Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Badger?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Badger, you need to earn at least $34,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $72,250, which means the typical resident is $38,090 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 519

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$598	$1,993	$23,920	$-48,330
1 Bedroom	$709	$2,363	$28,360	$-43,890
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$854	$2,847	$34,160	$-38,090
3 Bedroom	$1,042	$3,473	$41,680	$-30,570
4 Bedroom	$1,281	$4,270	$51,240	$-21,010

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$72,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$38,090

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Badger's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,806

Studio

$598/mo

1 BR

$709/mo

2 BR

$854/mo

3 BR

$1,042/mo

4 BR

$1,281/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Badger

Badger, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $72,250 significantly exceeds the $34,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $38,090 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Badger, a studio at $598/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,042/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $51,240 would position you well — though many residents in Badger 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 Badger, Iowa.

With a total population of 519, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 287 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,160 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

287

Active civilian employees in Badger

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Badger

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Badger under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,160. The median household income in Badger is $72,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Badger on $72,250?

The affordability verdict for Badger is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.2%, meaning median earners have a $38,090 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Badger is $709/month. With a median household income of $72,250, residents spend approximately 14.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Badger?

A studio in Badger rents for approximately $598/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,920 to afford this.

Is Badger considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $38,090 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Badger is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,160 to the local median household income.

How Badger Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements