Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dawson Springs?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dawson Springs, you need to earn at least $27,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $34,615, which means the typical resident is $7,135 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,026

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$481	$1,603	$19,240	$-15,375
1 Bedroom	$570	$1,900	$22,800	$-11,815
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$687	$2,290	$27,480	$-7,135
3 Bedroom	$838	$2,793	$33,520	$-1,095
4 Bedroom	$1,031	$3,437	$41,240	+$6,625

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$34,615

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$27,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,135

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Dawson Springs

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dawson Springs's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$865

Studio

$481/mo

1 BR

$570/mo

2 BR

$687/mo

3 BR

$838/mo

4 BR

$1,031/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Dawson Springs.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dawson Springs

Living in Dawson Springs is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $7,135 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Dawson Springs typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Dawson Springs, a studio at $481/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $838/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $33,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $41,220 would position you well — though many residents in Dawson Springs 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 Dawson Springs, Kentucky.

With a total population of 2,026, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 497 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $27,480 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

497

Active civilian employees in Dawson Springs

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dawson Springs

What salary do I need to live in Dawson Springs, Kentucky?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dawson Springs under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $27,480. The median household income in Dawson Springs is $34,615.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dawson Springs on $34,615?

The affordability verdict for Dawson Springs is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $7,135 surplus.

What is the average rent in Dawson Springs compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Dawson Springs is $570/month. With a median household income of $34,615, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dawson Springs?

A studio in Dawson Springs rents for approximately $481/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $19,240 to afford this.

Is Dawson Springs considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,135 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Dawson Springs is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $27,480 to the local median household income.

How Dawson Springs Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements