Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Great Falls?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Great Falls, you need to earn at least $35,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $28,804, which means the typical resident is $6,236 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,669

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$613	$2,043	$24,520	$-4,284
1 Bedroom	$727	$2,423	$29,080	+$276
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$876	$2,920	$35,040	+$6,236
3 Bedroom	$1,069	$3,563	$42,760	+$13,956
4 Bedroom	$1,314	$4,380	$52,560	+$23,756

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$28,804

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$6,236

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 36.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Great Falls

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Great Falls's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$720

Studio

$613/mo

1 BR

$727/mo

2 BR

$876/mo

3 BR

$1,069/mo

4 BR

$1,314/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Great Falls.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Great Falls

Great Falls's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $876/month requires $35,040/year — about $6,236 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Great Falls, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($613–$727/month) unless your income exceeds $35,040. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $438/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Great Falls is approximately $52,560. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Great Falls, South Carolina.

With a total population of 1,669, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 529 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,040 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

529

Active civilian employees in Great Falls

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Great Falls

What salary do I need to live in Great Falls, South Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Great Falls under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,040. The median household income in Great Falls is $28,804.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Great Falls on $28,804?

The affordability verdict for Great Falls is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 36.5%, meaning there's a $6,236 income gap.

What is the average rent in Great Falls compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Great Falls is $727/month. With a median household income of $28,804, residents spend approximately 36.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Great Falls?

A studio in Great Falls rents for approximately $613/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $24,520 to afford this.

Is Great Falls considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $6,236 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Great Falls is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,040 to the local median household income.

How Great Falls Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements