Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in McLeansboro?

To afford a 2-bedroom in McLeansboro, you need to earn at least $30,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,871, which means the typical resident is $14,591 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,794

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$530	$1,767	$21,200	$-23,671
1 Bedroom	$628	$2,093	$25,120	$-19,751
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-14,591
3 Bedroom	$924	$3,080	$36,960	$-7,911
4 Bedroom	$1,136	$3,787	$45,440	+$569

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,871

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,591

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with McLeansboro's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,122

Studio

$530/mo

1 BR

$628/mo

2 BR

$757/mo

3 BR

$924/mo

4 BR

$1,136/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to McLeansboro

Living in McLeansboro is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,591 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in McLeansboro typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating McLeansboro, a studio at $530/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $924/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $36,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $45,420 would position you well — though many residents in McLeansboro 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 McLeansboro, Illinois.

With a total population of 2,794, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,150 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,280 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

1,150

Active civilian employees in McLeansboro

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in McLeansboro

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in McLeansboro under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,280. The median household income in McLeansboro is $44,871.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in McLeansboro on $44,871?

The affordability verdict for McLeansboro is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $14,591 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in McLeansboro is $628/month. With a median household income of $44,871, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in McLeansboro?

A studio in McLeansboro rents for approximately $530/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,200 to afford this.

Is McLeansboro considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,591 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", McLeansboro is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,280 to the local median household income.

How McLeansboro Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements