1 Child
~17%
of income
Data updated May 2026
2023 guideline data Percentage of Income model OCSE FY2023 source
Wisconsin Child Support Guidelines
Wisconsin runs the Percentage of Income model, with no statutory income cap and a parenting-time credit - see the base percentages and OCSE FY2023 enforcement figures below.
By PlainChildSupport Editorial · · Source: Wisconsin Revised Statutes · Last updated: 2023
Percentage of Income
2 Children
~25%
of income
3 Children
~29%
of income
4 Children
~31%
of income
Income Cap
None
uncapped
Child Support Snapshot: Wisconsin
Wisconsin operates under the Percentage of Income model, one of 5 U.S. states using this framework. For a parent supporting one child, the base guideline applies roughly 17% of income, scaling to 25% for two children and 29% for three. That places Wisconsin at rank #32 of 51 states by single-child base percentage. Unlike capped states, there is no statutory income ceiling, the formula applies to the full reported income before deductions. Median household income here runs $70,996/yr.
Wisconsin ranks #5 of 51 reporting states on OCSE collection efficiency and #21 by caseload volume, see the case counts, collection rate, and paternity-establishment figures in the enforcement breakdown below.
Wisconsin allows a parenting time adjustment, which can materially reduce the base obligation when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial overnight time. A percentage figure alone doesn't determine the dollar amount, see how Wisconsin compares to other guideline models →
How Wisconsin Calculates Child Support
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income model. A fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income is applied based on the number of children. Its one-child base rate is in line with the national middle range.
Percentage of obligor gross income. 1 child = 17%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 29%, 4 = 31%, 5 = 34%. Placement time adjustment available.
Guideline Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula Model | Percentage of Income |
| Income Floor | None |
| Income Ceiling | Uncapped |
| Parenting Time Adjustment | Available |
| Median Household Income | $70,996/yr |
| Single-Child Base | 17% (rank #32 of 51) |
Disclaimer: This page provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual child support amounts may differ based on judicial discretion, deviation factors, and current Wisconsin guidelines. Consult a family law attorney in Wisconsin for legal advice.
Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement
280,000
Active Cases
$650M
Annual Collections
66.5%
Collection Rate
82.6%
Cases with Orders
96.9%
Paternity Established
Wisconsin vs national average (51 reporting states)
Collection rate 66.5%
national
66.5% of assessed support collected; national average 60.6%.
Paternity established 96.9%
national
96.9% of cases have legal parentage established; national average 94.9%.
Cases with orders 82.6%
82.6% of the caseload has a formal child support order in place.
Source: OCSE FY2023 preliminary report OCSE FY2023 preliminary report
Interactive Calculator for Wisconsin
The Wisconsin interactive calculator is being finalized. Use the official state calculator below for your estimate.
Official WI CalculatorOther Percentage of Income States
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income goes to child support in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, approximate guideline percentages are 17% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 29% for 3 children, and 31% for 4 children. Actual amounts depend on the income level and any applicable deviation factors.
Does parenting time affect child support in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises significant overnight time (typically 40% or more). This credit reduces the base child support obligation proportionally.
Every figure on PlainChildSupport is rendered directly from official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data sources
Data sourced from official federal and state child-support agency records (NCSL, state statutes, ACS). See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainChildSupport Editorial
