Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lost Nation?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lost Nation, you need to earn at least $21,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,250, which means the typical resident is $25,090 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 407

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$370	$1,233	$14,800	$-31,450
1 Bedroom	$439	$1,463	$17,560	$-28,690
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$529	$1,763	$21,160	$-25,090
3 Bedroom	$645	$2,150	$25,800	$-20,450
4 Bedroom	$794	$2,647	$31,760	$-14,490

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$21,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$25,090

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 13.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Lost Nation

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lost Nation's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,156

Studio

$370/mo

1 BR

$439/mo

2 BR

$529/mo

3 BR

$645/mo

4 BR

$794/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Lost Nation.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lost Nation

Lost Nation, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $46,250 significantly exceeds the $21,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $25,090 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lost Nation, a studio at $370/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $645/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $25,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $31,740 would position you well — though many residents in Lost Nation 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 Lost Nation, Iowa.

With a total population of 407, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 162 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $21,160 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

162

Active civilian employees in Lost Nation

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lost Nation

What salary do I need to live in Lost Nation, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lost Nation under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $21,160. The median household income in Lost Nation is $46,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lost Nation on $46,250?

The affordability verdict for Lost Nation is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 13.7%, meaning median earners have a $25,090 surplus.

What is the average rent in Lost Nation compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Lost Nation is $439/month. With a median household income of $46,250, residents spend approximately 13.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lost Nation?

A studio in Lost Nation rents for approximately $370/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $14,800 to afford this.

Is Lost Nation considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $25,090 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lost Nation is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $21,160 to the local median household income.

How Lost Nation Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements