Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Beaver Dam?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Beaver Dam, you need to earn at least $45,120/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,802, which means the typical resident is $20,682 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,652

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-34,202
1 Bedroom	$936	$3,120	$37,440	$-28,362
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,128	$3,760	$45,120	$-20,682
3 Bedroom	$1,376	$4,587	$55,040	$-10,762
4 Bedroom	$1,692	$5,640	$67,680	+$1,878

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,802

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,120

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$20,682

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Beaver Dam

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Beaver Dam's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,645

Studio

$790/mo

1 BR

$936/mo

2 BR

$1,128/mo

3 BR

$1,376/mo

4 BR

$1,692/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Beaver Dam.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Beaver Dam

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $65,802 significantly exceeds the $45,120 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $20,682 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Beaver Dam, a studio at $790/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,376/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $55,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $67,680 would position you well — though many residents in Beaver Dam 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 Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 16,652, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 9,471 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,120 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

9,471

Active civilian employees in Beaver Dam

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Beaver Dam

What salary do I need to live in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Beaver Dam under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,120. The median household income in Beaver Dam is $65,802.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Beaver Dam on $65,802?

The affordability verdict for Beaver Dam is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.6%, meaning median earners have a $20,682 surplus.

What is the average rent in Beaver Dam compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Beaver Dam is $936/month. With a median household income of $65,802, residents spend approximately 20.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Beaver Dam?

A studio in Beaver Dam rents for approximately $790/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,600 to afford this.

Is Beaver Dam considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $20,682 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Beaver Dam is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,120 to the local median household income.

How Beaver Dam Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements