Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dunlap?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dunlap, you need to earn at least $40,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,667, which means the typical resident is $16,267 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,418

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$707	$2,357	$28,280	$-28,387
1 Bedroom	$838	$2,793	$33,520	$-23,147
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,010	$3,367	$40,400	$-16,267
3 Bedroom	$1,232	$4,107	$49,280	$-7,387
4 Bedroom	$1,515	$5,050	$60,600	+$3,933

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,667

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,267

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dunlap's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,417

Studio

$707/mo

1 BR

$838/mo

2 BR

$1,010/mo

3 BR

$1,232/mo

4 BR

$1,515/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dunlap

Living in Dunlap is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,267 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Dunlap typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Dunlap, a studio at $707/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,232/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $60,600 would position you well — though many residents in Dunlap 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 Dunlap, Iowa.

With a total population of 1,418, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 747 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,400 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

747

Active civilian employees in Dunlap

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dunlap

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dunlap under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,400. The median household income in Dunlap is $56,667.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dunlap on $56,667?

The affordability verdict for Dunlap is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%, meaning median earners have a $16,267 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Dunlap is $838/month. With a median household income of $56,667, residents spend approximately 21.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dunlap?

A studio in Dunlap rents for approximately $707/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,280 to afford this.

Is Dunlap considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,267 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Dunlap is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,400 to the local median household income.

How Dunlap Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements