Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fessenden?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fessenden, you need to earn at least $33,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $64,052, which means the typical resident is $30,212 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 550

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$592	$1,973	$23,680	$-40,372
1 Bedroom	$702	$2,340	$28,080	$-35,972
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$846	$2,820	$33,840	$-30,212
3 Bedroom	$1,032	$3,440	$41,280	$-22,772
4 Bedroom	$1,269	$4,230	$50,760	$-13,292

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$64,052

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$30,212

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 15.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fessenden's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,601

Studio

$592/mo

1 BR

$702/mo

2 BR

$846/mo

3 BR

$1,032/mo

4 BR

$1,269/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fessenden

Fessenden, North Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $64,052 significantly exceeds the $33,840 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $30,212 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fessenden, a studio at $592/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,032/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $41,280.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $50,760 would position you well — though many residents in Fessenden 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 Fessenden, North Dakota.

With a total population of 550, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 330 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,840 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

330

Active civilian employees in Fessenden

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fessenden

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fessenden under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,840. The median household income in Fessenden is $64,052.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fessenden on $64,052?

The affordability verdict for Fessenden is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 15.8%, meaning median earners have a $30,212 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Fessenden is $702/month. With a median household income of $64,052, residents spend approximately 15.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fessenden?

A studio in Fessenden rents for approximately $592/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,680 to afford this.

Is Fessenden considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $30,212 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fessenden is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,840 to the local median household income.

How Fessenden Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements