Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Centerville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Centerville, you need to earn at least $35,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,064, which means the typical resident is $6,584 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,393

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$621	$2,070	$24,840	$-17,224
1 Bedroom	$736	$2,453	$29,440	$-12,624
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$887	$2,957	$35,480	$-6,584
3 Bedroom	$1,082	$3,607	$43,280	+$1,216
4 Bedroom	$1,331	$4,437	$53,240	+$11,176

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,064

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,584

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Centerville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,052

Studio

$621/mo

1 BR

$736/mo

2 BR

$887/mo

3 BR

$1,082/mo

4 BR

$1,331/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Centerville

Renting in Centerville, Iowa is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $35,480/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $42,064, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($736/month) or studio ($621/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Centerville pushes the required income to $43,280.

For comfortable living in Centerville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $53,220 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Iowa's cost of living.

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 Centerville, Iowa.

With a total population of 5,393, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,999 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,480 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

1,999

Active civilian employees in Centerville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Centerville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Centerville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,480. The median household income in Centerville is $42,064.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Centerville on $42,064?

The affordability verdict for Centerville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $6,584 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Centerville is $736/month. With a median household income of $42,064, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Centerville?

A studio in Centerville rents for approximately $621/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,840 to afford this.

Is Centerville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,584 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Centerville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,480 to the local median household income.

How Centerville Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements