Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Orono?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Orono, you need to earn at least $78,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $173,209, which means the typical resident is $94,289 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,223

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,381	$4,603	$55,240	$-117,969
1 Bedroom	$1,638	$5,460	$65,520	$-107,689
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,973	$6,577	$78,920	$-94,289
3 Bedroom	$2,407	$8,023	$96,280	$-76,929
4 Bedroom	$2,960	$9,867	$118,400	$-54,809

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$173,209

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$78,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$94,289

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 13.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Orono's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$4,330

Studio

$1,381/mo

1 BR

$1,638/mo

2 BR

$1,973/mo

3 BR

$2,407/mo

4 BR

$2,960/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Orono

Orono, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $173,209 significantly exceeds the $78,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $94,289 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Orono, a studio at $1,381/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,407/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $96,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $118,380 would position you well — though many residents in Orono 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 Orono, Minnesota.

With a total population of 8,223, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,123 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $78,920 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

4,123

Active civilian employees in Orono

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Orono

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Orono under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $78,920. The median household income in Orono is $173,209.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Orono on $173,209?

The affordability verdict for Orono is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 13.7%, meaning median earners have a $94,289 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Orono is $1,638/month. With a median household income of $173,209, residents spend approximately 13.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Orono?

A studio in Orono rents for approximately $1,381/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $55,240 to afford this.

Is Orono considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $94,289 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Orono is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $78,920 to the local median household income.

How Orono Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements