Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Gurnee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Gurnee, you need to earn at least $73,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $112,633, which means the typical resident is $38,673 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 30,629

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,294	$4,313	$51,760	$-60,873
1 Bedroom	$1,535	$5,117	$61,400	$-51,233
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,849	$6,163	$73,960	$-38,673
3 Bedroom	$2,256	$7,520	$90,240	$-22,393
4 Bedroom	$2,774	$9,247	$110,960	$-1,673

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$112,633

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$73,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$38,673

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Gurnee's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,816

Studio

$1,294/mo

1 BR

$1,535/mo

2 BR

$1,849/mo

3 BR

$2,256/mo

4 BR

$2,774/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Gurnee

Gurnee, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $112,633 significantly exceeds the $73,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $38,673 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Gurnee, a studio at $1,294/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,256/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $90,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $110,940 would position you well — though many residents in Gurnee 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 Gurnee, Illinois.

With a total population of 30,629, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,580 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $73,960 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

16,580

Active civilian employees in Gurnee

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Gurnee

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Gurnee under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $73,960. The median household income in Gurnee is $112,633.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Gurnee on $112,633?

The affordability verdict for Gurnee is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.7%, meaning median earners have a $38,673 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Gurnee is $1,535/month. With a median household income of $112,633, residents spend approximately 19.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Gurnee?

A studio in Gurnee rents for approximately $1,294/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $51,760 to afford this.

Is Gurnee considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $38,673 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Gurnee is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $73,960 to the local median household income.

How Gurnee Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements