Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Zion?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Zion, you need to earn at least $51,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,018, which means the typical resident is $13,578 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 24,570

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$900	$3,000	$36,000	$-29,018
1 Bedroom	$1,067	$3,557	$42,680	$-22,338
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,286	$4,287	$51,440	$-13,578
3 Bedroom	$1,569	$5,230	$62,760	$-2,258
4 Bedroom	$1,929	$6,430	$77,160	+$12,142

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,018

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$51,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,578

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Zion's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,625

Studio

$900/mo

1 BR

$1,067/mo

2 BR

$1,286/mo

3 BR

$1,569/mo

4 BR

$1,929/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Zion

Living in Zion is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,578 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Zion typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Zion, a studio at $900/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,569/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $62,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $77,160 would position you well — though many residents in Zion 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 Zion, Illinois.

With a total population of 24,570, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,926 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $51,440 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

11,926

Active civilian employees in Zion

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Zion

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Zion under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $51,440. The median household income in Zion is $65,018.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Zion on $65,018?

The affordability verdict for Zion is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.7%, meaning median earners have a $13,578 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Zion is $1,067/month. With a median household income of $65,018, residents spend approximately 23.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Zion?

A studio in Zion rents for approximately $900/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,000 to afford this.

Is Zion considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,578 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Zion is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $51,440 to the local median household income.

How Zion Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements