Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Timber Lake?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Timber Lake, you need to earn at least $24,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,389, which means the typical resident is $32,309 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 627

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$421	$1,403	$16,840	$-39,549
1 Bedroom	$500	$1,667	$20,000	$-36,389
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$602	$2,007	$24,080	$-32,309
3 Bedroom	$734	$2,447	$29,360	$-27,029
4 Bedroom	$903	$3,010	$36,120	$-20,269

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,389

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$24,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$32,309

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Timber Lake

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Timber Lake's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,410

Studio

$421/mo

1 BR

$500/mo

2 BR

$602/mo

3 BR

$734/mo

4 BR

$903/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Timber Lake.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Timber Lake

Timber Lake, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $56,389 significantly exceeds the $24,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $32,309 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Timber Lake, a studio at $421/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $734/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $29,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $36,120 would position you well — though many residents in Timber Lake 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 Timber Lake, South Dakota.

With a total population of 627, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 287 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $24,080 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

287

Active civilian employees in Timber Lake

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Timber Lake

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Timber Lake under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $24,080. The median household income in Timber Lake is $56,389.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Timber Lake on $56,389?

The affordability verdict for Timber Lake is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.8%, meaning median earners have a $32,309 surplus.

What is the average rent in Timber Lake compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Timber Lake is $500/month. With a median household income of $56,389, residents spend approximately 12.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Timber Lake?

A studio in Timber Lake rents for approximately $421/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,840 to afford this.

Is Timber Lake considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $32,309 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Timber Lake is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $24,080 to the local median household income.

How Timber Lake Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements