Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Elgin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elgin, you need to earn at least $30,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,750, which means the typical resident is $22,990 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 649

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$538	$1,793	$21,520	$-32,230
1 Bedroom	$638	$2,127	$25,520	$-28,230
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$769	$2,563	$30,760	$-22,990
3 Bedroom	$938	$3,127	$37,520	$-16,230
4 Bedroom	$1,154	$3,847	$46,160	$-7,590

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,990

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Elgin's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,344

Studio

$538/mo

1 BR

$638/mo

2 BR

$769/mo

3 BR

$938/mo

4 BR

$1,154/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Elgin

Elgin, North Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $53,750 significantly exceeds the $30,760 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,990 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Elgin, a studio at $538/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $938/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $46,140 would position you well — though many residents in Elgin 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 Elgin, North Dakota.

With a total population of 649, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 293 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,760 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

293

Active civilian employees in Elgin

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Elgin

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elgin under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,760. The median household income in Elgin is $53,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Elgin on $53,750?

The affordability verdict for Elgin is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.2%, meaning median earners have a $22,990 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Elgin is $638/month. With a median household income of $53,750, residents spend approximately 17.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Elgin?

A studio in Elgin rents for approximately $538/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,520 to afford this.

Is Elgin considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,990 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Elgin is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,760 to the local median household income.

How Elgin Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements