Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kensett?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kensett, you need to earn at least $30,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,273, which means the typical resident is $6,633 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 275

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$536	$1,787	$21,440	$-15,833
1 Bedroom	$636	$2,120	$25,440	$-11,833
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$766	$2,553	$30,640	$-6,633
3 Bedroom	$935	$3,117	$37,400	+$127
4 Bedroom	$1,149	$3,830	$45,960	+$8,687

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,273

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,633

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kensett's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$932

Studio

$536/mo

1 BR

$636/mo

2 BR

$766/mo

3 BR

$935/mo

4 BR

$1,149/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kensett

Living in Kensett is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $6,633 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Kensett typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kensett, a studio at $536/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $935/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $45,960 would position you well — though many residents in Kensett 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 Kensett, Iowa.

With a total population of 275, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 127 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,640 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

127

Active civilian employees in Kensett

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kensett

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kensett under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,640. The median household income in Kensett is $37,273.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kensett on $37,273?

The affordability verdict for Kensett is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.7%, meaning median earners have a $6,633 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Kensett is $636/month. With a median household income of $37,273, residents spend approximately 24.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kensett?

A studio in Kensett rents for approximately $536/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,440 to afford this.

Is Kensett considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,633 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kensett is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,640 to the local median household income.

How Kensett Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements