Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hills?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hills, you need to earn at least $47,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,917, which means the typical resident is $30,557 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 817

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$829	$2,763	$33,160	$-44,757
1 Bedroom	$983	$3,277	$39,320	$-38,597
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,184	$3,947	$47,360	$-30,557
3 Bedroom	$1,444	$4,813	$57,760	$-20,157
4 Bedroom	$1,776	$5,920	$71,040	$-6,877

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,917

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$47,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$30,557

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hills's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,948

Studio

$829/mo

1 BR

$983/mo

2 BR

$1,184/mo

3 BR

$1,444/mo

4 BR

$1,776/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hills

Hills, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $77,917 significantly exceeds the $47,360 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $30,557 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Hills, a studio at $829/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,444/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $57,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $71,040 would position you well — though many residents in Hills 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 Hills, Minnesota.

With a total population of 817, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 409 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $47,360 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

409

Active civilian employees in Hills

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hills

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hills under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $47,360. The median household income in Hills is $77,917.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hills on $77,917?

The affordability verdict for Hills is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.2%, meaning median earners have a $30,557 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hills is $983/month. With a median household income of $77,917, residents spend approximately 18.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hills?

A studio in Hills rents for approximately $829/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,160 to afford this.

Is Hills considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $30,557 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Hills is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $47,360 to the local median household income.

How Hills Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements