Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Freeborn?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Freeborn, you need to earn at least $74,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,083, which means the typical resident is $37,597 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 304

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,307	$4,357	$52,280	+$15,197
1 Bedroom	$1,550	$5,167	$62,000	+$24,917
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,867	$6,223	$74,680	+$37,597
3 Bedroom	$2,278	$7,593	$91,120	+$54,037
4 Bedroom	$2,801	$9,337	$112,040	+$74,957

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,083

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$74,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$37,597

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 60.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Freeborn's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$927

Studio

$1,307/mo

1 BR

$1,550/mo

2 BR

$1,867/mo

3 BR

$2,278/mo

4 BR

$2,801/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Freeborn

Freeborn, Minnesota is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $37,083 faces a staggering $37,597 deficit against the $74,680 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Freeborn, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,307/month, which requires $52,280/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$934/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Minnesota city.

To live comfortably in Freeborn without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $112,020 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Minnesota's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Freeborn, Minnesota.

With a total population of 304, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 119 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $74,680 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

119

Active civilian employees in Freeborn

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Freeborn

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Freeborn under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $74,680. The median household income in Freeborn is $37,083.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Freeborn on $37,083?

The affordability verdict for Freeborn is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 60.4%, meaning there's a $37,597 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Freeborn is $1,550/month. With a median household income of $37,083, residents spend approximately 60.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Freeborn?

A studio in Freeborn rents for approximately $1,307/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $52,280 to afford this.

Is Freeborn considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $37,597 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Freeborn is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $74,680 to the local median household income.

How Freeborn Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements