Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hillcrest Heights?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest Heights, you need to earn at least $68,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $67,412, which means the typical resident is $1,148 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,478

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,200	$4,000	$48,000	$-19,412
1 Bedroom	$1,423	$4,743	$56,920	$-10,492
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,714	$5,713	$68,560	+$1,148
3 Bedroom	$2,091	$6,970	$83,640	+$16,228
4 Bedroom	$2,571	$8,570	$102,840	+$35,428

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$67,412

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$68,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$1,148

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hillcrest Heights

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hillcrest Heights's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,685

Studio

$1,200/mo

1 BR

$1,423/mo

2 BR

$1,714/mo

3 BR

$2,091/mo

4 BR

$2,571/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hillcrest Heights.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hillcrest Heights

Renting in Hillcrest Heights is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $1,148, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,200/month.

If you're relocating to Hillcrest Heights, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,200–$1,423/month) unless your income exceeds $68,560. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $857/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Hillcrest Heights is approximately $102,840. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Hillcrest Heights, Maryland.

With a total population of 16,478, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,851 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $68,560 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

7,851

Active civilian employees in Hillcrest Heights

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hillcrest Heights

What salary do I need to live in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest Heights under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $68,560. The median household income in Hillcrest Heights is $67,412.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hillcrest Heights on $67,412?

The affordability verdict for Hillcrest Heights is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.5%, meaning there's a $1,148 income gap.

What is the average rent in Hillcrest Heights compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hillcrest Heights is $1,423/month. With a median household income of $67,412, residents spend approximately 30.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hillcrest Heights?

A studio in Hillcrest Heights rents for approximately $1,200/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $48,000 to afford this.

Is Hillcrest Heights considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $1,148 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Hillcrest Heights is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $68,560 to the local median household income.

How Hillcrest Heights Compares

Other cities in Maryland with salary requirements