Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Shively?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Shively, you need to earn at least $39,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $45,953, which means the typical resident is $6,233 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 15,595

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$695	$2,317	$27,800	$-18,153
1 Bedroom	$824	$2,747	$32,960	$-12,993
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$993	$3,310	$39,720	$-6,233
3 Bedroom	$1,211	$4,037	$48,440	+$2,487
4 Bedroom	$1,490	$4,967	$59,600	+$13,647

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$45,953

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,233

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Shively's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,149

Studio

$695/mo

1 BR

$824/mo

2 BR

$993/mo

3 BR

$1,211/mo

4 BR

$1,490/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Shively

Renting in Shively, Kentucky is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $39,720/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $45,953, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($824/month) or studio ($695/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Shively pushes the required income to $48,440.

For comfortable living in Shively without financial stress, target a household income of at least $59,580 — 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 Shively, Kentucky.

With a total population of 15,595, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,078 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,720 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

7,078

Active civilian employees in Shively

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Shively

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Shively under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,720. The median household income in Shively is $45,953.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Shively on $45,953?

The affordability verdict for Shively is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.9%, meaning median earners have a $6,233 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Shively is $824/month. With a median household income of $45,953, residents spend approximately 25.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Shively?

A studio in Shively rents for approximately $695/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,800 to afford this.

Is Shively considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,233 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Shively is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,720 to the local median household income.

How Shively Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements