Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Madelia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Madelia, you need to earn at least $35,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,625, which means the typical resident is $39,625 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,352

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$613	$2,043	$24,520	$-50,105
1 Bedroom	$726	$2,420	$29,040	$-45,585
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$875	$2,917	$35,000	$-39,625
3 Bedroom	$1,068	$3,560	$42,720	$-31,905
4 Bedroom	$1,313	$4,377	$52,520	$-22,105

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$74,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$39,625

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Madelia's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,866

Studio

$613/mo

1 BR

$726/mo

2 BR

$875/mo

3 BR

$1,068/mo

4 BR

$1,313/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Madelia

Madelia, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $74,625 significantly exceeds the $35,000 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $39,625 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Madelia, a studio at $613/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,068/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $42,720.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $52,500 would position you well — though many residents in Madelia 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 Madelia, Minnesota.

With a total population of 2,352, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,265 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,000 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

1,265

Active civilian employees in Madelia

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Madelia

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Madelia under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,000. The median household income in Madelia is $74,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Madelia on $74,625?

The affordability verdict for Madelia is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.1%, meaning median earners have a $39,625 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Madelia is $726/month. With a median household income of $74,625, residents spend approximately 14.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Madelia?

A studio in Madelia rents for approximately $613/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,520 to afford this.

Is Madelia considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $39,625 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Madelia is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,000 to the local median household income.

How Madelia Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements