Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in White Bear Lake, MN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.9% of gross income.
White Bear Lake rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Minnesota state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Minnesota cities have lower median rent than White Bear Lake, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for White Bear Lake
View full rent data for White Bear Lake, MN →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in White Bear Lake, MN?
Median rent in White Bear Lake is $1,683 a month. A typical firefighter in Minnesota earns about $65,322 a year, which makes that rent 30.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in White Bear Lake?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Minnesota (~$65,322/yr) supports up to $1,633 a month in rent. White Bear Lake's current median rent is $1,683/mo, which is $50/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in White Bear Lake?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a firefighter in Minnesota works roughly 53.6 hours a month to cover White Bear Lake's median rent of $1,683.
Where is rent cheaper than White Bear Lake for a firefighter?
Nearby Minnesota cities with lower median rent include Forest Lake ($1,682/mo), Shakopee ($1,682/mo), Bloomington ($1,682/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.