Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Martensdale?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Martensdale, you need to earn at least $39,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,786, which means the typical resident is $7,466 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 579

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$688	$2,293	$27,520	$-19,266
1 Bedroom	$816	$2,720	$32,640	$-14,146
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$983	$3,277	$39,320	$-7,466
3 Bedroom	$1,199	$3,997	$47,960	+$1,174
4 Bedroom	$1,475	$4,917	$59,000	+$12,214

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,786

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,466

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Martensdale's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,170

Studio

$688/mo

1 BR

$816/mo

2 BR

$983/mo

3 BR

$1,199/mo

4 BR

$1,475/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Martensdale

Renting in Martensdale, Iowa is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $39,320/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $46,786, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($816/month) or studio ($688/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Martensdale pushes the required income to $47,960.

For comfortable living in Martensdale without financial stress, target a household income of at least $58,980 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Iowa's cost of living.

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 Martensdale, Iowa.

With a total population of 579, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 283 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,320 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

283

Active civilian employees in Martensdale

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Martensdale

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Martensdale under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,320. The median household income in Martensdale is $46,786.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Martensdale on $46,786?

The affordability verdict for Martensdale is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.2%, meaning median earners have a $7,466 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Martensdale is $816/month. With a median household income of $46,786, residents spend approximately 25.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Martensdale?

A studio in Martensdale rents for approximately $688/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,520 to afford this.

Is Martensdale considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,466 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Martensdale is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,320 to the local median household income.

How Martensdale Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements