Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lafe?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lafe, you need to earn at least $30,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,182, which means the typical resident is $3,062 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 421

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$527	$1,757	$21,080	$-12,102
1 Bedroom	$625	$2,083	$25,000	$-8,182
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$753	$2,510	$30,120	$-3,062
3 Bedroom	$919	$3,063	$36,760	+$3,578
4 Bedroom	$1,130	$3,767	$45,200	+$12,018

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Lafe's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,182

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$3,062

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Lafe

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lafe's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$830

Studio

$527/mo

1 BR

$625/mo

2 BR

$753/mo

3 BR

$919/mo

4 BR

$1,130/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Lafe.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Lafe's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lafe

Lafe is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $3,062. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($625/month) or studio ($527/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Lafe pushes the required income to $36,760.

For comfortable living in Lafe without financial stress, target a household income of at least $45,180 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Arkansas's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Lafe, Arkansas.

With a total population of 421, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 151 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,120 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

151

Active civilian employees in Lafe

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lafe

What salary do I need to live in Lafe, Arkansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lafe under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,120. The median household income in Lafe is $33,182.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lafe on $33,182?

The affordability verdict for Lafe is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.2%, meaning median earners have a $3,062 surplus.

What is the average rent in Lafe compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Lafe is $625/month. With a median household income of $33,182, residents spend approximately 27.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lafe?

A studio in Lafe rents for approximately $527/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,080 to afford this.

Is Lafe considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $3,062 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Lafe is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,120 to the local median household income.

How Lafe Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements