Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Walnut Grove?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Walnut Grove, you need to earn at least $25,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,354, which means the typical resident is $35,674 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 734

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$449	$1,497	$17,960	$-43,394
1 Bedroom	$533	$1,777	$21,320	$-40,034
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$642	$2,140	$25,680	$-35,674
3 Bedroom	$783	$2,610	$31,320	$-30,034
4 Bedroom	$963	$3,210	$38,520	$-22,834

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,354

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$25,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$35,674

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Walnut Grove

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Walnut Grove's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,534

Studio

$449/mo

1 BR

$533/mo

2 BR

$642/mo

3 BR

$783/mo

4 BR

$963/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Walnut Grove.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $61,354 significantly exceeds the $25,680 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $35,674 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Walnut Grove, a studio at $449/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $783/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $31,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $38,520 would position you well — though many residents in Walnut Grove 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 Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

With a total population of 734, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 340 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $25,680 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

340

Active civilian employees in Walnut Grove

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Walnut Grove

What salary do I need to live in Walnut Grove, Minnesota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Walnut Grove under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $25,680. The median household income in Walnut Grove is $61,354.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Walnut Grove on $61,354?

The affordability verdict for Walnut Grove is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.6%, meaning median earners have a $35,674 surplus.

What is the average rent in Walnut Grove compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Walnut Grove is $533/month. With a median household income of $61,354, residents spend approximately 12.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Walnut Grove?

A studio in Walnut Grove rents for approximately $449/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $17,960 to afford this.

Is Walnut Grove considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $35,674 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Walnut Grove is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $25,680 to the local median household income.

How Walnut Grove Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements