Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in The Dalles, OR?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.7% of gross income.
The Dalles rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Oregon 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 Oregon cities have lower median rent than The Dalles, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for The Dalles
View full rent data for The Dalles, OR →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in The Dalles, OR?
Median rent in The Dalles is $1,779 a month. A typical firefighter in Oregon earns about $65,322 a year, which makes that rent 32.7% 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 The Dalles?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Oregon (~$65,322/yr) supports up to $1,633 a month in rent. The Dalles's current median rent is $1,779/mo, which is $146/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in The Dalles?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a firefighter in Oregon works roughly 56.6 hours a month to cover The Dalles's median rent of $1,779.
Where is rent cheaper than The Dalles for a firefighter?
Nearby Oregon cities with lower median rent include Metzger ($1,778/mo), Milwaukie ($1,778/mo), Eugene ($1,778/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.