Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wolsey?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wolsey, you need to earn at least $31,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,911, which means the typical resident is $23,351 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 745

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$552	$1,840	$22,080	$-32,831
1 Bedroom	$655	$2,183	$26,200	$-28,711
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$789	$2,630	$31,560	$-23,351
3 Bedroom	$963	$3,210	$38,520	$-16,391
4 Bedroom	$1,184	$3,947	$47,360	$-7,551

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,911

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,351

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wolsey's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,373

Studio

$552/mo

1 BR

$655/mo

2 BR

$789/mo

3 BR

$963/mo

4 BR

$1,184/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wolsey

Wolsey, South Dakota stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $54,911 significantly exceeds the $31,560 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,351 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wolsey, a studio at $552/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $963/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $38,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $47,340 would position you well — though many residents in Wolsey 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 Wolsey, South Dakota.

With a total population of 745, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 349 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,560 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

349

Active civilian employees in Wolsey

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wolsey

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wolsey under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,560. The median household income in Wolsey is $54,911.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wolsey on $54,911?

The affordability verdict for Wolsey is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.2%, meaning median earners have a $23,351 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wolsey is $655/month. With a median household income of $54,911, residents spend approximately 17.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wolsey?

A studio in Wolsey rents for approximately $552/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,080 to afford this.

Is Wolsey considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,351 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wolsey is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,560 to the local median household income.

How Wolsey Compares

Other cities in South Dakota with salary requirements