Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ute?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ute, you need to earn at least $34,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,250, which means the typical resident is $16,490 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 331

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$608	$2,027	$24,320	$-26,930
1 Bedroom	$721	$2,403	$28,840	$-22,410
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$869	$2,897	$34,760	$-16,490
3 Bedroom	$1,060	$3,533	$42,400	$-8,850
4 Bedroom	$1,304	$4,347	$52,160	+$910

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$34,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,490

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ute's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,281

Studio

$608/mo

1 BR

$721/mo

2 BR

$869/mo

3 BR

$1,060/mo

4 BR

$1,304/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ute

Living in Ute is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $16,490 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Ute typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Ute, a studio at $608/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,060/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $42,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $52,140 would position you well — though many residents in Ute 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 Ute, Iowa.

With a total population of 331, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 168 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $34,760 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

168

Active civilian employees in Ute

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ute

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ute under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $34,760. The median household income in Ute is $51,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ute on $51,250?

The affordability verdict for Ute is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.3%, meaning median earners have a $16,490 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Ute is $721/month. With a median household income of $51,250, residents spend approximately 20.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ute?

A studio in Ute rents for approximately $608/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,320 to afford this.

Is Ute considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,490 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Ute is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $34,760 to the local median household income.

How Ute Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements