Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pepin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pepin, you need to earn at least $39,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $71,136, which means the typical resident is $32,056 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 823

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$684	$2,280	$27,360	$-43,776
1 Bedroom	$811	$2,703	$32,440	$-38,696
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$977	$3,257	$39,080	$-32,056
3 Bedroom	$1,192	$3,973	$47,680	$-23,456
4 Bedroom	$1,466	$4,887	$58,640	$-12,496

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$71,136

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$32,056

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pepin's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,778

Studio

$684/mo

1 BR

$811/mo

2 BR

$977/mo

3 BR

$1,192/mo

4 BR

$1,466/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pepin

Pepin, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $71,136 significantly exceeds the $39,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $32,056 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Pepin, a studio at $684/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,192/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,620 would position you well — though many residents in Pepin 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 Pepin, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 823, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 386 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,080 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

386

Active civilian employees in Pepin

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pepin

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pepin under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,080. The median household income in Pepin is $71,136.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pepin on $71,136?

The affordability verdict for Pepin is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.5%, meaning median earners have a $32,056 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Pepin is $811/month. With a median household income of $71,136, residents spend approximately 16.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pepin?

A studio in Pepin rents for approximately $684/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,360 to afford this.

Is Pepin considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $32,056 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Pepin is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,080 to the local median household income.

How Pepin Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements