Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clare?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clare, you need to earn at least $28,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $76,429, which means the typical resident is $47,509 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 163

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$506	$1,687	$20,240	$-56,189
1 Bedroom	$600	$2,000	$24,000	$-52,429
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$723	$2,410	$28,920	$-47,509
3 Bedroom	$882	$2,940	$35,280	$-41,149
4 Bedroom	$1,085	$3,617	$43,400	$-33,029

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$76,429

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$28,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$47,509

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 11.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clare's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,911

Studio

$506/mo

1 BR

$600/mo

2 BR

$723/mo

3 BR

$882/mo

4 BR

$1,085/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clare

Clare, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $76,429 significantly exceeds the $28,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $47,509 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Clare, a studio at $506/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $882/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $35,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $43,380 would position you well — though many residents in Clare 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 Clare, Iowa.

With a total population of 163, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 69 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $28,920 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

Active civilian employees in Clare

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clare

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clare under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $28,920. The median household income in Clare is $76,429.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clare on $76,429?

The affordability verdict for Clare is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 11.4%, meaning median earners have a $47,509 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Clare is $600/month. With a median household income of $76,429, residents spend approximately 11.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clare?

A studio in Clare rents for approximately $506/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,240 to afford this.

Is Clare considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $47,509 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Clare is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $28,920 to the local median household income.

How Clare Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements