Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hartley?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hartley, you need to earn at least $34,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,088, which means the typical resident is $13,408 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,536

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$607	$2,023	$24,280	$-23,808
1 Bedroom	$720	$2,400	$28,800	$-19,288
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$867	$2,890	$34,680	$-13,408
3 Bedroom	$1,058	$3,527	$42,320	$-5,768
4 Bedroom	$1,301	$4,337	$52,040	+$3,952

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,088

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,408

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hartley's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,202

Studio

$607/mo

1 BR

$720/mo

2 BR

$867/mo

3 BR

$1,058/mo

4 BR

$1,301/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hartley

Living in Hartley is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,408 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Hartley typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hartley, a studio at $607/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,058/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $42,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $52,020 would position you well — though many residents in Hartley 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 Hartley, Iowa.

With a total population of 1,536, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 694 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,680 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

694

Active civilian employees in Hartley

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hartley

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hartley under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,680. The median household income in Hartley is $48,088.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hartley on $48,088?

The affordability verdict for Hartley is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.6%, meaning median earners have a $13,408 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hartley is $720/month. With a median household income of $48,088, residents spend approximately 21.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hartley?

A studio in Hartley rents for approximately $607/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,280 to afford this.

Is Hartley considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,408 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hartley is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,680 to the local median household income.

How Hartley Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements