Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Freeman?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Freeman, you need to earn at least $32,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,719, which means the typical resident is $29,199 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,580

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$569	$1,897	$22,760	$-38,959
1 Bedroom	$675	$2,250	$27,000	$-34,719
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$813	$2,710	$32,520	$-29,199
3 Bedroom	$992	$3,307	$39,680	$-22,039
4 Bedroom	$1,220	$4,067	$48,800	$-12,919

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,719

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$29,199

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 15.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Freeman's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,543

Studio

$569/mo

1 BR

$675/mo

2 BR

$813/mo

3 BR

$992/mo

4 BR

$1,220/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Freeman

Freeman, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $61,719 significantly exceeds the $32,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $29,199 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Freeman, a studio at $569/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $992/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $39,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $48,780 would position you well — though many residents in Freeman 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 Freeman, South Dakota.

With a total population of 1,580, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 676 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,520 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

676

Active civilian employees in Freeman

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Freeman

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Freeman under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,520. The median household income in Freeman is $61,719.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Freeman on $61,719?

The affordability verdict for Freeman is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 15.8%, meaning median earners have a $29,199 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Freeman is $675/month. With a median household income of $61,719, residents spend approximately 15.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Freeman?

A studio in Freeman rents for approximately $569/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,760 to afford this.

Is Freeman considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $29,199 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Freeman is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,520 to the local median household income.

How Freeman Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements