Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Colton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colton, you need to earn at least $32,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,804, which means the typical resident is $45,044 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 769

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$573	$1,910	$22,920	$-54,884
1 Bedroom	$680	$2,267	$27,200	$-50,604
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$819	$2,730	$32,760	$-45,044
3 Bedroom	$999	$3,330	$39,960	$-37,844
4 Bedroom	$1,229	$4,097	$49,160	$-28,644

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,804

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$45,044

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Colton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,945

Studio

$573/mo

1 BR

$680/mo

2 BR

$819/mo

3 BR

$999/mo

4 BR

$1,229/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Colton

Colton, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $77,804 significantly exceeds the $32,760 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $45,044 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Colton, a studio at $573/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $999/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $49,140 would position you well — though many residents in Colton 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 Colton, South Dakota.

With a total population of 769, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 406 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,760 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

406

Active civilian employees in Colton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Colton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,760. The median household income in Colton is $77,804.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Colton on $77,804?

The affordability verdict for Colton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.6%, meaning median earners have a $45,044 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Colton is $680/month. With a median household income of $77,804, residents spend approximately 12.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Colton?

A studio in Colton rents for approximately $573/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,920 to afford this.

Is Colton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $45,044 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Colton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,760 to the local median household income.

How Colton Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements