Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Belmond?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Belmond, you need to earn at least $35,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,233, which means the typical resident is $19,433 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,512

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$627	$2,090	$25,080	$-30,153
1 Bedroom	$743	$2,477	$29,720	$-25,513
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$895	$2,983	$35,800	$-19,433
3 Bedroom	$1,092	$3,640	$43,680	$-11,553
4 Bedroom	$1,343	$4,477	$53,720	$-1,513

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,233

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,433

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Belmond's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,381

Studio

$627/mo

1 BR

$743/mo

2 BR

$895/mo

3 BR

$1,092/mo

4 BR

$1,343/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Belmond

Living in Belmond is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,433 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Belmond typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Belmond, a studio at $627/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,092/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,700 would position you well — though many residents in Belmond 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 Belmond, Iowa.

With a total population of 2,512, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 866 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,800 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

866

Active civilian employees in Belmond

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Belmond

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Belmond under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,800. The median household income in Belmond is $55,233.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Belmond on $55,233?

The affordability verdict for Belmond is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.4%, meaning median earners have a $19,433 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Belmond is $743/month. With a median household income of $55,233, residents spend approximately 19.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Belmond?

A studio in Belmond rents for approximately $627/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,080 to afford this.

Is Belmond considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,433 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Belmond is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,800 to the local median household income.

How Belmond Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements