Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Willmar?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Willmar, you need to earn at least $38,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,132, which means the typical resident is $21,012 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 21,006

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$667	$2,223	$26,680	$-32,452
1 Bedroom	$791	$2,637	$31,640	$-27,492
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$953	$3,177	$38,120	$-21,012
3 Bedroom	$1,163	$3,877	$46,520	$-12,612
4 Bedroom	$1,430	$4,767	$57,200	$-1,932

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,132

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,012

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Willmar's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,478

Studio

$667/mo

1 BR

$791/mo

2 BR

$953/mo

3 BR

$1,163/mo

4 BR

$1,430/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Willmar

Willmar, Minnesota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $59,132 significantly exceeds the $38,120 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,012 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Willmar, a studio at $667/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,163/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $57,180 would position you well — though many residents in Willmar 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 Willmar, Minnesota.

With a total population of 21,006, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 10,291 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,120 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

10,291

Active civilian employees in Willmar

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Willmar

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Willmar under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,120. The median household income in Willmar is $59,132.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Willmar on $59,132?

The affordability verdict for Willmar is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.3%, meaning median earners have a $21,012 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Willmar is $791/month. With a median household income of $59,132, residents spend approximately 19.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Willmar?

A studio in Willmar rents for approximately $667/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,680 to afford this.

Is Willmar considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,012 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Willmar is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,120 to the local median household income.

How Willmar Compares

Other cities in Minnesota with salary requirements