Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Parkersburg?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Parkersburg, you need to earn at least $47,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,722, which means the typical resident is $2,278 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 240

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$823	$2,743	$32,920	$-11,802
1 Bedroom	$975	$3,250	$39,000	$-5,722
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,175	$3,917	$47,000	+$2,278
3 Bedroom	$1,434	$4,780	$57,360	+$12,638
4 Bedroom	$1,763	$5,877	$70,520	+$25,798

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,722

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$47,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,278

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Parkersburg's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,118

Studio

$823/mo

1 BR

$975/mo

2 BR

$1,175/mo

3 BR

$1,434/mo

4 BR

$1,763/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Parkersburg

Renting in Parkersburg is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,278, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $823/month.

If you're relocating to Parkersburg, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($823–$975/month) unless your income exceeds $47,000. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $588/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Parkersburg is approximately $70,500. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Parkersburg, Illinois.

With a total population of 240, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 112 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $47,000 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

112

Active civilian employees in Parkersburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Parkersburg

What salary do I need to live in Parkersburg, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Parkersburg under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $47,000. The median household income in Parkersburg is $44,722.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Parkersburg on $44,722?

The affordability verdict for Parkersburg is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.5%, meaning there's a $2,278 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Parkersburg is $975/month. With a median household income of $44,722, residents spend approximately 31.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Parkersburg?

A studio in Parkersburg rents for approximately $823/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,920 to afford this.

Is Parkersburg considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,278 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Parkersburg is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $47,000 to the local median household income.

How Parkersburg Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements