Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Salem?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Salem, you need to earn at least $45,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $69,228, which means the typical resident is $23,548 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,163

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$799	$2,663	$31,960	$-37,268
1 Bedroom	$948	$3,160	$37,920	$-31,308
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,142	$3,807	$45,680	$-23,548
3 Bedroom	$1,393	$4,643	$55,720	$-13,508
4 Bedroom	$1,713	$5,710	$68,520	$-708

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$69,228

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,548

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Salem's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,731

Studio

$799/mo

1 BR

$948/mo

2 BR

$1,142/mo

3 BR

$1,393/mo

4 BR

$1,713/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Salem

Salem, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $69,228 significantly exceeds the $45,680 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,548 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Salem, a studio at $799/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,393/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $55,720.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $68,520 would position you well — though many residents in Salem 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 Salem, South Dakota.

With a total population of 1,163, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 568 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,680 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

568

Active civilian employees in Salem

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Salem

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Salem under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,680. The median household income in Salem is $69,228.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Salem on $69,228?

The affordability verdict for Salem is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%, meaning median earners have a $23,548 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Salem is $948/month. With a median household income of $69,228, residents spend approximately 19.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Salem?

A studio in Salem rents for approximately $799/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,960 to afford this.

Is Salem considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,548 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Salem is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,680 to the local median household income.

How Salem Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements