Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wakpala?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wakpala, you need to earn at least $22,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $20,750, which means the typical resident is $1,770 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 237

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$394	$1,313	$15,760	$-4,990
1 Bedroom	$467	$1,557	$18,680	$-2,070
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$563	$1,877	$22,520	+$1,770
3 Bedroom	$687	$2,290	$27,480	+$6,730
4 Bedroom	$845	$2,817	$33,800	+$13,050

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$20,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$22,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$1,770

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wakpala's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$519

Studio

$394/mo

1 BR

$467/mo

2 BR

$563/mo

3 BR

$687/mo

4 BR

$845/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wakpala

Renting in Wakpala is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $1,770, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $394/month.

If you're relocating to Wakpala, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($394–$467/month) unless your income exceeds $22,520. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $282/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Wakpala is approximately $33,780. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Wakpala, South Dakota.

With a total population of 237, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 35 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $22,520 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

Active civilian employees in Wakpala

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wakpala

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wakpala under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $22,520. The median household income in Wakpala is $20,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wakpala on $20,750?

The affordability verdict for Wakpala is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.6%, meaning there's a $1,770 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Wakpala is $467/month. With a median household income of $20,750, residents spend approximately 32.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wakpala?

A studio in Wakpala rents for approximately $394/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $15,760 to afford this.

Is Wakpala considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $1,770 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Wakpala is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $22,520 to the local median household income.

How Wakpala Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements