Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Barron?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Barron, you need to earn at least $25,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $47,297, which means the typical resident is $21,617 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,693

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$449	$1,497	$17,960	$-29,337
1 Bedroom	$533	$1,777	$21,320	$-25,977
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$642	$2,140	$25,680	$-21,617
3 Bedroom	$783	$2,610	$31,320	$-15,977
4 Bedroom	$963	$3,210	$38,520	$-8,777

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$47,297

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$25,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$21,617

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Barron's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,182

Studio

$449/mo

1 BR

$533/mo

2 BR

$642/mo

3 BR

$783/mo

4 BR

$963/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Barron

Barron, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $47,297 significantly exceeds the $25,680 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $21,617 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Barron, a studio at $449/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $783/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $31,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $38,520 would position you well — though many residents in Barron 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 Barron, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 3,693, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,470 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $25,680 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

1,470

Active civilian employees in Barron

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Barron

What salary do I need to live in Barron, Wisconsin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Barron under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $25,680. The median household income in Barron is $47,297.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Barron on $47,297?

The affordability verdict for Barron is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.3%, meaning median earners have a $21,617 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Barron is $533/month. With a median household income of $47,297, residents spend approximately 16.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Barron?

A studio in Barron rents for approximately $449/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $17,960 to afford this.

Is Barron considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $21,617 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Barron is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $25,680 to the local median household income.

How Barron Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements