Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Utica?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Utica, you need to earn at least $36,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,222, which means the typical resident is $6,222 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 977

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$630	$2,100	$25,200	$-17,022
1 Bedroom	$747	$2,490	$29,880	$-12,342
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$900	$3,000	$36,000	$-6,222
3 Bedroom	$1,098	$3,660	$43,920	+$1,698
4 Bedroom	$1,350	$4,500	$54,000	+$11,778

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,222

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,222

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Utica's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,056

Studio

$630/mo

1 BR

$747/mo

2 BR

$900/mo

3 BR

$1,098/mo

4 BR

$1,350/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Utica

Renting in Utica, Mississippi is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $36,000/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $42,222, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($747/month) or studio ($630/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Utica pushes the required income to $43,920.

For comfortable living in Utica without financial stress, target a household income of at least $54,000 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Mississippi'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 Utica, Mississippi.

With a total population of 977, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 332 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,000 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

332

Active civilian employees in Utica

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Utica

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Utica under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,000. The median household income in Utica is $42,222.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Utica on $42,222?

The affordability verdict for Utica is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.6%, meaning median earners have a $6,222 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Utica is $747/month. With a median household income of $42,222, residents spend approximately 25.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Utica?

A studio in Utica rents for approximately $630/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,200 to afford this.

Is Utica considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,222 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Utica is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,000 to the local median household income.

How Utica Compares

Other cities in Mississippi with salary requirements