Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Altus?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Altus, you need to earn at least $42,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,620, which means the typical resident is $14,420 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,711

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$739	$2,463	$29,560	$-27,060
1 Bedroom	$876	$2,920	$35,040	$-21,580
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,055	$3,517	$42,200	$-14,420
3 Bedroom	$1,287	$4,290	$51,480	$-5,140
4 Bedroom	$1,583	$5,277	$63,320	+$6,700

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,620

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,420

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Altus's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,416

Studio

$739/mo

1 BR

$876/mo

2 BR

$1,055/mo

3 BR

$1,287/mo

4 BR

$1,583/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Altus

Living in Altus is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,420 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Altus typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Altus, a studio at $739/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,287/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $51,480.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $63,300 would position you well — though many residents in Altus 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 Altus, Oklahoma.

With a total population of 18,711, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,983 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,200 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

7,983

Active civilian employees in Altus

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Altus

What salary do I need to live in Altus, Oklahoma?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Altus under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,200. The median household income in Altus is $56,620.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Altus on $56,620?

The affordability verdict for Altus is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $14,420 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Altus is $876/month. With a median household income of $56,620, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Altus?

A studio in Altus rents for approximately $739/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,560 to afford this.

Is Altus considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,420 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Altus is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,200 to the local median household income.

How Altus Compares

Other cities in Oklahoma with salary requirements