Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Scales Mound?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Scales Mound, you need to earn at least $35,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,125, which means the typical resident is $27,165 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 434

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$629	$2,097	$25,160	$-37,965
1 Bedroom	$746	$2,487	$29,840	$-33,285
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$899	$2,997	$35,960	$-27,165
3 Bedroom	$1,097	$3,657	$43,880	$-19,245
4 Bedroom	$1,349	$4,497	$53,960	$-9,165

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,125

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$27,165

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Scales Mound

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Scales Mound's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,578

Studio

$629/mo

1 BR

$746/mo

2 BR

$899/mo

3 BR

$1,097/mo

4 BR

$1,349/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Scales Mound.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Scales Mound

Scales Mound, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $63,125 significantly exceeds the $35,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $27,165 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Scales Mound, a studio at $629/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,097/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,940 would position you well — though many residents in Scales Mound 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 Scales Mound, Illinois.

With a total population of 434, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 201 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,960 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

201

Active civilian employees in Scales Mound

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Scales Mound

What salary do I need to live in Scales Mound, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Scales Mound under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,960. The median household income in Scales Mound is $63,125.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Scales Mound on $63,125?

The affordability verdict for Scales Mound is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.1%, meaning median earners have a $27,165 surplus.

What is the average rent in Scales Mound compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Scales Mound is $746/month. With a median household income of $63,125, residents spend approximately 17.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Scales Mound?

A studio in Scales Mound rents for approximately $629/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,160 to afford this.

Is Scales Mound considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $27,165 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Scales Mound is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,960 to the local median household income.

How Scales Mound Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements