Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Poteau?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Poteau, you need to earn at least $38,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $47,782, which means the typical resident is $9,702 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,852

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$666	$2,220	$26,640	$-21,142
1 Bedroom	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-16,182
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$952	$3,173	$38,080	$-9,702
3 Bedroom	$1,161	$3,870	$46,440	$-1,342
4 Bedroom	$1,428	$4,760	$57,120	+$9,338

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$47,782

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,702

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Poteau's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,195

Studio

$666/mo

1 BR

$790/mo

2 BR

$952/mo

3 BR

$1,161/mo

4 BR

$1,428/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Poteau

Living in Poteau is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $9,702 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Poteau typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Poteau, a studio at $666/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,161/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $57,120 would position you well — though many residents in Poteau 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 Poteau, Oklahoma.

With a total population of 8,852, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,532 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,080 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

3,532

Active civilian employees in Poteau

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Poteau

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Poteau under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,080. The median household income in Poteau is $47,782.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Poteau on $47,782?

The affordability verdict for Poteau is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%, meaning median earners have a $9,702 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Poteau is $790/month. With a median household income of $47,782, residents spend approximately 23.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Poteau?

A studio in Poteau rents for approximately $666/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,640 to afford this.

Is Poteau considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,702 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Poteau is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,080 to the local median household income.

How Poteau Compares

Other cities in Oklahoma with salary requirements