Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Allison?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Allison, you need to earn at least $26,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,458, which means the typical resident is $35,058 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 980

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$462	$1,540	$18,480	$-42,978
1 Bedroom	$548	$1,827	$21,920	$-39,538
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$660	$2,200	$26,400	$-35,058
3 Bedroom	$805	$2,683	$32,200	$-29,258
4 Bedroom	$990	$3,300	$39,600	$-21,858

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,458

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$35,058

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Allison's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,536

Studio

$462/mo

1 BR

$548/mo

2 BR

$660/mo

3 BR

$805/mo

4 BR

$990/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Allison

Allison, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $61,458 significantly exceeds the $26,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $35,058 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Allison, a studio at $462/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $805/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $32,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $39,600 would position you well — though many residents in Allison 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 Allison, Iowa.

With a total population of 980, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 497 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,400 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

497

Active civilian employees in Allison

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Allison

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Allison under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,400. The median household income in Allison is $61,458.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Allison on $61,458?

The affordability verdict for Allison is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.9%, meaning median earners have a $35,058 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Allison is $548/month. With a median household income of $61,458, residents spend approximately 12.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Allison?

A studio in Allison rents for approximately $462/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,480 to afford this.

Is Allison considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $35,058 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Allison is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,400 to the local median household income.

How Allison Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements