Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fairview Heights?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairview Heights, you need to earn at least $54,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,038, which means the typical resident is $19,998 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,360

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$946	$3,153	$37,840	$-36,198
1 Bedroom	$1,121	$3,737	$44,840	$-29,198
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,351	$4,503	$54,040	$-19,998
3 Bedroom	$1,648	$5,493	$65,920	$-8,118
4 Bedroom	$2,027	$6,757	$81,080	+$7,042

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$74,038

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$54,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,998

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fairview Heights

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fairview Heights's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,851

Studio

$946/mo

1 BR

$1,121/mo

2 BR

$1,351/mo

3 BR

$1,648/mo

4 BR

$2,027/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fairview Heights.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fairview Heights

Living in Fairview Heights is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,998 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fairview Heights typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fairview Heights, a studio at $946/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,648/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $65,920.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $81,060 would position you well — though many residents in Fairview Heights 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 Fairview Heights, Illinois.

With a total population of 16,360, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 8,043 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $54,040 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

8,043

Active civilian employees in Fairview Heights

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fairview Heights

What salary do I need to live in Fairview Heights, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairview Heights under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $54,040. The median household income in Fairview Heights is $74,038.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fairview Heights on $74,038?

The affordability verdict for Fairview Heights is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.9%, meaning median earners have a $19,998 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fairview Heights compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fairview Heights is $1,121/month. With a median household income of $74,038, residents spend approximately 21.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fairview Heights?

A studio in Fairview Heights rents for approximately $946/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,840 to afford this.

Is Fairview Heights considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,998 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fairview Heights is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $54,040 to the local median household income.

How Fairview Heights Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements