Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ketchikan?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ketchikan, you need to earn at least $58,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $73,512, which means the typical resident is $14,992 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,168

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,024	$3,413	$40,960	$-32,552
1 Bedroom	$1,214	$4,047	$48,560	$-24,952
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,463	$4,877	$58,520	$-14,992
3 Bedroom	$1,785	$5,950	$71,400	$-2,112
4 Bedroom	$2,195	$7,317	$87,800	+$14,288

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Ketchikan's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$73,512

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$58,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,992

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Ketchikan

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ketchikan's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,838

Studio

$1,024/mo

1 BR

$1,214/mo

2 BR

$1,463/mo

3 BR

$1,785/mo

4 BR

$2,195/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Ketchikan.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Ketchikan's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ketchikan

Living in Ketchikan is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,992 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Ketchikan typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Ketchikan, a studio at $1,024/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,785/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $71,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $87,780 would position you well — though many residents in Ketchikan manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Ketchikan, Alaska.

With a total population of 8,168, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,125 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $58,520 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

4,125

Active civilian employees in Ketchikan

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ketchikan

What salary do I need to live in Ketchikan, Alaska?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ketchikan under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $58,520. The median household income in Ketchikan is $73,512.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ketchikan on $73,512?

The affordability verdict for Ketchikan is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%, meaning median earners have a $14,992 surplus.

What is the average rent in Ketchikan compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Ketchikan is $1,214/month. With a median household income of $73,512, residents spend approximately 23.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ketchikan?

A studio in Ketchikan rents for approximately $1,024/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $40,960 to afford this.

Is Ketchikan considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,992 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Ketchikan is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $58,520 to the local median household income.

How Ketchikan Compares

Other cities in Alaska with salary requirements