Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fair Play?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fair Play, you need to earn at least $44,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,750, which means the typical resident is $10,810 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 509

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$780	$2,600	$31,200	$-2,550
1 Bedroom	$925	$3,083	$37,000	+$3,250
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,114	$3,713	$44,560	+$10,810
3 Bedroom	$1,359	$4,530	$54,360	+$20,610
4 Bedroom	$1,671	$5,570	$66,840	+$33,090

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$10,810

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 39.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fair Play

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fair Play's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$844

Studio

$780/mo

1 BR

$925/mo

2 BR

$1,114/mo

3 BR

$1,359/mo

4 BR

$1,671/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fair Play.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fair Play

Fair Play's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,114/month requires $44,560/year — about $10,810 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Fair Play, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($780–$925/month) unless your income exceeds $44,560. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $557/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Fair Play is approximately $66,840. 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 Fair Play, Missouri.

With a total population of 509, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 177 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,560 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

177

Active civilian employees in Fair Play

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fair Play

What salary do I need to live in Fair Play, Missouri?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fair Play under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,560. The median household income in Fair Play is $33,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fair Play on $33,750?

The affordability verdict for Fair Play is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 39.6%, meaning there's a $10,810 income gap.

What is the average rent in Fair Play compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fair Play is $925/month. With a median household income of $33,750, residents spend approximately 39.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fair Play?

A studio in Fair Play rents for approximately $780/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,200 to afford this.

Is Fair Play considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $10,810 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Fair Play is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,560 to the local median household income.

How Fair Play Compares

Other cities in Missouri with salary requirements