Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Athol?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Athol, you need to earn at least $40,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,500, which means the typical resident is $7,540 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 790

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$717	$2,390	$28,680	$-19,820
1 Bedroom	$850	$2,833	$34,000	$-14,500
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,024	$3,413	$40,960	$-7,540
3 Bedroom	$1,249	$4,163	$49,960	+$1,460
4 Bedroom	$1,536	$5,120	$61,440	+$12,940

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,500

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,540

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Athol's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,213

Studio

$717/mo

1 BR

$850/mo

2 BR

$1,024/mo

3 BR

$1,249/mo

4 BR

$1,536/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Athol

Renting in Athol, Idaho is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $40,960/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $48,500, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($850/month) or studio ($717/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Athol pushes the required income to $49,960.

For comfortable living in Athol without financial stress, target a household income of at least $61,440 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Idaho'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 Athol, Idaho.

With a total population of 790, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 302 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,960 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

302

Active civilian employees in Athol

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Athol

What salary do I need to live in Athol, Idaho?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Athol under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,960. The median household income in Athol is $48,500.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Athol on $48,500?

The affordability verdict for Athol is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $7,540 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Athol is $850/month. With a median household income of $48,500, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Athol?

A studio in Athol rents for approximately $717/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,680 to afford this.

Is Athol considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,540 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Athol is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,960 to the local median household income.

How Athol Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements