Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fox Lake?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fox Lake, you need to earn at least $50,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,528, which means the typical resident is $15,368 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,798

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$878	$2,927	$35,120	$-30,408
1 Bedroom	$1,041	$3,470	$41,640	$-23,888
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,254	$4,180	$50,160	$-15,368
3 Bedroom	$1,530	$5,100	$61,200	$-4,328
4 Bedroom	$1,881	$6,270	$75,240	+$9,712

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,528

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$50,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,368

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fox Lake

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fox Lake's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,638

Studio

$878/mo

1 BR

$1,041/mo

2 BR

$1,254/mo

3 BR

$1,530/mo

4 BR

$1,881/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fox Lake.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fox Lake

Living in Fox Lake is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,368 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fox Lake typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fox Lake, a studio at $878/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,530/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $61,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $75,240 would position you well — though many residents in Fox Lake 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 Fox Lake, Illinois.

With a total population of 10,798, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,631 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $50,160 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

5,631

Active civilian employees in Fox Lake

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fox Lake

What salary do I need to live in Fox Lake, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fox Lake under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $50,160. The median household income in Fox Lake is $65,528.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fox Lake on $65,528?

The affordability verdict for Fox Lake is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.0%, meaning median earners have a $15,368 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fox Lake compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fox Lake is $1,041/month. With a median household income of $65,528, residents spend approximately 23.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fox Lake?

A studio in Fox Lake rents for approximately $878/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $35,120 to afford this.

Is Fox Lake considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,368 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fox Lake is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $50,160 to the local median household income.

How Fox Lake Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements