Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Meservey?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Meservey, you need to earn at least $37,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,250, which means the typical resident is $18,890 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 281

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$654	$2,180	$26,160	$-30,090
1 Bedroom	$775	$2,583	$31,000	$-25,250
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$934	$3,113	$37,360	$-18,890
3 Bedroom	$1,139	$3,797	$45,560	$-10,690
4 Bedroom	$1,401	$4,670	$56,040	$-210

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,890

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Meservey's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,406

Studio

$654/mo

1 BR

$775/mo

2 BR

$934/mo

3 BR

$1,139/mo

4 BR

$1,401/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Meservey

Living in Meservey is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,890 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Meservey typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Meservey, a studio at $654/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,139/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $56,040 would position you well — though many residents in Meservey 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 Meservey, Iowa.

With a total population of 281, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 104 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,360 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

104

Active civilian employees in Meservey

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Meservey

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Meservey under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,360. The median household income in Meservey is $56,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Meservey on $56,250?

The affordability verdict for Meservey is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.9%, meaning median earners have a $18,890 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Meservey is $775/month. With a median household income of $56,250, residents spend approximately 19.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Meservey?

A studio in Meservey rents for approximately $654/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,160 to afford this.

Is Meservey considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,890 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Meservey is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,360 to the local median household income.

How Meservey Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements