Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fort Madison?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Madison, you need to earn at least $38,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,944, which means the typical resident is $10,104 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,293

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$680	$2,267	$27,200	$-21,744
1 Bedroom	$806	$2,687	$32,240	$-16,704
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$971	$3,237	$38,840	$-10,104
3 Bedroom	$1,185	$3,950	$47,400	$-1,544
4 Bedroom	$1,457	$4,857	$58,280	+$9,336

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,944

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,104

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fort Madison

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fort Madison's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,224

Studio

$680/mo

1 BR

$806/mo

2 BR

$971/mo

3 BR

$1,185/mo

4 BR

$1,457/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fort Madison.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fort Madison

Living in Fort Madison is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,104 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fort Madison typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fort Madison, a studio at $680/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,185/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,260 would position you well — though many residents in Fort Madison 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 Fort Madison, Iowa.

With a total population of 10,293, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,564 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,840 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

4,564

Active civilian employees in Fort Madison

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fort Madison

What salary do I need to live in Fort Madison, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Madison under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,840. The median household income in Fort Madison is $48,944.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Madison on $48,944?

The affordability verdict for Fort Madison is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $10,104 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fort Madison compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fort Madison is $806/month. With a median household income of $48,944, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fort Madison?

A studio in Fort Madison rents for approximately $680/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,200 to afford this.

Is Fort Madison considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,104 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fort Madison is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,840 to the local median household income.

How Fort Madison Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements