Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Johnson City?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Johnson City, you need to earn at least $45,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,308, which means the typical resident is $19,868 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,318

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$795	$2,650	$31,800	$-33,508
1 Bedroom	$943	$3,143	$37,720	$-27,588
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,136	$3,787	$45,440	$-19,868
3 Bedroom	$1,386	$4,620	$55,440	$-9,868
4 Bedroom	$1,704	$5,680	$68,160	+$2,852

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,308

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,868

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Johnson City

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Johnson City's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,633

Studio

$795/mo

1 BR

$943/mo

2 BR

$1,136/mo

3 BR

$1,386/mo

4 BR

$1,704/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Johnson City.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Johnson City

Living in Johnson City is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,868 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Johnson City typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Johnson City, a studio at $795/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,386/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $55,440.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $68,160 would position you well — though many residents in Johnson City 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 Johnson City, Kansas.

With a total population of 1,318, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 740 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,440 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

740

Active civilian employees in Johnson City

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Johnson City

What salary do I need to live in Johnson City, Kansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Johnson City under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,440. The median household income in Johnson City is $65,308.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Johnson City on $65,308?

The affordability verdict for Johnson City is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.9%, meaning median earners have a $19,868 surplus.

What is the average rent in Johnson City compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Johnson City is $943/month. With a median household income of $65,308, residents spend approximately 20.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Johnson City?

A studio in Johnson City rents for approximately $795/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,800 to afford this.

Is Johnson City considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,868 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Johnson City is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,440 to the local median household income.

How Johnson City Compares

Other cities in Kansas with salary requirements