Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Groton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Groton, you need to earn at least $44,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $82,841, which means the typical resident is $38,521 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,688

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$776	$2,587	$31,040	$-51,801
1 Bedroom	$920	$3,067	$36,800	$-46,041
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,108	$3,693	$44,320	$-38,521
3 Bedroom	$1,352	$4,507	$54,080	$-28,761
4 Bedroom	$1,662	$5,540	$66,480	$-16,361

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$82,841

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$38,521

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Groton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,071

Studio

$776/mo

1 BR

$920/mo

2 BR

$1,108/mo

3 BR

$1,352/mo

4 BR

$1,662/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Groton

Groton, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $82,841 significantly exceeds the $44,320 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $38,521 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Groton, a studio at $776/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,352/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $54,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,480 would position you well — though many residents in Groton 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 Groton, South Dakota.

With a total population of 1,688, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 895 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,320 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

895

Active civilian employees in Groton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Groton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Groton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,320. The median household income in Groton is $82,841.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Groton on $82,841?

The affordability verdict for Groton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.1%, meaning median earners have a $38,521 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Groton is $920/month. With a median household income of $82,841, residents spend approximately 16.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Groton?

A studio in Groton rents for approximately $776/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,040 to afford this.

Is Groton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $38,521 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Groton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,320 to the local median household income.

How Groton Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements