Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Jamestown?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jamestown, you need to earn at least $35,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,389, which means the typical resident is $17,789 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 15,850

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$623	$2,077	$24,920	$-28,469
1 Bedroom	$739	$2,463	$29,560	$-23,829
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$890	$2,967	$35,600	$-17,789
3 Bedroom	$1,086	$3,620	$43,440	$-9,949
4 Bedroom	$1,335	$4,450	$53,400	+$11

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,389

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,789

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Jamestown's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,335

Studio

$623/mo

1 BR

$739/mo

2 BR

$890/mo

3 BR

$1,086/mo

4 BR

$1,335/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Jamestown

Living in Jamestown is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,789 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Jamestown typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Jamestown, a studio at $623/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,086/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,400 would position you well — though many residents in Jamestown 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 Jamestown, North Dakota.

With a total population of 15,850, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,823 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,600 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

7,823

Active civilian employees in Jamestown

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Jamestown

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jamestown under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,600. The median household income in Jamestown is $53,389.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Jamestown on $53,389?

The affordability verdict for Jamestown is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.0%, meaning median earners have a $17,789 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Jamestown is $739/month. With a median household income of $53,389, residents spend approximately 20.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Jamestown?

A studio in Jamestown rents for approximately $623/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,920 to afford this.

Is Jamestown considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,789 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Jamestown is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,600 to the local median household income.

How Jamestown Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements