Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Holy Cross?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Holy Cross, you need to earn at least $23,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $72,857, which means the typical resident is $49,337 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 288

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$412	$1,373	$16,480	$-56,377
1 Bedroom	$488	$1,627	$19,520	$-53,337
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$588	$1,960	$23,520	$-49,337
3 Bedroom	$717	$2,390	$28,680	$-44,177
4 Bedroom	$882	$2,940	$35,280	$-37,577

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$72,857

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$23,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$49,337

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 9.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Holy Cross

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Holy Cross's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,821

Studio

$412/mo

1 BR

$488/mo

2 BR

$588/mo

3 BR

$717/mo

4 BR

$882/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Holy Cross.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Holy Cross

Holy Cross, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $72,857 significantly exceeds the $23,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $49,337 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Holy Cross, a studio at $412/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $717/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $28,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $35,280 would position you well — though many residents in Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross, Iowa.

With a total population of 288, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 165 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $23,520 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

165

Active civilian employees in Holy Cross

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Holy Cross

What salary do I need to live in Holy Cross, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Holy Cross under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $23,520. The median household income in Holy Cross is $72,857.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Holy Cross on $72,857?

The affordability verdict for Holy Cross is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 9.7%, meaning median earners have a $49,337 surplus.

What is the average rent in Holy Cross compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Holy Cross is $488/month. With a median household income of $72,857, residents spend approximately 9.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Holy Cross?

A studio in Holy Cross rents for approximately $412/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,480 to afford this.

Is Holy Cross considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $49,337 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Holy Cross is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $23,520 to the local median household income.

How Holy Cross Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements