Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Houghton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Houghton, you need to earn at least $43,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $90,244, which means the typical resident is $46,524 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,771

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$765	$2,550	$30,600	$-59,644
1 Bedroom	$907	$3,023	$36,280	$-53,964
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,093	$3,643	$43,720	$-46,524
3 Bedroom	$1,333	$4,443	$53,320	$-36,924
4 Bedroom	$1,640	$5,467	$65,600	$-24,644

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$90,244

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$46,524

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 14.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Houghton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,256

Studio

$765/mo

1 BR

$907/mo

2 BR

$1,093/mo

3 BR

$1,333/mo

4 BR

$1,640/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Houghton

Houghton, New York stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $90,244 significantly exceeds the $43,720 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $46,524 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Houghton, a studio at $765/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,333/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $53,320.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $65,580 would position you well — though many residents in Houghton 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 Houghton, New York.

With a total population of 1,771, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 779 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,720 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

779

Active civilian employees in Houghton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Houghton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Houghton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,720. The median household income in Houghton is $90,244.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Houghton on $90,244?

The affordability verdict for Houghton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 14.5%, meaning median earners have a $46,524 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Houghton is $907/month. With a median household income of $90,244, residents spend approximately 14.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Houghton?

A studio in Houghton rents for approximately $765/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,600 to afford this.

Is Houghton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $46,524 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Houghton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,720 to the local median household income.

How Houghton Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements