Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Otho?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Otho, you need to earn at least $26,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $40,673, which means the typical resident is $14,153 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 421

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$464	$1,547	$18,560	$-22,113
1 Bedroom	$550	$1,833	$22,000	$-18,673
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$663	$2,210	$26,520	$-14,153
3 Bedroom	$809	$2,697	$32,360	$-8,313
4 Bedroom	$995	$3,317	$39,800	$-873

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$40,673

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,153

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Otho's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,017

Studio

$464/mo

1 BR

$550/mo

2 BR

$663/mo

3 BR

$809/mo

4 BR

$995/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Otho

Living in Otho is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,153 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Otho typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Otho, a studio at $464/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $809/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $32,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $39,780 would position you well — though many residents in Otho 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 Otho, Iowa.

With a total population of 421, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 199 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,520 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

199

Active civilian employees in Otho

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Otho

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Otho under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,520. The median household income in Otho is $40,673.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Otho on $40,673?

The affordability verdict for Otho is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.6%, meaning median earners have a $14,153 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Otho is $550/month. With a median household income of $40,673, residents spend approximately 19.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Otho?

A studio in Otho rents for approximately $464/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,560 to afford this.

Is Otho considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,153 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Otho is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,520 to the local median household income.

How Otho Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements