Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bellwood?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bellwood, you need to earn at least $54,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $72,228, which means the typical resident is $17,308 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,611

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$961	$3,203	$38,440	$-33,788
1 Bedroom	$1,140	$3,800	$45,600	$-26,628
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,373	$4,577	$54,920	$-17,308
3 Bedroom	$1,675	$5,583	$67,000	$-5,228
4 Bedroom	$2,060	$6,867	$82,400	+$10,172

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$72,228

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$54,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,308

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bellwood's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,806

Studio

$961/mo

1 BR

$1,140/mo

2 BR

$1,373/mo

3 BR

$1,675/mo

4 BR

$2,060/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bellwood

Living in Bellwood is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,308 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Bellwood typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Bellwood, a studio at $961/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,675/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $67,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $82,380 would position you well — though many residents in Bellwood 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 Bellwood, Illinois.

With a total population of 18,611, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 8,549 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $54,920 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

8,549

Active civilian employees in Bellwood

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bellwood

What salary do I need to live in Bellwood, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bellwood under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $54,920. The median household income in Bellwood is $72,228.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bellwood on $72,228?

The affordability verdict for Bellwood is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.8%, meaning median earners have a $17,308 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Bellwood is $1,140/month. With a median household income of $72,228, residents spend approximately 22.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bellwood?

A studio in Bellwood rents for approximately $961/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $38,440 to afford this.

Is Bellwood considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,308 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Bellwood is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $54,920 to the local median household income.

How Bellwood Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements