Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Middlesborough?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Middlesborough, you need to earn at least $30,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $35,798, which means the typical resident is $5,758 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 9,383

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$526	$1,753	$21,040	$-14,758
1 Bedroom	$623	$2,077	$24,920	$-10,878
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$751	$2,503	$30,040	$-5,758
3 Bedroom	$916	$3,053	$36,640	+$842
4 Bedroom	$1,127	$3,757	$45,080	+$9,282

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$35,798

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,758

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Middlesborough's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$895

Studio

$526/mo

1 BR

$623/mo

2 BR

$751/mo

3 BR

$916/mo

4 BR

$1,127/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Middlesborough

Renting in Middlesborough, Kentucky is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $30,040/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $35,798, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($623/month) or studio ($526/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Middlesborough pushes the required income to $36,640.

For comfortable living in Middlesborough without financial stress, target a household income of at least $45,060 — 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 Middlesborough, Kentucky.

With a total population of 9,383, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,844 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,040 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

2,844

Active civilian employees in Middlesborough

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Middlesborough

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Middlesborough under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,040. The median household income in Middlesborough is $35,798.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Middlesborough on $35,798?

The affordability verdict for Middlesborough is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.2%, meaning median earners have a $5,758 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Middlesborough is $623/month. With a median household income of $35,798, residents spend approximately 25.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Middlesborough?

A studio in Middlesborough rents for approximately $526/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,040 to afford this.

Is Middlesborough considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,758 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Middlesborough is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,040 to the local median household income.

How Middlesborough Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements