Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ludlow?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ludlow, you need to earn at least $49,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,089, which means the typical resident is $9,169 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,384

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$874	$2,913	$34,960	$-24,129
1 Bedroom	$1,036	$3,453	$41,440	$-17,649
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,248	$4,160	$49,920	$-9,169
3 Bedroom	$1,523	$5,077	$60,920	+$1,831
4 Bedroom	$1,872	$6,240	$74,880	+$15,791

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,089

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$49,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,169

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ludlow's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,477

Studio

$874/mo

1 BR

$1,036/mo

2 BR

$1,248/mo

3 BR

$1,523/mo

4 BR

$1,872/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ludlow

Renting in Ludlow, Kentucky is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $49,920/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $59,089, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,036/month) or studio ($874/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Ludlow pushes the required income to $60,920.

For comfortable living in Ludlow without financial stress, target a household income of at least $74,880 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Kentucky's cost of living.

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 Ludlow, Kentucky.

With a total population of 4,384, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,231 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $49,920 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

2,231

Active civilian employees in Ludlow

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ludlow

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ludlow under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $49,920. The median household income in Ludlow is $59,089.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ludlow on $59,089?

The affordability verdict for Ludlow is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $9,169 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Ludlow is $1,036/month. With a median household income of $59,089, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ludlow?

A studio in Ludlow rents for approximately $874/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,960 to afford this.

Is Ludlow considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,169 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Ludlow is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $49,920 to the local median household income.

How Ludlow Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements