Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mount Vernon?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mount Vernon, you need to earn at least $18,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,833, which means the typical resident is $37,233 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 483

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$326	$1,087	$13,040	$-42,793
1 Bedroom	$386	$1,287	$15,440	$-40,393
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$465	$1,550	$18,600	$-37,233
3 Bedroom	$567	$1,890	$22,680	$-33,153
4 Bedroom	$698	$2,327	$27,920	$-27,913

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,833

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$18,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$37,233

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 10.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Mount Vernon

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mount Vernon's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,396

Studio

$326/mo

1 BR

$386/mo

2 BR

$465/mo

3 BR

$567/mo

4 BR

$698/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Mount Vernon.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $55,833 significantly exceeds the $18,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $37,233 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mount Vernon, a studio at $326/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $567/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $22,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $27,900 would position you well — though many residents in Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon, South Dakota.

With a total population of 483, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 292 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $18,600 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

292

Active civilian employees in Mount Vernon

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mount Vernon

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mount Vernon under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $18,600. The median household income in Mount Vernon is $55,833.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mount Vernon on $55,833?

The affordability verdict for Mount Vernon is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 10.0%, meaning median earners have a $37,233 surplus.

What is the average rent in Mount Vernon compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Mount Vernon is $386/month. With a median household income of $55,833, residents spend approximately 10.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mount Vernon?

A studio in Mount Vernon rents for approximately $326/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $13,040 to afford this.

Is Mount Vernon considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $37,233 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mount Vernon is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $18,600 to the local median household income.

How Mount Vernon Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements