Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Chariton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Chariton, you need to earn at least $37,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,100, which means the typical resident is $13,020 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,203

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$649	$2,163	$25,960	$-24,140
1 Bedroom	$769	$2,563	$30,760	$-19,340
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$927	$3,090	$37,080	$-13,020
3 Bedroom	$1,131	$3,770	$45,240	$-4,860
4 Bedroom	$1,391	$4,637	$55,640	+$5,540

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,100

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,020

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Chariton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,253

Studio

$649/mo

1 BR

$769/mo

2 BR

$927/mo

3 BR

$1,131/mo

4 BR

$1,391/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Chariton

Living in Chariton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,020 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Chariton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Chariton, a studio at $649/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,131/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,620 would position you well — though many residents in Chariton 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 Chariton, Iowa.

With a total population of 4,203, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,930 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,080 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

1,930

Active civilian employees in Chariton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Chariton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Chariton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,080. The median household income in Chariton is $50,100.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Chariton on $50,100?

The affordability verdict for Chariton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $13,020 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Chariton is $769/month. With a median household income of $50,100, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Chariton?

A studio in Chariton rents for approximately $649/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,960 to afford this.

Is Chariton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,020 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Chariton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,080 to the local median household income.

How Chariton Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements