Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in South Cle Elum?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Cle Elum, you need to earn at least $55,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,400, which means the typical resident is $560 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 715

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$977	$3,257	$39,080	$-17,320
1 Bedroom	$1,159	$3,863	$46,360	$-10,040
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,396	$4,653	$55,840	$-560
3 Bedroom	$1,703	$5,677	$68,120	+$11,720
4 Bedroom	$2,094	$6,980	$83,760	+$27,360

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,400

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$55,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$560

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 29.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in South Cle Elum

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with South Cle Elum's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,410

Studio

$977/mo

1 BR

$1,159/mo

2 BR

$1,396/mo

3 BR

$1,703/mo

4 BR

$2,094/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in South Cle Elum.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to South Cle Elum

South Cle Elum is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $560. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,159/month) or studio ($977/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in South Cle Elum pushes the required income to $68,120.

For comfortable living in South Cle Elum without financial stress, target a household income of at least $83,760 — 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 South Cle Elum, Washington.

With a total population of 715, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 360 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $55,840 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

360

Active civilian employees in South Cle Elum

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in South Cle Elum

What salary do I need to live in South Cle Elum, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Cle Elum under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $55,840. The median household income in South Cle Elum is $56,400.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in South Cle Elum on $56,400?

The affordability verdict for South Cle Elum is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 29.7%, meaning median earners have a $560 surplus.

What is the average rent in South Cle Elum compared to median income?

The median gross rent in South Cle Elum is $1,159/month. With a median household income of $56,400, residents spend approximately 29.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in South Cle Elum?

A studio in South Cle Elum rents for approximately $977/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $39,080 to afford this.

Is South Cle Elum considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $560 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", South Cle Elum is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $55,840 to the local median household income.

How South Cle Elum Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements