Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Elizabethtown?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elizabethtown, you need to earn at least $40,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $54,493, which means the typical resident is $13,693 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 31,425

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$714	$2,380	$28,560	$-25,933
1 Bedroom	$847	$2,823	$33,880	$-20,613
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,020	$3,400	$40,800	$-13,693
3 Bedroom	$1,244	$4,147	$49,760	$-4,733
4 Bedroom	$1,530	$5,100	$61,200	+$6,707

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$54,493

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,693

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Elizabethtown's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,362

Studio

$714/mo

1 BR

$847/mo

2 BR

$1,020/mo

3 BR

$1,244/mo

4 BR

$1,530/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Elizabethtown

Living in Elizabethtown is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,693 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Elizabethtown typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Elizabethtown, a studio at $714/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,244/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $61,200 would position you well — though many residents in Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

With a total population of 31,425, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 14,164 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,800 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

14,164

Active civilian employees in Elizabethtown

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Elizabethtown

What salary do I need to live in Elizabethtown, Kentucky?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elizabethtown under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,800. The median household income in Elizabethtown is $54,493.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Elizabethtown on $54,493?

The affordability verdict for Elizabethtown is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.5%, meaning median earners have a $13,693 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Elizabethtown is $847/month. With a median household income of $54,493, residents spend approximately 22.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Elizabethtown?

A studio in Elizabethtown rents for approximately $714/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,560 to afford this.

Is Elizabethtown considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,693 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Elizabethtown is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,800 to the local median household income.

How Elizabethtown Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements