Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wapello?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wapello, you need to earn at least $33,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $68,403, which means the typical resident is $34,563 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,861

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$592	$1,973	$23,680	$-44,723
1 Bedroom	$702	$2,340	$28,080	$-40,323
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$846	$2,820	$33,840	$-34,563
3 Bedroom	$1,032	$3,440	$41,280	$-27,123
4 Bedroom	$1,269	$4,230	$50,760	$-17,643

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$68,403

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$34,563

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wapello's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,710

Studio

$592/mo

1 BR

$702/mo

2 BR

$846/mo

3 BR

$1,032/mo

4 BR

$1,269/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wapello

Wapello, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $68,403 significantly exceeds the $33,840 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $34,563 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wapello, a studio at $592/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,032/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,760 would position you well — though many residents in Wapello 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 Wapello, Iowa.

With a total population of 1,861, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 996 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,840 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

996

Active civilian employees in Wapello

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wapello

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wapello under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,840. The median household income in Wapello is $68,403.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wapello on $68,403?

The affordability verdict for Wapello is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.8%, meaning median earners have a $34,563 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wapello is $702/month. With a median household income of $68,403, residents spend approximately 14.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wapello?

A studio in Wapello rents for approximately $592/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,680 to afford this.

Is Wapello considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $34,563 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wapello is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,840 to the local median household income.

How Wapello Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements