Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Agency?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Agency, you need to earn at least $26,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,250, which means the typical resident is $24,650 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 463

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$465	$1,550	$18,600	$-32,650
1 Bedroom	$552	$1,840	$22,080	$-29,170
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$665	$2,217	$26,600	$-24,650
3 Bedroom	$811	$2,703	$32,440	$-18,810
4 Bedroom	$998	$3,327	$39,920	$-11,330

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$24,650

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 15.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Agency's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,281

Studio

$465/mo

1 BR

$552/mo

2 BR

$665/mo

3 BR

$811/mo

4 BR

$998/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Agency

Agency, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $51,250 significantly exceeds the $26,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $24,650 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Agency, a studio at $465/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $811/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $32,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $39,900 would position you well — though many residents in Agency 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 Agency, Iowa.

With a total population of 463, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 208 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,600 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

208

Active civilian employees in Agency

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Agency

What salary do I need to live in Agency, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Agency under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,600. The median household income in Agency is $51,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Agency on $51,250?

The affordability verdict for Agency is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 15.6%, meaning median earners have a $24,650 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Agency is $552/month. With a median household income of $51,250, residents spend approximately 15.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Agency?

A studio in Agency rents for approximately $465/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,600 to afford this.

Is Agency considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $24,650 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Agency is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,600 to the local median household income.

How Agency Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements