Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Leslie?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Leslie, you need to earn at least $42,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $68,920, which means the typical resident is $26,040 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,154

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$750	$2,500	$30,000	$-38,920
1 Bedroom	$890	$2,967	$35,600	$-33,320
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,072	$3,573	$42,880	$-26,040
3 Bedroom	$1,308	$4,360	$52,320	$-16,600
4 Bedroom	$1,608	$5,360	$64,320	$-4,600

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$68,920

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,040

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Leslie's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,723

Studio

$750/mo

1 BR

$890/mo

2 BR

$1,072/mo

3 BR

$1,308/mo

4 BR

$1,608/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Leslie

Leslie, Michigan stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $68,920 significantly exceeds the $42,880 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,040 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Leslie, a studio at $750/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,308/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $52,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $64,320 would position you well — though many residents in Leslie 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 Leslie, Michigan.

With a total population of 2,154, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,028 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,880 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

1,028

Active civilian employees in Leslie

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Leslie

What salary do I need to live in Leslie, Michigan?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Leslie under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,880. The median household income in Leslie is $68,920.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Leslie on $68,920?

The affordability verdict for Leslie is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.7%, meaning median earners have a $26,040 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Leslie is $890/month. With a median household income of $68,920, residents spend approximately 18.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Leslie?

A studio in Leslie rents for approximately $750/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,000 to afford this.

Is Leslie considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,040 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Leslie is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,880 to the local median household income.

How Leslie Compares

Other cities in Michigan with salary requirements