Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Walnut?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Walnut, you need to earn at least $38,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,364, which means the typical resident is $17,684 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 990

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$677	$2,257	$27,080	$-29,284
1 Bedroom	$803	$2,677	$32,120	$-24,244
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$967	$3,223	$38,680	$-17,684
3 Bedroom	$1,180	$3,933	$47,200	$-9,164
4 Bedroom	$1,451	$4,837	$58,040	+$1,676

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,364

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,684

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Walnut's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,409

Studio

$677/mo

1 BR

$803/mo

2 BR

$967/mo

3 BR

$1,180/mo

4 BR

$1,451/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Walnut

Living in Walnut is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,684 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Walnut typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Walnut, a studio at $677/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,180/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,020 would position you well — though many residents in Walnut 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 Walnut, Iowa.

With a total population of 990, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 350 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,680 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

350

Active civilian employees in Walnut

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Walnut

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Walnut under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,680. The median household income in Walnut is $56,364.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Walnut on $56,364?

The affordability verdict for Walnut is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.6%, meaning median earners have a $17,684 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Walnut is $803/month. With a median household income of $56,364, residents spend approximately 20.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Walnut?

A studio in Walnut rents for approximately $677/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,080 to afford this.

Is Walnut considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,684 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Walnut is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,680 to the local median household income.

How Walnut Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements