Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Waukee, IA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 40.2% of gross income.
Waukee rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than Waukee, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waukee
View full rent data for Waukee, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Waukee, IA?
Median rent in Waukee is $1,640 a month. A typical paramedic in Iowa earns about $48,926 a year, which makes that rent 40.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Waukee?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Iowa (~$48,926/yr) supports up to $1,223 a month in rent. Waukee's current median rent is $1,640/mo, which is $417/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Waukee?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in Iowa works roughly 69.7 hours a month to cover Waukee's median rent of $1,640.
Where is rent cheaper than Waukee for a paramedic?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include Iowa City ($1,638/mo), Iowa City ($1,638/mo), North Liberty ($1,627/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.