Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pacific Junction?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pacific Junction, you need to earn at least $52,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,625, which means the typical resident is $8,255 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 167

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$925	$3,083	$37,000	$-7,625
1 Bedroom	$1,097	$3,657	$43,880	$-745
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,322	$4,407	$52,880	+$8,255
3 Bedroom	$1,613	$5,377	$64,520	+$19,895
4 Bedroom	$1,983	$6,610	$79,320	+$34,695

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$8,255

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 35.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Pacific Junction

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pacific Junction's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,116

Studio

$925/mo

1 BR

$1,097/mo

2 BR

$1,322/mo

3 BR

$1,613/mo

4 BR

$1,983/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Pacific Junction.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pacific Junction

Pacific Junction's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,322/month requires $52,880/year — about $8,255 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Pacific Junction, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($925–$1,097/month) unless your income exceeds $52,880. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $661/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Pacific Junction is approximately $79,320. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Pacific Junction, Iowa.

With a total population of 167, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 77 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,880 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

Active civilian employees in Pacific Junction

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pacific Junction

What salary do I need to live in Pacific Junction, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pacific Junction under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,880. The median household income in Pacific Junction is $44,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pacific Junction on $44,625?

The affordability verdict for Pacific Junction is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 35.5%, meaning there's a $8,255 income gap.

What is the average rent in Pacific Junction compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Pacific Junction is $1,097/month. With a median household income of $44,625, residents spend approximately 35.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pacific Junction?

A studio in Pacific Junction rents for approximately $925/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,000 to afford this.

Is Pacific Junction considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $8,255 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Pacific Junction is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,880 to the local median household income.

How Pacific Junction Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements