Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Indianola?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Indianola, you need to earn at least $44,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $73,534, which means the typical resident is $29,494 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 15,845

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$771	$2,570	$30,840	$-42,694
1 Bedroom	$914	$3,047	$36,560	$-36,974
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,101	$3,670	$44,040	$-29,494
3 Bedroom	$1,343	$4,477	$53,720	$-19,814
4 Bedroom	$1,652	$5,507	$66,080	$-7,454

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$73,534

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$29,494

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Indianola's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,838

Studio

$771/mo

1 BR

$914/mo

2 BR

$1,101/mo

3 BR

$1,343/mo

4 BR

$1,652/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Indianola

Indianola, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $73,534 significantly exceeds the $44,040 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $29,494 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Indianola, a studio at $771/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,343/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $53,720.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,060 would position you well — though many residents in Indianola 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 Indianola, Iowa.

With a total population of 15,845, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,805 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,040 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

7,805

Active civilian employees in Indianola

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Indianola

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Indianola under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,040. The median household income in Indianola is $73,534.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Indianola on $73,534?

The affordability verdict for Indianola is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.0%, meaning median earners have a $29,494 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Indianola is $914/month. With a median household income of $73,534, residents spend approximately 18.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Indianola?

A studio in Indianola rents for approximately $771/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,840 to afford this.

Is Indianola considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $29,494 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Indianola is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,040 to the local median household income.

How Indianola Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements