Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Colby?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colby, you need to earn at least $37,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,176, which means the typical resident is $13,376 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,132

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$662	$2,207	$26,480	$-24,696
1 Bedroom	$784	$2,613	$31,360	$-19,816
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$945	$3,150	$37,800	$-13,376
3 Bedroom	$1,153	$3,843	$46,120	$-5,056
4 Bedroom	$1,418	$4,727	$56,720	+$5,544

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,176

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,376

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Colby's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,279

Studio

$662/mo

1 BR

$784/mo

2 BR

$945/mo

3 BR

$1,153/mo

4 BR

$1,418/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Colby

Living in Colby is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,376 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Colby typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Colby, a studio at $662/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,153/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,120.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $56,700 would position you well — though many residents in Colby 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 Colby, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 2,132, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 943 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,800 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

943

Active civilian employees in Colby

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Colby

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Colby under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,800. The median household income in Colby is $51,176.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Colby on $51,176?

The affordability verdict for Colby is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $13,376 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Colby is $784/month. With a median household income of $51,176, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Colby?

A studio in Colby rents for approximately $662/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,480 to afford this.

Is Colby considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,376 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Colby is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,800 to the local median household income.

How Colby Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements