Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lake Stevens?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Stevens, you need to earn at least $95,760/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $111,821, which means the typical resident is $16,061 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 38,816

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,676	$5,587	$67,040	$-44,781
1 Bedroom	$1,987	$6,623	$79,480	$-32,341
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,394	$7,980	$95,760	$-16,061
3 Bedroom	$2,921	$9,737	$116,840	+$5,019
4 Bedroom	$3,591	$11,970	$143,640	+$31,819

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$111,821

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$95,760

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$16,061

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lake Stevens's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,796

Studio

$1,676/mo

1 BR

$1,987/mo

2 BR

$2,394/mo

3 BR

$2,921/mo

4 BR

$3,591/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lake Stevens

Renting in Lake Stevens, Washington is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $95,760/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $111,821, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,987/month) or studio ($1,676/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Lake Stevens pushes the required income to $116,840.

For comfortable living in Lake Stevens without financial stress, target a household income of at least $143,640 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Washington's cost of living.

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 Lake Stevens, Washington.

With a total population of 38,816, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 19,574 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $95,760 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

19,574

Active civilian employees in Lake Stevens

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lake Stevens

What salary do I need to live in Lake Stevens, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Stevens under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $95,760. The median household income in Lake Stevens is $111,821.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lake Stevens on $111,821?

The affordability verdict for Lake Stevens is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.7%, meaning median earners have a $16,061 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Lake Stevens is $1,987/month. With a median household income of $111,821, residents spend approximately 25.7% of their income on rent.

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

A studio in Lake Stevens rents for approximately $1,676/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $67,040 to afford this.

Is Lake Stevens considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $16,061 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Lake Stevens is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $95,760 to the local median household income.

How Lake Stevens Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements