Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Steilacoom?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Steilacoom, you need to earn at least $76,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $94,708, which means the typical resident is $17,988 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,680

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,343	$4,477	$53,720	$-40,988
1 Bedroom	$1,592	$5,307	$63,680	$-31,028
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,918	$6,393	$76,720	$-17,988
3 Bedroom	$2,340	$7,800	$93,600	$-1,108
4 Bedroom	$2,877	$9,590	$115,080	+$20,372

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$94,708

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$76,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$17,988

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Steilacoom's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,368

Studio

$1,343/mo

1 BR

$1,592/mo

2 BR

$1,918/mo

3 BR

$2,340/mo

4 BR

$2,877/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Steilacoom

Living in Steilacoom is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $17,988 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Steilacoom typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Steilacoom, a studio at $1,343/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,340/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $93,600.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $115,080 would position you well — though many residents in Steilacoom 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 Steilacoom, Washington.

With a total population of 6,680, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,029 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $76,720 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

3,029

Active civilian employees in Steilacoom

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Steilacoom

What salary do I need to live in Steilacoom, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Steilacoom under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $76,720. The median household income in Steilacoom is $94,708.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Steilacoom on $94,708?

The affordability verdict for Steilacoom is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.3%, meaning median earners have a $17,988 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Steilacoom is $1,592/month. With a median household income of $94,708, residents spend approximately 24.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Steilacoom?

A studio in Steilacoom rents for approximately $1,343/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $53,720 to afford this.

Is Steilacoom considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $17,988 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Steilacoom is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $76,720 to the local median household income.

How Steilacoom Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements