Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Jamestown?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jamestown, you need to earn at least $33,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $39,507, which means the typical resident is $5,627 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 28,679

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$593	$1,977	$23,720	$-15,787
1 Bedroom	$703	$2,343	$28,120	$-11,387
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$847	$2,823	$33,880	$-5,627
3 Bedroom	$1,033	$3,443	$41,320	+$1,813
4 Bedroom	$1,271	$4,237	$50,840	+$11,333

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$39,507

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,627

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Jamestown's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$988

Studio

$593/mo

1 BR

$703/mo

2 BR

$847/mo

3 BR

$1,033/mo

4 BR

$1,271/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Jamestown

Renting in Jamestown, New York is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $33,880/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $39,507, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($703/month) or studio ($593/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Jamestown pushes the required income to $41,320.

For comfortable living in Jamestown without financial stress, target a household income of at least $50,820 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for New York'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 Jamestown, New York.

With a total population of 28,679, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 12,033 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,880 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

12,033

Active civilian employees in Jamestown

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Jamestown

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Jamestown under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,880. The median household income in Jamestown is $39,507.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Jamestown on $39,507?

The affordability verdict for Jamestown is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.7%, meaning median earners have a $5,627 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Jamestown is $703/month. With a median household income of $39,507, residents spend approximately 25.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Jamestown?

A studio in Jamestown rents for approximately $593/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,720 to afford this.

Is Jamestown considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,627 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Jamestown is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,880 to the local median household income.

How Jamestown Compares

Other cities in New York with salary requirements