Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hazel Crest?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hazel Crest, you need to earn at least $70,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,247, which means the typical resident is $13,593 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 13,737

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,240	$4,133	$49,600	$-7,647
1 Bedroom	$1,470	$4,900	$58,800	+$1,553
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,771	$5,903	$70,840	+$13,593
3 Bedroom	$2,161	$7,203	$86,440	+$29,193
4 Bedroom	$2,657	$8,857	$106,280	+$49,033

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,247

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$70,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$13,593

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 37.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hazel Crest

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hazel Crest's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,431

Studio

$1,240/mo

1 BR

$1,470/mo

2 BR

$1,771/mo

3 BR

$2,161/mo

4 BR

$2,657/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hazel Crest.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hazel Crest

Hazel Crest's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,771/month requires $70,840/year — about $13,593 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Hazel Crest, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,240–$1,470/month) unless your income exceeds $70,840. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $886/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Hazel Crest is approximately $106,260. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Hazel Crest, Illinois.

With a total population of 13,737, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,625 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $70,840 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

5,625

Active civilian employees in Hazel Crest

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hazel Crest

What salary do I need to live in Hazel Crest, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hazel Crest under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $70,840. The median household income in Hazel Crest is $57,247.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hazel Crest on $57,247?

The affordability verdict for Hazel Crest is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 37.1%, meaning there's a $13,593 income gap.

What is the average rent in Hazel Crest compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hazel Crest is $1,470/month. With a median household income of $57,247, residents spend approximately 37.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hazel Crest?

A studio in Hazel Crest rents for approximately $1,240/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $49,600 to afford this.

Is Hazel Crest considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $13,593 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Hazel Crest is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $70,840 to the local median household income.

How Hazel Crest Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements