Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Stoughton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Stoughton, you need to earn at least $53,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $73,014, which means the typical resident is $19,454 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 13,091

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$937	$3,123	$37,480	$-35,534
1 Bedroom	$1,111	$3,703	$44,440	$-28,574
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,339	$4,463	$53,560	$-19,454
3 Bedroom	$1,634	$5,447	$65,360	$-7,654
4 Bedroom	$2,009	$6,697	$80,360	+$7,346

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$73,014

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,454

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Stoughton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,825

Studio

$937/mo

1 BR

$1,111/mo

2 BR

$1,339/mo

3 BR

$1,634/mo

4 BR

$2,009/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Stoughton

Living in Stoughton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,454 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Stoughton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Stoughton, a studio at $937/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,634/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $65,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $80,340 would position you well — though many residents in Stoughton 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 Stoughton, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 13,091, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,800 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,560 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

6,800

Active civilian employees in Stoughton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Stoughton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Stoughton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,560. The median household income in Stoughton is $73,014.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Stoughton on $73,014?

The affordability verdict for Stoughton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%, meaning median earners have a $19,454 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Stoughton is $1,111/month. With a median household income of $73,014, residents spend approximately 22.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Stoughton?

A studio in Stoughton rents for approximately $937/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,480 to afford this.

Is Stoughton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,454 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Stoughton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,560 to the local median household income.

How Stoughton Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements