Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Paonia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Paonia, you need to earn at least $35,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,643, which means the typical resident is $18,723 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,571

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$629	$2,097	$25,160	$-29,483
1 Bedroom	$745	$2,483	$29,800	$-24,843
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$898	$2,993	$35,920	$-18,723
3 Bedroom	$1,096	$3,653	$43,840	$-10,803
4 Bedroom	$1,347	$4,490	$53,880	$-763

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,643

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,723

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Paonia's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,366

Studio

$629/mo

1 BR

$745/mo

2 BR

$898/mo

3 BR

$1,096/mo

4 BR

$1,347/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Paonia

Living in Paonia is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,723 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Paonia typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Paonia, a studio at $629/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,096/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,880 would position you well — though many residents in Paonia 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 Paonia, Colorado.

With a total population of 1,571, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 717 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,920 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

717

Active civilian employees in Paonia

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Paonia

What salary do I need to live in Paonia, Colorado?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Paonia under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,920. The median household income in Paonia is $54,643.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Paonia on $54,643?

The affordability verdict for Paonia is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.7%, meaning median earners have a $18,723 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Paonia is $745/month. With a median household income of $54,643, residents spend approximately 19.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Paonia?

A studio in Paonia rents for approximately $629/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,160 to afford this.

Is Paonia considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,723 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Paonia is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,920 to the local median household income.

How Paonia Compares

Other cities in Colorado with salary requirements