Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in La Crescent?

To afford a 2-bedroom in La Crescent, you need to earn at least $45,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $70,813, which means the typical resident is $24,893 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,352

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$804	$2,680	$32,160	$-38,653
1 Bedroom	$953	$3,177	$38,120	$-32,693
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,148	$3,827	$45,920	$-24,893
3 Bedroom	$1,401	$4,670	$56,040	$-14,773
4 Bedroom	$1,722	$5,740	$68,880	$-1,933

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$70,813

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$24,893

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in La Crescent

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with La Crescent's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,770

Studio

$804/mo

1 BR

$953/mo

2 BR

$1,148/mo

3 BR

$1,401/mo

4 BR

$1,722/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in La Crescent.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to La Crescent

La Crescent, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $70,813 significantly exceeds the $45,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $24,893 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating La Crescent, a studio at $804/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,401/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $56,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $68,880 would position you well — though many residents in La Crescent 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 La Crescent, Minnesota.

With a total population of 5,352, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,119 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,920 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

3,119

Active civilian employees in La Crescent

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in La Crescent

What salary do I need to live in La Crescent, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in La Crescent under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,920. The median household income in La Crescent is $70,813.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in La Crescent on $70,813?

The affordability verdict for La Crescent is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.5%, meaning median earners have a $24,893 surplus.

What is the average rent in La Crescent compared to median income?

The median gross rent in La Crescent is $953/month. With a median household income of $70,813, residents spend approximately 19.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in La Crescent?

A studio in La Crescent rents for approximately $804/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,160 to afford this.

Is La Crescent considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $24,893 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", La Crescent is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,920 to the local median household income.

How La Crescent Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements