Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Atkins?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Atkins, you need to earn at least $23,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $110,313, which means the typical resident is $87,193 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,296

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$405	$1,350	$16,200	$-94,113
1 Bedroom	$480	$1,600	$19,200	$-91,113
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$578	$1,927	$23,120	$-87,193
3 Bedroom	$705	$2,350	$28,200	$-82,113
4 Bedroom	$867	$2,890	$34,680	$-75,633

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$110,313

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$23,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$87,193

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 6.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Atkins's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,758

Studio

$405/mo

1 BR

$480/mo

2 BR

$578/mo

3 BR

$705/mo

4 BR

$867/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Atkins

Atkins, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $110,313 significantly exceeds the $23,120 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $87,193 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Atkins, a studio at $405/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $705/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $28,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $34,680 would position you well — though many residents in Atkins 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 Atkins, Iowa.

With a total population of 2,296, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,267 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $23,120 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

1,267

Active civilian employees in Atkins

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Atkins

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Atkins under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $23,120. The median household income in Atkins is $110,313.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Atkins on $110,313?

The affordability verdict for Atkins is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 6.3%, meaning median earners have a $87,193 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Atkins is $480/month. With a median household income of $110,313, residents spend approximately 6.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Atkins?

A studio in Atkins rents for approximately $405/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,200 to afford this.

Is Atkins considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $87,193 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Atkins is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $23,120 to the local median household income.

How Atkins Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements