Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in North Yelm?

To afford a 2-bedroom in North Yelm, you need to earn at least $65,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $75,489, which means the typical resident is $9,809 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,785

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,149	$3,830	$45,960	$-29,529
1 Bedroom	$1,363	$4,543	$54,520	$-20,969
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,642	$5,473	$65,680	$-9,809
3 Bedroom	$2,003	$6,677	$80,120	+$4,631
4 Bedroom	$2,463	$8,210	$98,520	+$23,031

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$75,489

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$65,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,809

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in North Yelm

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with North Yelm's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,887

Studio

$1,149/mo

1 BR

$1,363/mo

2 BR

$1,642/mo

3 BR

$2,003/mo

4 BR

$2,463/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in North Yelm.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to North Yelm

Renting in North Yelm, Washington is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $65,680/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $75,489, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,363/month) or studio ($1,149/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in North Yelm pushes the required income to $80,120.

For comfortable living in North Yelm without financial stress, target a household income of at least $98,520 — 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 North Yelm, Washington.

With a total population of 2,785, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,661 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $65,680 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

1,661

Active civilian employees in North Yelm

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in North Yelm

What salary do I need to live in North Yelm, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in North Yelm under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $65,680. The median household income in North Yelm is $75,489.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in North Yelm on $75,489?

The affordability verdict for North Yelm is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.1%, meaning median earners have a $9,809 surplus.

What is the average rent in North Yelm compared to median income?

The median gross rent in North Yelm is $1,363/month. With a median household income of $75,489, residents spend approximately 26.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in North Yelm?

A studio in North Yelm rents for approximately $1,149/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $45,960 to afford this.

Is North Yelm considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,809 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", North Yelm is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $65,680 to the local median household income.

How North Yelm Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements