Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sumner?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sumner, you need to earn at least $28,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,926, which means the typical resident is $31,446 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,145

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$498	$1,660	$19,920	$-40,006
1 Bedroom	$591	$1,970	$23,640	$-36,286
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$712	$2,373	$28,480	$-31,446
3 Bedroom	$869	$2,897	$34,760	$-25,166
4 Bedroom	$1,068	$3,560	$42,720	$-17,206

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,926

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$28,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$31,446

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Sumner's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,498

Studio

$498/mo

1 BR

$591/mo

2 BR

$712/mo

3 BR

$869/mo

4 BR

$1,068/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Sumner

Sumner, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $59,926 significantly exceeds the $28,480 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $31,446 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Sumner, a studio at $498/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $869/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $34,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $42,720 would position you well — though many residents in Sumner 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 Sumner, Iowa.

With a total population of 2,145, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,011 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $28,480 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

1,011

Active civilian employees in Sumner

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Sumner

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Sumner under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $28,480. The median household income in Sumner is $59,926.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Sumner on $59,926?

The affordability verdict for Sumner is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.3%, meaning median earners have a $31,446 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Sumner is $591/month. With a median household income of $59,926, residents spend approximately 14.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Sumner?

A studio in Sumner rents for approximately $498/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $19,920 to afford this.

Is Sumner considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $31,446 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Sumner is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $28,480 to the local median household income.

How Sumner Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements