Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bayfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bayfield, you need to earn at least $64,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $84,609, which means the typical resident is $20,369 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,853

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,124	$3,747	$44,960	$-39,649
1 Bedroom	$1,333	$4,443	$53,320	$-31,289
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,606	$5,353	$64,240	$-20,369
3 Bedroom	$1,959	$6,530	$78,360	$-6,249
4 Bedroom	$2,409	$8,030	$96,360	+$11,751

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$84,609

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$64,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,369

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bayfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,115

Studio

$1,124/mo

1 BR

$1,333/mo

2 BR

$1,606/mo

3 BR

$1,959/mo

4 BR

$2,409/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bayfield

Bayfield, Colorado stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $84,609 significantly exceeds the $64,240 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,369 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Bayfield, a studio at $1,124/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,959/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $78,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $96,360 would position you well — though many residents in Bayfield manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 Bayfield, Colorado.

With a total population of 2,853, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,497 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $64,240 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

1,497

Active civilian employees in Bayfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bayfield

What salary do I need to live in Bayfield, Colorado?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bayfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $64,240. The median household income in Bayfield is $84,609.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bayfield on $84,609?

The affordability verdict for Bayfield is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.8%, meaning median earners have a $20,369 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Bayfield is $1,333/month. With a median household income of $84,609, residents spend approximately 22.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bayfield?

A studio in Bayfield rents for approximately $1,124/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $44,960 to afford this.

Is Bayfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,369 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Bayfield is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $64,240 to the local median household income.

How Bayfield Compares

Other cities in Colorado with salary requirements