 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Racine against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napa, CA | 77,860 jobs | $3,600 – $8,800 | $6,200 | +17% |
| Warner Robins, GA | 76,050 jobs | $2,700 – $6,850 | $4,750 | −10% |
| Chico, CA | 78,220 jobs | $3,400 – $8,450 | $5,900 | +11% |
| Kenosha, WI | 75,450 jobs | $3,150 – $8,000 | $5,600 | +5% |
Cost by quality level and size in Racine
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Racine. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from backyard (100 linear ft) to full lot (300 linear ft).
Basic
$3,050 to $4,850
Pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft
Standard
$4,400 to $6,200
6-ft cedar or treated privacy fence
Premium
$5,750 to $7,550
Premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| backyard (100 linear ft) | $2,050 – $3,250 | $2,950 – $4,150 | $3,850 – $5,100 |
| 150 ft (150 linear ft) | $3,050 – $4,850 | $4,400 – $6,200 | $5,750 – $7,550 |
| 200 ft (200 linear ft) | $4,050 – $6,450 | $5,850 – $8,250 | $7,650 – $10,000 |
| full lot (300 linear ft) | $6,050 – $9,600 | $8,700 – $12,300 | $11,400 – $15,000 |
Wood fence: what moves the price in Racine
Slope and soil
Hills, rock, and tree roots slow post digging.
Composite
A composite wood-look privacy fence is $55-$85 per linear foot installed (HomeGuide).
Wood species
A 6-ft privacy fence is $25-$50 per linear foot installed; an 8-ft one goes up to $75. Tropical hardwood privacy fences run $35-$55 (HomeGuide).
Planning more than one job in Racine?
Jobs that often go together with wood fence are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Racine wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, chain-link fence comes out highest (+3%) and vinyl fence lowest (−3%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl fence | 150 linear ft | $4,350 – $8,900 | −3% |
| Chain-link fence | 150 linear ft | $1,550 – $6,400 | +3% |
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,800 – $11,400 | level |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,400 – $14,900 | −2% |
Get 3 local quotes
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Wood fence in Racine: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a wood fence in Racine?
For 150 linear ft, expect $3,050 to $7,550 in the Racine area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,400 to $6,200. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for wood fence in Racine?
About $20 to $49.50 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $40 to $140 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $20 to $50.
+Is wood fence cheaper in Racine or Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is 10 miles away. The midpoint for 150 linear ft there is $5,450, which is 2% more than Racine ($5,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Racine?
About 45% at the midpoint, or $2,400 out of $5,300. Materials are 53% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 42%.
+What would 200 ft (200 linear ft) cost in Racine?
$4,050 to $10,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does wood fence need a permit in Racine?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $40 to $140 for fees in the Racine area (our national range of $40 to $150 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Racine expensive for wood fence compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Racine is 1% below the Wisconsin statewide estimate ($5,350 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Wisconsin; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Racine?
The BLS median is $29.29 an hour in the Racine area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.17 to $40.84.
+What do basic and premium wood fence work cost in Racine?
For 150 linear ft, basic work runs $3,050 to $4,850 and premium work $5,750 to $7,550. Basic means: pine pickets or split rail, 4 ft. Premium means: premium hardwood or 8-ft privacy fence.
+When is the best time to install a wood fence in Racine?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through November. July and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add one gate" add in Racine?
$150 to $800, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Wood fence near Racine
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Vinyl Fence Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020