Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Howard?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Howard, you need to earn at least $26,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,798, which means the typical resident is $17,878 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 930

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$471	$1,570	$18,840	$-25,958
1 Bedroom	$559	$1,863	$22,360	$-22,438
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$673	$2,243	$26,920	$-17,878
3 Bedroom	$821	$2,737	$32,840	$-11,958
4 Bedroom	$1,010	$3,367	$40,400	$-4,398

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,798

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,878

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Howard's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,120

Studio

$471/mo

1 BR

$559/mo

2 BR

$673/mo

3 BR

$821/mo

4 BR

$1,010/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Howard

Living in Howard is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,878 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Howard typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Howard, a studio at $471/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $821/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $32,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $40,380 would position you well — though many residents in Howard 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 Howard, South Dakota.

With a total population of 930, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 428 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,920 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

428

Active civilian employees in Howard

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Howard

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Howard under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,920. The median household income in Howard is $44,798.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Howard on $44,798?

The affordability verdict for Howard is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.0%, meaning median earners have a $17,878 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Howard is $559/month. With a median household income of $44,798, residents spend approximately 18.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Howard?

A studio in Howard rents for approximately $471/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,840 to afford this.

Is Howard considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,878 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Howard is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,920 to the local median household income.

How Howard Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements