Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Benton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Benton, you need to earn at least $34,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,784, which means the typical resident is $14,504 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,999

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$600	$2,000	$24,000	$-24,784
1 Bedroom	$711	$2,370	$28,440	$-20,344
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$857	$2,857	$34,280	$-14,504
3 Bedroom	$1,046	$3,487	$41,840	$-6,944
4 Bedroom	$1,286	$4,287	$51,440	+$2,656

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,784

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,504

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Benton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,220

Studio

$600/mo

1 BR

$711/mo

2 BR

$857/mo

3 BR

$1,046/mo

4 BR

$1,286/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Benton

Living in Benton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,504 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Benton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Benton, a studio at $600/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,046/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $51,420 would position you well — though many residents in Benton 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 Benton, Illinois.

With a total population of 6,999, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,853 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,280 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

2,853

Active civilian employees in Benton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Benton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Benton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,280. The median household income in Benton is $48,784.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Benton on $48,784?

The affordability verdict for Benton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.1%, meaning median earners have a $14,504 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Benton is $711/month. With a median household income of $48,784, residents spend approximately 21.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Benton?

A studio in Benton rents for approximately $600/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,000 to afford this.

Is Benton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,504 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Benton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,280 to the local median household income.

How Benton Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements