Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wainwright?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wainwright, you need to earn at least $38,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $79,500, which means the typical resident is $40,620 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 621

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$680	$2,267	$27,200	$-52,300
1 Bedroom	$807	$2,690	$32,280	$-47,220
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$972	$3,240	$38,880	$-40,620
3 Bedroom	$1,186	$3,953	$47,440	$-32,060
4 Bedroom	$1,458	$4,860	$58,320	$-21,180

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$79,500

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$40,620

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wainwright's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,988

Studio

$680/mo

1 BR

$807/mo

2 BR

$972/mo

3 BR

$1,186/mo

4 BR

$1,458/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wainwright

Wainwright, Alaska stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $79,500 significantly exceeds the $38,880 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $40,620 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wainwright, a studio at $680/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,186/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $47,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $58,320 would position you well — though many residents in Wainwright 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 Wainwright, Alaska.

With a total population of 621, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 297 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,880 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

297

Active civilian employees in Wainwright

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wainwright

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wainwright under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,880. The median household income in Wainwright is $79,500.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wainwright on $79,500?

The affordability verdict for Wainwright is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.7%, meaning median earners have a $40,620 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wainwright is $807/month. With a median household income of $79,500, residents spend approximately 14.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wainwright?

A studio in Wainwright rents for approximately $680/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,200 to afford this.

Is Wainwright considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $40,620 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wainwright is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,880 to the local median household income.

How Wainwright Compares

Other cities in Alaska with salary requirements