Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ashley?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ashley, you need to earn at least $25,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $38,393, which means the typical resident is $12,673 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 614

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$450	$1,500	$18,000	$-20,393
1 Bedroom	$534	$1,780	$21,360	$-17,033
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$643	$2,143	$25,720	$-12,673
3 Bedroom	$784	$2,613	$31,360	$-7,033
4 Bedroom	$965	$3,217	$38,600	+$207

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$38,393

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$25,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,673

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ashley's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$960

Studio

$450/mo

1 BR

$534/mo

2 BR

$643/mo

3 BR

$784/mo

4 BR

$965/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ashley

Living in Ashley is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,673 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Ashley typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Ashley, a studio at $450/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $784/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $31,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $38,580 would position you well — though many residents in Ashley 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 Ashley, North Dakota.

With a total population of 614, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 292 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $25,720 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

292

Active civilian employees in Ashley

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ashley

What salary do I need to live in Ashley, North Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ashley under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $25,720. The median household income in Ashley is $38,393.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ashley on $38,393?

The affordability verdict for Ashley is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%, meaning median earners have a $12,673 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Ashley is $534/month. With a median household income of $38,393, residents spend approximately 20.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ashley?

A studio in Ashley rents for approximately $450/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,000 to afford this.

Is Ashley considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,673 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Ashley is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $25,720 to the local median household income.

How Ashley Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements