Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Irene?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Irene, you need to earn at least $39,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,625, which means the typical resident is $11,265 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 513

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$689	$2,297	$27,560	$-23,065
1 Bedroom	$817	$2,723	$32,680	$-17,945
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$984	$3,280	$39,360	$-11,265
3 Bedroom	$1,200	$4,000	$48,000	$-2,625
4 Bedroom	$1,476	$4,920	$59,040	+$8,415

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,265

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Irene's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,266

Studio

$689/mo

1 BR

$817/mo

2 BR

$984/mo

3 BR

$1,200/mo

4 BR

$1,476/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Irene

Living in Irene is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,265 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Irene typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Irene, a studio at $689/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,200/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $48,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $59,040 would position you well — though many residents in Irene 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 Irene, South Dakota.

With a total population of 513, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 268 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,360 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

268

Active civilian employees in Irene

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Irene

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Irene under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,360. The median household income in Irene is $50,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Irene on $50,625?

The affordability verdict for Irene is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.3%, meaning median earners have a $11,265 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Irene is $817/month. With a median household income of $50,625, residents spend approximately 23.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Irene?

A studio in Irene rents for approximately $689/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,560 to afford this.

Is Irene considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,265 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Irene is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,360 to the local median household income.

How Irene Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements