Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Martelle?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Martelle, you need to earn at least $31,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $98,438, which means the typical resident is $66,478 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 411

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$559	$1,863	$22,360	$-76,078
1 Bedroom	$663	$2,210	$26,520	$-71,918
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$799	$2,663	$31,960	$-66,478
3 Bedroom	$975	$3,250	$39,000	$-59,438
4 Bedroom	$1,199	$3,997	$47,960	$-50,478

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$98,438

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$66,478

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 9.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Martelle's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,461

Studio

$559/mo

1 BR

$663/mo

2 BR

$799/mo

3 BR

$975/mo

4 BR

$1,199/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Martelle

Martelle, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $98,438 significantly exceeds the $31,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $66,478 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Martelle, a studio at $559/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $975/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $47,940 would position you well — though many residents in Martelle 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 Martelle, Iowa.

With a total population of 411, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 222 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,960 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

222

Active civilian employees in Martelle

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Martelle

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Martelle under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,960. The median household income in Martelle is $98,438.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Martelle on $98,438?

The affordability verdict for Martelle is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 9.7%, meaning median earners have a $66,478 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Martelle is $663/month. With a median household income of $98,438, residents spend approximately 9.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Martelle?

A studio in Martelle rents for approximately $559/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,360 to afford this.

Is Martelle considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $66,478 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Martelle is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,960 to the local median household income.

How Martelle Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements