Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Decatur?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Decatur, you need to earn at least $37,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $49,039, which means the typical resident is $11,919 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 70,975

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$650	$2,167	$26,000	$-23,039
1 Bedroom	$770	$2,567	$30,800	$-18,239
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$928	$3,093	$37,120	$-11,919
3 Bedroom	$1,132	$3,773	$45,280	$-3,759
4 Bedroom	$1,392	$4,640	$55,680	+$6,641

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$49,039

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,919

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Decatur's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,226

Studio

$650/mo

1 BR

$770/mo

2 BR

$928/mo

3 BR

$1,132/mo

4 BR

$1,392/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Decatur

Living in Decatur is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,919 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Decatur typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Decatur, a studio at $650/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,132/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,680 would position you well — though many residents in Decatur 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 Decatur, Illinois.

With a total population of 70,975, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 29,805 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,120 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

29,805

Active civilian employees in Decatur

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Decatur

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Decatur under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,120. The median household income in Decatur is $49,039.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Decatur on $49,039?

The affordability verdict for Decatur is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.7%, meaning median earners have a $11,919 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Decatur is $770/month. With a median household income of $49,039, residents spend approximately 22.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Decatur?

A studio in Decatur rents for approximately $650/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,000 to afford this.

Is Decatur considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,919 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Decatur is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,120 to the local median household income.

How Decatur Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements