Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wildwood?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wildwood, you need to earn at least $67,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $147,508, which means the typical resident is $80,228 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 35,276

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,177	$3,923	$47,080	$-100,428
1 Bedroom	$1,396	$4,653	$55,840	$-91,668
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,682	$5,607	$67,280	$-80,228
3 Bedroom	$2,052	$6,840	$82,080	$-65,428
4 Bedroom	$2,523	$8,410	$100,920	$-46,588

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$147,508

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$67,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$80,228

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 13.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wildwood's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$3,688

Studio

$1,177/mo

1 BR

$1,396/mo

2 BR

$1,682/mo

3 BR

$2,052/mo

4 BR

$2,523/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wildwood

Wildwood, Missouri stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $147,508 significantly exceeds the $67,280 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $80,228 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wildwood, a studio at $1,177/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,052/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $82,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $100,920 would position you well — though many residents in Wildwood 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 Wildwood, Missouri.

With a total population of 35,276, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 17,878 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $67,280 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

17,878

Active civilian employees in Wildwood

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wildwood

What salary do I need to live in Wildwood, Missouri?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wildwood under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $67,280. The median household income in Wildwood is $147,508.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wildwood on $147,508?

The affordability verdict for Wildwood is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 13.7%, meaning median earners have a $80,228 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wildwood is $1,396/month. With a median household income of $147,508, residents spend approximately 13.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wildwood?

A studio in Wildwood rents for approximately $1,177/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $47,080 to afford this.

Is Wildwood considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $80,228 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wildwood is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $67,280 to the local median household income.

How Wildwood Compares

Other cities in Missouri with salary requirements