Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Williston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Williston, you need to earn at least $52,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $80,352, which means the typical resident is $27,592 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 27,783

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$923	$3,077	$36,920	$-43,432
1 Bedroom	$1,095	$3,650	$43,800	$-36,552
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,319	$4,397	$52,760	$-27,592
3 Bedroom	$1,609	$5,363	$64,360	$-15,992
4 Bedroom	$1,979	$6,597	$79,160	$-1,192

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$80,352

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$27,592

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Williston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,009

Studio

$923/mo

1 BR

$1,095/mo

2 BR

$1,319/mo

3 BR

$1,609/mo

4 BR

$1,979/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Williston

Williston, North Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $80,352 significantly exceeds the $52,760 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $27,592 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Williston, a studio at $923/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,609/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $64,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $79,140 would position you well — though many residents in Williston 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 Williston, North Dakota.

With a total population of 27,783, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 15,030 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,760 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

15,030

Active civilian employees in Williston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Williston

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Williston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,760. The median household income in Williston is $80,352.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Williston on $80,352?

The affordability verdict for Williston is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.7%, meaning median earners have a $27,592 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Williston is $1,095/month. With a median household income of $80,352, residents spend approximately 19.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Williston?

A studio in Williston rents for approximately $923/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,920 to afford this.

Is Williston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $27,592 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Williston is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,760 to the local median household income.

How Williston Compares

Other cities in North Dakota with salary requirements