Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fergus Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fergus Falls, you need to earn at least $36,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,738, which means the typical resident is $12,338 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 14,108

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$637	$2,123	$25,480	$-23,258
1 Bedroom	$755	$2,517	$30,200	$-18,538
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$910	$3,033	$36,400	$-12,338
3 Bedroom	$1,110	$3,700	$44,400	$-4,338
4 Bedroom	$1,365	$4,550	$54,600	+$5,862

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,738

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,338

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fergus Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fergus Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,218

Studio

$637/mo

1 BR

$755/mo

2 BR

$910/mo

3 BR

$1,110/mo

4 BR

$1,365/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fergus Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fergus Falls

Living in Fergus Falls is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,338 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fergus Falls typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fergus Falls, a studio at $637/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,110/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $44,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $54,600 would position you well — though many residents in Fergus Falls 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 Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

With a total population of 14,108, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,566 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,400 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

6,566

Active civilian employees in Fergus Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fergus Falls

What salary do I need to live in Fergus Falls, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fergus Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,400. The median household income in Fergus Falls is $48,738.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fergus Falls on $48,738?

The affordability verdict for Fergus Falls is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $12,338 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fergus Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fergus Falls is $755/month. With a median household income of $48,738, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fergus Falls?

A studio in Fergus Falls rents for approximately $637/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,480 to afford this.

Is Fergus Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,338 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fergus Falls is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,400 to the local median household income.

How Fergus Falls Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements