Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mounds?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mounds, you need to earn at least $29,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $26,667, which means the typical resident is $2,453 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 831

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$510	$1,700	$20,400	$-6,267
1 Bedroom	$604	$2,013	$24,160	$-2,507
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$728	$2,427	$29,120	+$2,453
3 Bedroom	$888	$2,960	$35,520	+$8,853
4 Bedroom	$1,092	$3,640	$43,680	+$17,013

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$26,667

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,453

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mounds's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$667

Studio

$510/mo

1 BR

$604/mo

2 BR

$728/mo

3 BR

$888/mo

4 BR

$1,092/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mounds

Renting in Mounds is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,453, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $510/month.

If you're relocating to Mounds, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($510–$604/month) unless your income exceeds $29,120. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $364/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Mounds is approximately $43,680. 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 Mounds, Illinois.

With a total population of 831, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 196 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,120 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

196

Active civilian employees in Mounds

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mounds

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mounds under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,120. The median household income in Mounds is $26,667.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mounds on $26,667?

The affordability verdict for Mounds is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.8%, meaning there's a $2,453 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Mounds is $604/month. With a median household income of $26,667, residents spend approximately 32.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mounds?

A studio in Mounds rents for approximately $510/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,400 to afford this.

Is Mounds considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,453 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Mounds is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,120 to the local median household income.

How Mounds Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements