Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lead?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lead, you need to earn at least $40,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,555, which means the typical resident is $14,275 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,993

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$705	$2,350	$28,200	$-26,355
1 Bedroom	$836	$2,787	$33,440	$-21,115
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,007	$3,357	$40,280	$-14,275
3 Bedroom	$1,229	$4,097	$49,160	$-5,395
4 Bedroom	$1,511	$5,037	$60,440	+$5,885

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,555

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,275

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lead's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,364

Studio

$705/mo

1 BR

$836/mo

2 BR

$1,007/mo

3 BR

$1,229/mo

4 BR

$1,511/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lead

Living in Lead is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,275 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Lead typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lead, a studio at $705/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,229/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $60,420 would position you well — though many residents in Lead 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 Lead, South Dakota.

With a total population of 2,993, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,666 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,280 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

1,666

Active civilian employees in Lead

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lead

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lead under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,280. The median household income in Lead is $54,555.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lead on $54,555?

The affordability verdict for Lead is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $14,275 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Lead is $836/month. With a median household income of $54,555, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lead?

A studio in Lead rents for approximately $705/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,200 to afford this.

Is Lead considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,275 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lead is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,280 to the local median household income.

How Lead Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements