Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Smith Center?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Smith Center, you need to earn at least $29,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $49,444, which means the typical resident is $19,604 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,539

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$522	$1,740	$20,880	$-28,564
1 Bedroom	$619	$2,063	$24,760	$-24,684
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$746	$2,487	$29,840	$-19,604
3 Bedroom	$910	$3,033	$36,400	$-13,044
4 Bedroom	$1,119	$3,730	$44,760	$-4,684

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$49,444

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,604

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Smith Center

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Smith Center's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,236

Studio

$522/mo

1 BR

$619/mo

2 BR

$746/mo

3 BR

$910/mo

4 BR

$1,119/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Smith Center.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Smith Center

Living in Smith Center is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,604 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Smith Center typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Smith Center, a studio at $522/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $910/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $36,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $44,760 would position you well — though many residents in Smith Center 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 Smith Center, Kansas.

With a total population of 1,539, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 751 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,840 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

751

Active civilian employees in Smith Center

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Smith Center

What salary do I need to live in Smith Center, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Smith Center under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,840. The median household income in Smith Center is $49,444.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Smith Center on $49,444?

The affordability verdict for Smith Center is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.1%, meaning median earners have a $19,604 surplus.

What is the average rent in Smith Center compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Smith Center is $619/month. With a median household income of $49,444, residents spend approximately 18.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Smith Center?

A studio in Smith Center rents for approximately $522/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,880 to afford this.

Is Smith Center considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,604 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Smith Center is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,840 to the local median household income.

How Smith Center Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements