Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Irondale?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Irondale, you need to earn at least $48,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $24,485, which means the typical resident is $23,715 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 560

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$844	$2,813	$33,760	+$9,275
1 Bedroom	$1,000	$3,333	$40,000	+$15,515
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,205	$4,017	$48,200	+$23,715
3 Bedroom	$1,470	$4,900	$58,800	+$34,315
4 Bedroom	$1,808	$6,027	$72,320	+$47,835

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$24,485

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$23,715

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 59.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Irondale's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$612

Studio

$844/mo

1 BR

$1,000/mo

2 BR

$1,205/mo

3 BR

$1,470/mo

4 BR

$1,808/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Irondale

Irondale, Missouri is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $24,485 faces a staggering $23,715 deficit against the $48,200 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Irondale, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $844/month, which requires $33,760/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$603/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Missouri city.

To live comfortably in Irondale without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $72,300 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Missouri's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Irondale, Missouri.

With a total population of 560, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 179 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,200 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

179

Active civilian employees in Irondale

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Irondale

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Irondale under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,200. The median household income in Irondale is $24,485.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Irondale on $24,485?

The affordability verdict for Irondale is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 59.1%, meaning there's a $23,715 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Irondale is $1,000/month. With a median household income of $24,485, residents spend approximately 59.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Irondale?

A studio in Irondale rents for approximately $844/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,760 to afford this.

Is Irondale considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $23,715 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Irondale is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,200 to the local median household income.

How Irondale Compares

Other cities in Missouri with salary requirements