Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Aberdeen?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aberdeen, you need to earn at least $35,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,684, which means the typical resident is $26,964 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 28,388

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$625	$2,083	$25,000	$-37,684
1 Bedroom	$741	$2,470	$29,640	$-33,044
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$893	$2,977	$35,720	$-26,964
3 Bedroom	$1,089	$3,630	$43,560	$-19,124
4 Bedroom	$1,340	$4,467	$53,600	$-9,084

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,684

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,964

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Aberdeen's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,567

Studio

$625/mo

1 BR

$741/mo

2 BR

$893/mo

3 BR

$1,089/mo

4 BR

$1,340/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Aberdeen

Aberdeen, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $62,684 significantly exceeds the $35,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,964 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Aberdeen, a studio at $625/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,089/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,580 would position you well — though many residents in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, South Dakota.

With a total population of 28,388, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 15,479 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,720 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

15,479

Active civilian employees in Aberdeen

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Aberdeen

What salary do I need to live in Aberdeen, South Dakota?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Aberdeen under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,720. The median household income in Aberdeen is $62,684.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Aberdeen on $62,684?

The affordability verdict for Aberdeen is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.1%, meaning median earners have a $26,964 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Aberdeen is $741/month. With a median household income of $62,684, residents spend approximately 17.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Aberdeen?

A studio in Aberdeen rents for approximately $625/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,000 to afford this.

Is Aberdeen considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,964 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Aberdeen is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,720 to the local median household income.

How Aberdeen Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements