Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Merrillville, IN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 33.3% of gross income.
Merrillville rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Indiana state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Indiana cities have lower median rent than Merrillville, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Merrillville
View full rent data for Merrillville, IN →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Merrillville, IN?
Median rent in Merrillville is $1,550 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Indiana earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 33.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Merrillville?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Indiana (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Merrillville's current median rent is $1,550/mo, which is $152/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Merrillville?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Indiana works roughly 57.6 hours a month to cover Merrillville's median rent of $1,550.
Where is rent cheaper than Merrillville for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Indiana cities with lower median rent include Greenwood ($1,549/mo), Greenfield ($1,547/mo), Lawrence ($1,546/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.