Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Paden?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Paden, you need to earn at least $26,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,188, which means the typical resident is $15,668 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 98

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$464	$1,547	$18,560	$-23,628
1 Bedroom	$550	$1,833	$22,000	$-20,188
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$663	$2,210	$26,520	$-15,668
3 Bedroom	$809	$2,697	$32,360	$-9,828
4 Bedroom	$995	$3,317	$39,800	$-2,388

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,188

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,668

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Paden's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,055

Studio

$464/mo

1 BR

$550/mo

2 BR

$663/mo

3 BR

$809/mo

4 BR

$995/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Paden

Living in Paden is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,668 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Paden typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Paden, a studio at $464/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $809/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $32,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $39,780 would position you well — though many residents in Paden 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 Paden, Mississippi.

With a total population of 98, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 35 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,520 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

Active civilian employees in Paden

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Paden

What salary do I need to live in Paden, Mississippi?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Paden under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,520. The median household income in Paden is $42,188.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Paden on $42,188?

The affordability verdict for Paden is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%, meaning median earners have a $15,668 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Paden is $550/month. With a median household income of $42,188, residents spend approximately 18.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Paden?

A studio in Paden rents for approximately $464/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,560 to afford this.

Is Paden considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,668 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Paden is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,520 to the local median household income.

How Paden Compares

Other cities in Mississippi with salary requirements