How Much of Your Paycheck Goes to Rent? Census Data for St. George, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Tucson

Here's a question that can make any renter's feathers stand on end: how much of your paycheck is going to rent? The Census Bureau will release its next big batch of local numbers, the 2025 American Community Survey 1-year estimates, on October 29, 2026, after a delay. Until then, the 2024 survey is the latest local data we have, and it has a lot to say about renters in St. George, Southeastern Idaho, and Tucson. Let's dive in (the shallow end, we promise).

First, the 30 Percent Rule

Federal housing policy generally treats housing as affordable if it costs no more than 30 percent of a household's income. Renters who pay more are called "cost burdened," and those who pay more than half are "severely cost burdened," according to the Congressional Research Service. Nationally, CRS estimates that 49.4 percent of renter households were cost burdened in 2024, and 26.2 percent were severely cost burdened.

The Census Bureau also reported that the national median gross rent (rent plus utilities) rose 2.7 percent to $1,487 in 2024, and that Idaho had one of the largest rent increases of any state, according to its release.

How Our Local Markets Stack Up

Here's what the 2024 ACS shows for median gross rent and the median share of income spent on rent in each metro area:

• St. George, UT: $1,653 a month, about 30.7 percent of income. That's the highest rent of the four, and above the national median.
• Tucson, AZ: $1,300 a month, about 31.4 percent of income.
• Idaho Falls, ID: $1,257 a month, about 26.3 percent of income.
• Pocatello, ID: $1,076 a month, about 29.7 percent of income.

How Many Renters Are Paddling Upstream?

Using the Census Bureau's gross rent as a percentage of income table, here's our tally of the share of renter households (where the Bureau could calculate it) paying 30 percent or more of income on rent:

• Tucson: about 53 percent, with about 25 percent paying half or more.
• St. George: about 51 percent, with about 23 percent paying half or more.
• Pocatello: about 49 percent, with about 28 percent paying half or more.
• Idaho Falls: about 41 percent, with about 15 percent paying half or more.

One caveat: these are survey estimates, and the margins of error are wide in smaller metros like Pocatello and Idaho Falls. Think of them as a good gut check, not a precise ruler. We'll see whether things got better or worse when the 2025 numbers land on October 29.

Renter Tips to Keep Your Budget Afloat

• Run the 30 percent math. Multiply the monthly rent by 40 to see the yearly income that keeps it at 30 percent. A $1,653 rent works out to about $66,000 a year, while a $1,076 rent works out to about $43,000.
• Count utilities, too. The Census figures above are gross rent, which includes utilities. A cheaper rent with high utility bills can cost more than a pricier place with utilities included.
• Compare nearby towns. Rents can vary a lot within a metro area, so check a few neighborhoods and nearby communities before you sign.
• Ask about fees up front. Application fees, pet rent, and parking can quietly push you past your budget.
• Consider a roommate or a smaller unit. Splitting rent is one of the fastest ways to get back under 30 percent.

The Bottom Line

About half of renters in St. George, Pocatello, and Tucson spend 30 percent or more of their income on rent, so a smart search matters. Set your budget first, then shop around. Search rentals on RentDuck for free and find a place that fits your wallet without leaving you feeling like a sitting duck.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Tables B25064, B25071, and B25070; U.S. Census Bureau, "The Cost of Homeownership Continues to Rise," September 11, 2025; U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 ACS Data Release Schedule; Congressional Research Service, Housing Cost Burdens in 2024: In Brief.