Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Port Barre?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Port Barre, you need to earn at least $36,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,000, which means the typical resident is $360 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,181

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$641	$2,137	$25,640	$-11,360
1 Bedroom	$760	$2,533	$30,400	$-6,600
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$916	$3,053	$36,640	$-360
3 Bedroom	$1,118	$3,727	$44,720	+$7,720
4 Bedroom	$1,374	$4,580	$54,960	+$17,960

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$360

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 29.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Port Barre

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Port Barre's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$925

Studio

$641/mo

1 BR

$760/mo

2 BR

$916/mo

3 BR

$1,118/mo

4 BR

$1,374/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Port Barre.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Port Barre

Port Barre is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $360. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($760/month) or studio ($641/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Port Barre pushes the required income to $44,720.

For comfortable living in Port Barre without financial stress, target a household income of at least $54,960 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Louisiana'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 Port Barre, Louisiana.

With a total population of 2,181, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 809 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,640 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

809

Active civilian employees in Port Barre

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Port Barre

What salary do I need to live in Port Barre, Louisiana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Port Barre under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,640. The median household income in Port Barre is $37,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Port Barre on $37,000?

The affordability verdict for Port Barre is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 29.7%, meaning median earners have a $360 surplus.

What is the average rent in Port Barre compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Port Barre is $760/month. With a median household income of $37,000, residents spend approximately 29.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Port Barre?

A studio in Port Barre rents for approximately $641/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,640 to afford this.

Is Port Barre considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $360 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Port Barre is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,640 to the local median household income.

How Port Barre Compares

Other cities in Louisiana with salary requirements