Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Maquoketa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Maquoketa, you need to earn at least $33,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,462, which means the typical resident is $19,582 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,123

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$593	$1,977	$23,720	$-29,742
1 Bedroom	$703	$2,343	$28,120	$-25,342
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$847	$2,823	$33,880	$-19,582
3 Bedroom	$1,033	$3,443	$41,320	$-12,142
4 Bedroom	$1,271	$4,237	$50,840	$-2,622

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,462

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,582

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Maquoketa's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,337

Studio

$593/mo

1 BR

$703/mo

2 BR

$847/mo

3 BR

$1,033/mo

4 BR

$1,271/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Maquoketa

Living in Maquoketa is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,582 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Maquoketa typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Maquoketa, a studio at $593/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,033/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,820 would position you well — though many residents in Maquoketa 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 Maquoketa, Iowa.

With a total population of 6,123, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,679 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,880 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

2,679

Active civilian employees in Maquoketa

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Maquoketa

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Maquoketa under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,880. The median household income in Maquoketa is $53,462.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Maquoketa on $53,462?

The affordability verdict for Maquoketa is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.0%, meaning median earners have a $19,582 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Maquoketa is $703/month. With a median household income of $53,462, residents spend approximately 19.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Maquoketa?

A studio in Maquoketa rents for approximately $593/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,720 to afford this.

Is Maquoketa considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,582 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Maquoketa is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,880 to the local median household income.

How Maquoketa Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements