Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Montrose?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Montrose, you need to earn at least $35,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $31,250, which means the typical resident is $3,950 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 238

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$616	$2,053	$24,640	$-6,610
1 Bedroom	$730	$2,433	$29,200	$-2,050
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$880	$2,933	$35,200	+$3,950
3 Bedroom	$1,074	$3,580	$42,960	+$11,710
4 Bedroom	$1,320	$4,400	$52,800	+$21,550

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$31,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,950

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 33.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Montrose's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$781

Studio

$616/mo

1 BR

$730/mo

2 BR

$880/mo

3 BR

$1,074/mo

4 BR

$1,320/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Montrose

Renting in Montrose is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,950, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $616/month.

If you're relocating to Montrose, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($616–$730/month) unless your income exceeds $35,200. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $440/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Montrose is approximately $52,800. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Montrose, Arkansas.

With a total population of 238, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 61 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,200 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

Active civilian employees in Montrose

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Montrose

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Montrose under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,200. The median household income in Montrose is $31,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Montrose on $31,250?

The affordability verdict for Montrose is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 33.8%, meaning there's a $3,950 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Montrose is $730/month. With a median household income of $31,250, residents spend approximately 33.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Montrose?

A studio in Montrose rents for approximately $616/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,640 to afford this.

Is Montrose considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,950 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Montrose is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,200 to the local median household income.

How Montrose Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements