Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hiawatha?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hiawatha, you need to earn at least $39,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,610, which means the typical resident is $26,170 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 7,179

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$690	$2,300	$27,600	$-38,010
1 Bedroom	$818	$2,727	$32,720	$-32,890
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$986	$3,287	$39,440	$-26,170
3 Bedroom	$1,203	$4,010	$48,120	$-17,490
4 Bedroom	$1,479	$4,930	$59,160	$-6,450

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,610

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,170

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hiawatha's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,640

Studio

$690/mo

1 BR

$818/mo

2 BR

$986/mo

3 BR

$1,203/mo

4 BR

$1,479/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hiawatha

Hiawatha, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $65,610 significantly exceeds the $39,440 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,170 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hiawatha, a studio at $690/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,203/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $48,120.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $59,160 would position you well — though many residents in Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha, Iowa.

With a total population of 7,179, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,631 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,440 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

3,631

Active civilian employees in Hiawatha

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hiawatha

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hiawatha under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,440. The median household income in Hiawatha is $65,610.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hiawatha on $65,610?

The affordability verdict for Hiawatha is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.0%, meaning median earners have a $26,170 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hiawatha is $818/month. With a median household income of $65,610, residents spend approximately 18.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hiawatha?

A studio in Hiawatha rents for approximately $690/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,600 to afford this.

Is Hiawatha considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,170 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hiawatha is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,440 to the local median household income.

How Hiawatha Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements