Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Leighton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Leighton, you need to earn at least $34,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $66,250, which means the typical resident is $31,610 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 179

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$606	$2,020	$24,240	$-42,010
1 Bedroom	$719	$2,397	$28,760	$-37,490
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$866	$2,887	$34,640	$-31,610
3 Bedroom	$1,057	$3,523	$42,280	$-23,970
4 Bedroom	$1,299	$4,330	$51,960	$-14,290

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$66,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$31,610

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 15.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Leighton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,656

Studio

$606/mo

1 BR

$719/mo

2 BR

$866/mo

3 BR

$1,057/mo

4 BR

$1,299/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Leighton

Leighton, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $66,250 significantly exceeds the $34,640 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $31,610 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Leighton, a studio at $606/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,057/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $42,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $51,960 would position you well — though many residents in Leighton 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 Leighton, Iowa.

With a total population of 179, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 112 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,640 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

112

Active civilian employees in Leighton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Leighton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Leighton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,640. The median household income in Leighton is $66,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Leighton on $66,250?

The affordability verdict for Leighton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 15.7%, meaning median earners have a $31,610 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Leighton is $719/month. With a median household income of $66,250, residents spend approximately 15.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Leighton?

A studio in Leighton rents for approximately $606/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,240 to afford this.

Is Leighton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $31,610 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Leighton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,640 to the local median household income.

How Leighton Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements