Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fort Fairfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Fairfield, you need to earn at least $18,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,625, which means the typical resident is $36,705 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,566

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$331	$1,103	$13,240	$-42,385
1 Bedroom	$393	$1,310	$15,720	$-39,905
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$473	$1,577	$18,920	$-36,705
3 Bedroom	$577	$1,923	$23,080	$-32,545
4 Bedroom	$710	$2,367	$28,400	$-27,225

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$18,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$36,705

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 10.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fort Fairfield

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fort Fairfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,391

Studio

$331/mo

1 BR

$393/mo

2 BR

$473/mo

3 BR

$577/mo

4 BR

$710/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fort Fairfield.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fort Fairfield

Fort Fairfield, Maine stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $55,625 significantly exceeds the $18,920 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $36,705 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fort Fairfield, a studio at $331/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $577/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $23,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $28,380 would position you well — though many residents in Fort Fairfield 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 Fort Fairfield, Maine.

With a total population of 1,566, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 567 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $18,920 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

567

Active civilian employees in Fort Fairfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fort Fairfield

What salary do I need to live in Fort Fairfield, Maine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Fairfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $18,920. The median household income in Fort Fairfield is $55,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Fairfield on $55,625?

The affordability verdict for Fort Fairfield is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 10.2%, meaning median earners have a $36,705 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fort Fairfield compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fort Fairfield is $393/month. With a median household income of $55,625, residents spend approximately 10.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fort Fairfield?

A studio in Fort Fairfield rents for approximately $331/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $13,240 to afford this.

Is Fort Fairfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $36,705 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fort Fairfield is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $18,920 to the local median household income.

How Fort Fairfield Compares

Other cities in Maine with salary requirements