Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lake Mills?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Mills, you need to earn at least $30,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,750, which means the typical resident is $33,070 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,965

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$537	$1,790	$21,480	$-42,270
1 Bedroom	$637	$2,123	$25,480	$-38,270
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$767	$2,557	$30,680	$-33,070
3 Bedroom	$936	$3,120	$37,440	$-26,310
4 Bedroom	$1,151	$3,837	$46,040	$-17,710

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$33,070

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Lake Mills

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lake Mills's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,594

Studio

$537/mo

1 BR

$637/mo

2 BR

$767/mo

3 BR

$936/mo

4 BR

$1,151/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Lake Mills.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lake Mills

Lake Mills, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $63,750 significantly exceeds the $30,680 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $33,070 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lake Mills, a studio at $537/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $936/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $46,020 would position you well — though many residents in Lake Mills 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 Lake Mills, Iowa.

With a total population of 1,965, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,030 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,680 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

1,030

Active civilian employees in Lake Mills

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lake Mills

What salary do I need to live in Lake Mills, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Mills under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,680. The median household income in Lake Mills is $63,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Mills on $63,750?

The affordability verdict for Lake Mills is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.4%, meaning median earners have a $33,070 surplus.

What is the average rent in Lake Mills compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Lake Mills is $637/month. With a median household income of $63,750, residents spend approximately 14.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lake Mills?

A studio in Lake Mills rents for approximately $537/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,480 to afford this.

Is Lake Mills considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $33,070 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lake Mills is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,680 to the local median household income.

How Lake Mills Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements