Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Smelterville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Smelterville, you need to earn at least $38,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,078, which means the typical resident is $7,278 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 728

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$679	$2,263	$27,160	$-18,918
1 Bedroom	$805	$2,683	$32,200	$-13,878
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$970	$3,233	$38,800	$-7,278
3 Bedroom	$1,183	$3,943	$47,320	+$1,242
4 Bedroom	$1,455	$4,850	$58,200	+$12,122

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,078

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,278

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Smelterville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,152

Studio

$679/mo

1 BR

$805/mo

2 BR

$970/mo

3 BR

$1,183/mo

4 BR

$1,455/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Smelterville

Renting in Smelterville, Idaho is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $38,800/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $46,078, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($805/month) or studio ($679/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Smelterville pushes the required income to $47,320.

For comfortable living in Smelterville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $58,200 — 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 Smelterville, Idaho.

With a total population of 728, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 386 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,800 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

386

Active civilian employees in Smelterville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Smelterville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Smelterville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,800. The median household income in Smelterville is $46,078.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Smelterville on $46,078?

The affordability verdict for Smelterville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $7,278 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Smelterville is $805/month. With a median household income of $46,078, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Smelterville?

A studio in Smelterville rents for approximately $679/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,160 to afford this.

Is Smelterville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,278 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Smelterville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,800 to the local median household income.

How Smelterville Compares

Other cities in Idaho with salary requirements