Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Thief River Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Thief River Falls, you need to earn at least $44,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,086, which means the typical resident is $20,686 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,871

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$777	$2,590	$31,080	$-34,006
1 Bedroom	$921	$3,070	$36,840	$-28,246
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,110	$3,700	$44,400	$-20,686
3 Bedroom	$1,354	$4,513	$54,160	$-10,926
4 Bedroom	$1,665	$5,550	$66,600	+$1,514

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,086

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,686

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Thief River Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Thief River Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,627

Studio

$777/mo

1 BR

$921/mo

2 BR

$1,110/mo

3 BR

$1,354/mo

4 BR

$1,665/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Thief River Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Thief River Falls

Thief River Falls, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $65,086 significantly exceeds the $44,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,686 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Thief River Falls, a studio at $777/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,354/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $54,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,600 would position you well — though many residents in Thief River Falls 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 Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

With a total population of 8,871, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,751 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,400 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

4,751

Active civilian employees in Thief River Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Thief River Falls

What salary do I need to live in Thief River Falls, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Thief River Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,400. The median household income in Thief River Falls is $65,086.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Thief River Falls on $65,086?

The affordability verdict for Thief River Falls is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.5%, meaning median earners have a $20,686 surplus.

What is the average rent in Thief River Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Thief River Falls is $921/month. With a median household income of $65,086, residents spend approximately 20.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Thief River Falls?

A studio in Thief River Falls rents for approximately $777/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,080 to afford this.

Is Thief River Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,686 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Thief River Falls is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,400 to the local median household income.

How Thief River Falls Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements