Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in La Crosse?

To afford a 2-bedroom in La Crosse, you need to earn at least $39,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,136, which means the typical resident is $8,296 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,162

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$697	$2,323	$27,880	$-20,256
1 Bedroom	$827	$2,757	$33,080	$-15,056
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$996	$3,320	$39,840	$-8,296
3 Bedroom	$1,215	$4,050	$48,600	+$464
4 Bedroom	$1,494	$4,980	$59,760	+$11,624

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,136

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,296

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in La Crosse

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with La Crosse's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,203

Studio

$697/mo

1 BR

$827/mo

2 BR

$996/mo

3 BR

$1,215/mo

4 BR

$1,494/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in La Crosse.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to La Crosse

Living in La Crosse is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $8,296 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in La Crosse typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating La Crosse, a studio at $697/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,215/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $48,600.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $59,760 would position you well — though many residents in La Crosse 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 La Crosse, Kansas.

With a total population of 1,162, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 656 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,840 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

656

Active civilian employees in La Crosse

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in La Crosse

What salary do I need to live in La Crosse, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in La Crosse under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,840. The median household income in La Crosse is $48,136.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in La Crosse on $48,136?

The affordability verdict for La Crosse is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.8%, meaning median earners have a $8,296 surplus.

What is the average rent in La Crosse compared to median income?

The median gross rent in La Crosse is $827/month. With a median household income of $48,136, residents spend approximately 24.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in La Crosse?

A studio in La Crosse rents for approximately $697/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,880 to afford this.

Is La Crosse considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,296 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", La Crosse is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,840 to the local median household income.

How La Crosse Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements