Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Guthrie Center?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Guthrie Center, you need to earn at least $37,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,607, which means the typical resident is $24,367 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,605

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$652	$2,173	$26,080	$-35,527
1 Bedroom	$773	$2,577	$30,920	$-30,687
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$931	$3,103	$37,240	$-24,367
3 Bedroom	$1,136	$3,787	$45,440	$-16,167
4 Bedroom	$1,397	$4,657	$55,880	$-5,727

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,607

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$24,367

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Guthrie Center

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Guthrie Center's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,540

Studio

$652/mo

1 BR

$773/mo

2 BR

$931/mo

3 BR

$1,136/mo

4 BR

$1,397/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Guthrie Center.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Guthrie Center

Guthrie Center, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $61,607 significantly exceeds the $37,240 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $24,367 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Guthrie Center, a studio at $652/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,136/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,860 would position you well — though many residents in Guthrie Center 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 Guthrie Center, Iowa.

With a total population of 1,605, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 812 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,240 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

812

Active civilian employees in Guthrie Center

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Guthrie Center

What salary do I need to live in Guthrie Center, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Guthrie Center under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,240. The median household income in Guthrie Center is $61,607.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Guthrie Center on $61,607?

The affordability verdict for Guthrie Center is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.1%, meaning median earners have a $24,367 surplus.

What is the average rent in Guthrie Center compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Guthrie Center is $773/month. With a median household income of $61,607, residents spend approximately 18.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Guthrie Center?

A studio in Guthrie Center rents for approximately $652/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,080 to afford this.

Is Guthrie Center considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $24,367 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Guthrie Center is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,240 to the local median household income.

How Guthrie Center Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements