Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in St. Joseph?

To afford a 2-bedroom in St. Joseph, you need to earn at least $49,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,318, which means the typical resident is $24,358 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 7,066

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$874	$2,913	$34,960	$-39,358
1 Bedroom	$1,037	$3,457	$41,480	$-32,838
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,249	$4,163	$49,960	$-24,358
3 Bedroom	$1,524	$5,080	$60,960	$-13,358
4 Bedroom	$1,874	$6,247	$74,960	+$642

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$74,318

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$49,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$24,358

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in St. Joseph

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with St. Joseph's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,858

Studio

$874/mo

1 BR

$1,037/mo

2 BR

$1,249/mo

3 BR

$1,524/mo

4 BR

$1,874/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in St. Joseph.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to St. Joseph

St. Joseph, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $74,318 significantly exceeds the $49,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $24,358 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating St. Joseph, a studio at $874/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,524/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $60,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $74,940 would position you well — though many residents in St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph, Minnesota.

With a total population of 7,066, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,281 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $49,960 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

4,281

Active civilian employees in St. Joseph

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in St. Joseph

What salary do I need to live in St. Joseph, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in St. Joseph under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $49,960. The median household income in St. Joseph is $74,318.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in St. Joseph on $74,318?

The affordability verdict for St. Joseph is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.2%, meaning median earners have a $24,358 surplus.

What is the average rent in St. Joseph compared to median income?

The median gross rent in St. Joseph is $1,037/month. With a median household income of $74,318, residents spend approximately 20.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in St. Joseph?

A studio in St. Joseph rents for approximately $874/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,960 to afford this.

Is St. Joseph considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $24,358 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", St. Joseph is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $49,960 to the local median household income.

How St. Joseph Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements