Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Belle Fourche?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Belle Fourche, you need to earn at least $42,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,448, which means the typical resident is $12,848 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,670

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$746	$2,487	$29,840	$-25,608
1 Bedroom	$884	$2,947	$35,360	$-20,088
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,065	$3,550	$42,600	$-12,848
3 Bedroom	$1,299	$4,330	$51,960	$-3,488
4 Bedroom	$1,598	$5,327	$63,920	+$8,472

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,448

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$12,848

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Belle Fourche

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Belle Fourche's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,386

Studio

$746/mo

1 BR

$884/mo

2 BR

$1,065/mo

3 BR

$1,299/mo

4 BR

$1,598/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Belle Fourche.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Belle Fourche

Living in Belle Fourche is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $12,848 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Belle Fourche typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Belle Fourche, a studio at $746/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,299/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $51,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $63,900 would position you well — though many residents in Belle Fourche 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 Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

With a total population of 5,670, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,699 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,600 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

2,699

Active civilian employees in Belle Fourche

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Belle Fourche

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Belle Fourche under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,600. The median household income in Belle Fourche is $55,448.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Belle Fourche on $55,448?

The affordability verdict for Belle Fourche is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.0%, meaning median earners have a $12,848 surplus.

What is the average rent in Belle Fourche compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Belle Fourche is $884/month. With a median household income of $55,448, residents spend approximately 23.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Belle Fourche?

A studio in Belle Fourche rents for approximately $746/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,840 to afford this.

Is Belle Fourche considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $12,848 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Belle Fourche is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,600 to the local median household income.

How Belle Fourche Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements