Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clever?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clever, you need to earn at least $53,400/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $73,583, which means the typical resident is $20,183 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,926

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$934	$3,113	$37,360	$-36,223
1 Bedroom	$1,108	$3,693	$44,320	$-29,263
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,335	$4,450	$53,400	$-20,183
3 Bedroom	$1,629	$5,430	$65,160	$-8,423
4 Bedroom	$2,003	$6,677	$80,120	+$6,537

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$73,583

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,400

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,183

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clever's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,840

Studio

$934/mo

1 BR

$1,108/mo

2 BR

$1,335/mo

3 BR

$1,629/mo

4 BR

$2,003/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clever

Clever, Missouri stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $73,583 significantly exceeds the $53,400 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,183 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Clever, a studio at $934/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,629/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $65,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $80,100 would position you well — though many residents in Clever 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 Clever, Missouri.

With a total population of 2,926, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,547 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,400 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

1,547

Active civilian employees in Clever

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clever

What salary do I need to live in Clever, Missouri?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clever under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,400. The median household income in Clever is $73,583.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clever on $73,583?

The affordability verdict for Clever is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.8%, meaning median earners have a $20,183 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Clever is $1,108/month. With a median household income of $73,583, residents spend approximately 21.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clever?

A studio in Clever rents for approximately $934/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,360 to afford this.

Is Clever considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,183 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Clever is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,400 to the local median household income.

How Clever Compares

Other cities in Missouri with salary requirements