Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Russell?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Russell, you need to earn at least $32,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,375, which means the typical resident is $11,495 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 532

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$575	$1,917	$23,000	$-21,375
1 Bedroom	$682	$2,273	$27,280	$-17,095
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$822	$2,740	$32,880	$-11,495
3 Bedroom	$1,003	$3,343	$40,120	$-4,255
4 Bedroom	$1,233	$4,110	$49,320	+$4,945

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,375

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,495

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Russell's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,109

Studio

$575/mo

1 BR

$682/mo

2 BR

$822/mo

3 BR

$1,003/mo

4 BR

$1,233/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Russell

Living in Russell is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,495 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Russell typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Russell, a studio at $575/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,003/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $40,120.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $49,320 would position you well — though many residents in Russell 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 Russell, Iowa.

With a total population of 532, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 225 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,880 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

225

Active civilian employees in Russell

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Russell

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Russell under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,880. The median household income in Russell is $44,375.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Russell on $44,375?

The affordability verdict for Russell is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $11,495 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Russell is $682/month. With a median household income of $44,375, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Russell?

A studio in Russell rents for approximately $575/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,000 to afford this.

Is Russell considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,495 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Russell is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,880 to the local median household income.

How Russell Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements