Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fort Drum?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Drum, you need to earn at least $70,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,559, which means the typical resident is $14,321 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,298

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,240	$4,133	$49,600	$-6,959
1 Bedroom	$1,471	$4,903	$58,840	+$2,281
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,772	$5,907	$70,880	+$14,321
3 Bedroom	$2,162	$7,207	$86,480	+$29,921
4 Bedroom	$2,658	$8,860	$106,320	+$49,761

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,559

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$70,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$14,321

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 37.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fort Drum

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fort Drum's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,414

Studio

$1,240/mo

1 BR

$1,471/mo

2 BR

$1,772/mo

3 BR

$2,162/mo

4 BR

$2,658/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fort Drum.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fort Drum

Fort Drum's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,772/month requires $70,880/year — about $14,321 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Fort Drum, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,240–$1,471/month) unless your income exceeds $70,880. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $886/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Fort Drum is approximately $106,320. 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 Fort Drum, New York.

With a total population of 16,298, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,410 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $70,880 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

2,410

Active civilian employees in Fort Drum

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fort Drum

What salary do I need to live in Fort Drum, New York?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Drum under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $70,880. The median household income in Fort Drum is $56,559.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Drum on $56,559?

The affordability verdict for Fort Drum is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 37.6%, meaning there's a $14,321 income gap.

What is the average rent in Fort Drum compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fort Drum is $1,471/month. With a median household income of $56,559, residents spend approximately 37.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fort Drum?

A studio in Fort Drum rents for approximately $1,240/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $49,600 to afford this.

Is Fort Drum considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $14,321 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Fort Drum is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $70,880 to the local median household income.

How Fort Drum Compares

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