Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Owatonna?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Owatonna, you need to earn at least $44,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $78,295, which means the typical resident is $33,735 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 26,400

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$780	$2,600	$31,200	$-47,095
1 Bedroom	$925	$3,083	$37,000	$-41,295
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,114	$3,713	$44,560	$-33,735
3 Bedroom	$1,359	$4,530	$54,360	$-23,935
4 Bedroom	$1,671	$5,570	$66,840	$-11,455

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$78,295

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$33,735

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Owatonna's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,957

Studio

$780/mo

1 BR

$925/mo

2 BR

$1,114/mo

3 BR

$1,359/mo

4 BR

$1,671/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Owatonna

Owatonna, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $78,295 significantly exceeds the $44,560 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $33,735 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Owatonna, a studio at $780/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,359/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $54,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,840 would position you well — though many residents in Owatonna 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 Owatonna, Minnesota.

With a total population of 26,400, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 13,442 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,560 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

13,442

Active civilian employees in Owatonna

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Owatonna

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Owatonna under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,560. The median household income in Owatonna is $78,295.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Owatonna on $78,295?

The affordability verdict for Owatonna is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.1%, meaning median earners have a $33,735 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Owatonna is $925/month. With a median household income of $78,295, residents spend approximately 17.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Owatonna?

A studio in Owatonna rents for approximately $780/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,200 to afford this.

Is Owatonna considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $33,735 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Owatonna is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,560 to the local median household income.

How Owatonna Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements