Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Clear Lake?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clear Lake, you need to earn at least $27,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,981, which means the typical resident is $35,061 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,310

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$489	$1,630	$19,560	$-43,421
1 Bedroom	$579	$1,930	$23,160	$-39,821
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$698	$2,327	$27,920	$-35,061
3 Bedroom	$852	$2,840	$34,080	$-28,901
4 Bedroom	$1,047	$3,490	$41,880	$-21,101

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,981

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$27,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$35,061

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 13.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Clear Lake

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Clear Lake's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,575

Studio

$489/mo

1 BR

$579/mo

2 BR

$698/mo

3 BR

$852/mo

4 BR

$1,047/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Clear Lake.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Clear Lake

Clear Lake, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $62,981 significantly exceeds the $27,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $35,061 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Clear Lake, a studio at $489/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $852/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $34,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $41,880 would position you well — though many residents in Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake, South Dakota.

With a total population of 1,310, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 586 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $27,920 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

586

Active civilian employees in Clear Lake

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Clear Lake

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Clear Lake under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $27,920. The median household income in Clear Lake is $62,981.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Clear Lake on $62,981?

The affordability verdict for Clear Lake is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 13.3%, meaning median earners have a $35,061 surplus.

What is the average rent in Clear Lake compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Clear Lake is $579/month. With a median household income of $62,981, residents spend approximately 13.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Clear Lake?

A studio in Clear Lake rents for approximately $489/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $19,560 to afford this.

Is Clear Lake considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $35,061 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Clear Lake is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $27,920 to the local median household income.

How Clear Lake Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements