Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Townsend?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Townsend, you need to earn at least $45,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,546, which means the typical resident is $15,626 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,131

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$804	$2,680	$32,160	$-29,386
1 Bedroom	$953	$3,177	$38,120	$-23,426
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,148	$3,827	$45,920	$-15,626
3 Bedroom	$1,401	$4,670	$56,040	$-5,506
4 Bedroom	$1,722	$5,740	$68,880	+$7,334

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,546

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,626

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Townsend's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,539

Studio

$804/mo

1 BR

$953/mo

2 BR

$1,148/mo

3 BR

$1,401/mo

4 BR

$1,722/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Townsend

Living in Townsend is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,626 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Townsend typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Townsend, a studio at $804/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,401/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $56,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $68,880 would position you well — though many residents in Townsend 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 Townsend, Massachusetts.

With a total population of 1,131, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 535 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,920 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

535

Active civilian employees in Townsend

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Townsend

What salary do I need to live in Townsend, Massachusetts?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Townsend under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,920. The median household income in Townsend is $61,546.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Townsend on $61,546?

The affordability verdict for Townsend is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $15,626 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Townsend is $953/month. With a median household income of $61,546, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Townsend?

A studio in Townsend rents for approximately $804/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,160 to afford this.

Is Townsend considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,626 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Townsend is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,920 to the local median household income.

How Townsend Compares

Other cities in Massachusetts with salary requirements