Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Le Mars?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Le Mars, you need to earn at least $40,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $73,734, which means the typical resident is $33,534 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,549

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$704	$2,347	$28,160	$-45,574
1 Bedroom	$834	$2,780	$33,360	$-40,374
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,005	$3,350	$40,200	$-33,534
3 Bedroom	$1,226	$4,087	$49,040	$-24,694
4 Bedroom	$1,508	$5,027	$60,320	$-13,414

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$73,734

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$33,534

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Le Mars

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Le Mars's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,843

Studio

$704/mo

1 BR

$834/mo

2 BR

$1,005/mo

3 BR

$1,226/mo

4 BR

$1,508/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Le Mars.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Le Mars

Le Mars, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $73,734 significantly exceeds the $40,200 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $33,534 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Le Mars, a studio at $704/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,226/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $60,300 would position you well — though many residents in Le Mars 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 Le Mars, Iowa.

With a total population of 10,549, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,516 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,200 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

5,516

Active civilian employees in Le Mars

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Le Mars

What salary do I need to live in Le Mars, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Le Mars under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,200. The median household income in Le Mars is $73,734.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Le Mars on $73,734?

The affordability verdict for Le Mars is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.4%, meaning median earners have a $33,534 surplus.

What is the average rent in Le Mars compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Le Mars is $834/month. With a median household income of $73,734, residents spend approximately 16.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Le Mars?

A studio in Le Mars rents for approximately $704/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,160 to afford this.

Is Le Mars considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $33,534 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Le Mars is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,200 to the local median household income.

How Le Mars Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements