Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Carlton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Carlton, you need to earn at least $41,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,232, which means the typical resident is $10,432 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 955

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$732	$2,440	$29,280	$-22,952
1 Bedroom	$867	$2,890	$34,680	$-17,552
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,045	$3,483	$41,800	$-10,432
3 Bedroom	$1,275	$4,250	$51,000	$-1,232
4 Bedroom	$1,568	$5,227	$62,720	+$10,488

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,232

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,432

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Carlton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,306

Studio

$732/mo

1 BR

$867/mo

2 BR

$1,045/mo

3 BR

$1,275/mo

4 BR

$1,568/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Carlton

Living in Carlton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,432 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Carlton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Carlton, a studio at $732/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,275/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $51,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $62,700 would position you well — though many residents in Carlton 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 Carlton, Minnesota.

With a total population of 955, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 356 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,800 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

356

Active civilian employees in Carlton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Carlton

What salary do I need to live in Carlton, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Carlton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,800. The median household income in Carlton is $52,232.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Carlton on $52,232?

The affordability verdict for Carlton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.0%, meaning median earners have a $10,432 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Carlton is $867/month. With a median household income of $52,232, residents spend approximately 24.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Carlton?

A studio in Carlton rents for approximately $732/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,280 to afford this.

Is Carlton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,432 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Carlton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,800 to the local median household income.

How Carlton Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements