Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Edwardsville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Edwardsville, you need to earn at least $54,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $87,094, which means the typical resident is $32,974 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 26,622

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$947	$3,157	$37,880	$-49,214
1 Bedroom	$1,123	$3,743	$44,920	$-42,174
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,353	$4,510	$54,120	$-32,974
3 Bedroom	$1,651	$5,503	$66,040	$-21,054
4 Bedroom	$2,030	$6,767	$81,200	$-5,894

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$87,094

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$54,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$32,974

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Edwardsville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,177

Studio

$947/mo

1 BR

$1,123/mo

2 BR

$1,353/mo

3 BR

$1,651/mo

4 BR

$2,030/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $87,094 significantly exceeds the $54,120 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $32,974 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Edwardsville, a studio at $947/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,651/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $66,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $81,180 would position you well — though many residents in Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville, Illinois.

With a total population of 26,622, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 13,014 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $54,120 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

13,014

Active civilian employees in Edwardsville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Edwardsville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Edwardsville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $54,120. The median household income in Edwardsville is $87,094.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Edwardsville on $87,094?

The affordability verdict for Edwardsville is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.6%, meaning median earners have a $32,974 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Edwardsville is $1,123/month. With a median household income of $87,094, residents spend approximately 18.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Edwardsville?

A studio in Edwardsville rents for approximately $947/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,880 to afford this.

Is Edwardsville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $32,974 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Edwardsville is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $54,120 to the local median household income.

How Edwardsville Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements