Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ellendale?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ellendale, you need to earn at least $40,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,000, which means the typical resident is $24,840 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 594

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$703	$2,343	$28,120	$-36,880
1 Bedroom	$833	$2,777	$33,320	$-31,680
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,004	$3,347	$40,160	$-24,840
3 Bedroom	$1,225	$4,083	$49,000	$-16,000
4 Bedroom	$1,506	$5,020	$60,240	$-4,760

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$24,840

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ellendale's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,625

Studio

$703/mo

1 BR

$833/mo

2 BR

$1,004/mo

3 BR

$1,225/mo

4 BR

$1,506/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ellendale

Ellendale, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $65,000 significantly exceeds the $40,160 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $24,840 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Ellendale, a studio at $703/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,225/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $60,240 would position you well — though many residents in Ellendale 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 Ellendale, Minnesota.

With a total population of 594, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 368 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,160 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

368

Active civilian employees in Ellendale

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ellendale

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ellendale under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,160. The median household income in Ellendale is $65,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ellendale on $65,000?

The affordability verdict for Ellendale is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.5%, meaning median earners have a $24,840 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Ellendale is $833/month. With a median household income of $65,000, residents spend approximately 18.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ellendale?

A studio in Ellendale rents for approximately $703/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,120 to afford this.

Is Ellendale considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $24,840 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Ellendale is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,160 to the local median household income.

How Ellendale Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements