Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Jefferson?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jefferson, you need to earn at least $29,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,601, which means the typical resident is $48,041 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 631

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$517	$1,723	$20,680	$-56,921
1 Bedroom	$613	$2,043	$24,520	$-53,081
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$739	$2,463	$29,560	$-48,041
3 Bedroom	$902	$3,007	$36,080	$-41,521
4 Bedroom	$1,109	$3,697	$44,360	$-33,241

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,601

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$48,041

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 11.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Jefferson's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,940

Studio

$517/mo

1 BR

$613/mo

2 BR

$739/mo

3 BR

$902/mo

4 BR

$1,109/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Jefferson

Jefferson, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $77,601 significantly exceeds the $29,560 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $48,041 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Jefferson, a studio at $517/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $902/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $36,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $44,340 would position you well — though many residents in Jefferson 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 Jefferson, South Dakota.

With a total population of 631, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 306 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,560 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

306

Active civilian employees in Jefferson

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Jefferson

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jefferson under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,560. The median household income in Jefferson is $77,601.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Jefferson on $77,601?

The affordability verdict for Jefferson is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 11.4%, meaning median earners have a $48,041 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Jefferson is $613/month. With a median household income of $77,601, residents spend approximately 11.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Jefferson?

A studio in Jefferson rents for approximately $517/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,680 to afford this.

Is Jefferson considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $48,041 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Jefferson is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,560 to the local median household income.

How Jefferson Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements