Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Derby?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Derby, you need to earn at least $51,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $79,581, which means the typical resident is $27,861 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 25,551

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$905	$3,017	$36,200	$-43,381
1 Bedroom	$1,073	$3,577	$42,920	$-36,661
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,293	$4,310	$51,720	$-27,861
3 Bedroom	$1,577	$5,257	$63,080	$-16,501
4 Bedroom	$1,940	$6,467	$77,600	$-1,981

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$79,581

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$51,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$27,861

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Derby's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,990

Studio

$905/mo

1 BR

$1,073/mo

2 BR

$1,293/mo

3 BR

$1,577/mo

4 BR

$1,940/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Derby

Derby, Kansas stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $79,581 significantly exceeds the $51,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $27,861 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Derby, a studio at $905/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,577/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $63,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $77,580 would position you well — though many residents in Derby 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 Derby, Kansas.

With a total population of 25,551, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,888 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $51,720 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

11,888

Active civilian employees in Derby

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Derby

What salary do I need to live in Derby, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Derby under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $51,720. The median household income in Derby is $79,581.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Derby on $79,581?

The affordability verdict for Derby is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.5%, meaning median earners have a $27,861 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Derby is $1,073/month. With a median household income of $79,581, residents spend approximately 19.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Derby?

A studio in Derby rents for approximately $905/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,200 to afford this.

Is Derby considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $27,861 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Derby is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $51,720 to the local median household income.

How Derby Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements