Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wilmore?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wilmore, you need to earn at least $41,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,848, which means the typical resident is $18,528 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,017

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$723	$2,410	$28,920	$-30,928
1 Bedroom	$857	$2,857	$34,280	$-25,568
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,033	$3,443	$41,320	$-18,528
3 Bedroom	$1,260	$4,200	$50,400	$-9,448
4 Bedroom	$1,550	$5,167	$62,000	+$2,152

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,848

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,528

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wilmore's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,496

Studio

$723/mo

1 BR

$857/mo

2 BR

$1,033/mo

3 BR

$1,260/mo

4 BR

$1,550/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wilmore

Living in Wilmore is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,528 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Wilmore typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wilmore, a studio at $723/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,260/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $50,400.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $61,980 would position you well — though many residents in Wilmore 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 Wilmore, Kentucky.

With a total population of 6,017, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,222 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,320 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

3,222

Active civilian employees in Wilmore

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wilmore

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wilmore under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,320. The median household income in Wilmore is $59,848.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wilmore on $59,848?

The affordability verdict for Wilmore is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.7%, meaning median earners have a $18,528 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wilmore is $857/month. With a median household income of $59,848, residents spend approximately 20.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wilmore?

A studio in Wilmore rents for approximately $723/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,920 to afford this.

Is Wilmore considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,528 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wilmore is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,320 to the local median household income.

How Wilmore Compares

Other cities in Kentucky with salary requirements