Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dickinson?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dickinson, you need to earn at least $46,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $75,767, which means the typical resident is $28,847 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 25,116

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$821	$2,737	$32,840	$-42,927
1 Bedroom	$974	$3,247	$38,960	$-36,807
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,173	$3,910	$46,920	$-28,847
3 Bedroom	$1,431	$4,770	$57,240	$-18,527
4 Bedroom	$1,760	$5,867	$70,400	$-5,367

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$75,767

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$46,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$28,847

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dickinson's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,894

Studio

$821/mo

1 BR

$974/mo

2 BR

$1,173/mo

3 BR

$1,431/mo

4 BR

$1,760/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dickinson

Dickinson, North Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $75,767 significantly exceeds the $46,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $28,847 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Dickinson, a studio at $821/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,431/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $57,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $70,380 would position you well — though many residents in Dickinson 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 Dickinson, North Dakota.

With a total population of 25,116, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 12,891 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $46,920 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

12,891

Active civilian employees in Dickinson

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dickinson

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dickinson under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $46,920. The median household income in Dickinson is $75,767.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dickinson on $75,767?

The affordability verdict for Dickinson is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.6%, meaning median earners have a $28,847 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Dickinson is $974/month. With a median household income of $75,767, residents spend approximately 18.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dickinson?

A studio in Dickinson rents for approximately $821/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,840 to afford this.

Is Dickinson considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $28,847 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Dickinson is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $46,920 to the local median household income.

How Dickinson Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements