Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dunn?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dunn, you need to earn at least $36,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $41,843, which means the typical resident is $5,203 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,549

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$641	$2,137	$25,640	$-16,203
1 Bedroom	$760	$2,533	$30,400	$-11,443
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$916	$3,053	$36,640	$-5,203
3 Bedroom	$1,118	$3,727	$44,720	+$2,877
4 Bedroom	$1,374	$4,580	$54,960	+$13,117

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$41,843

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,203

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dunn's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,046

Studio

$641/mo

1 BR

$760/mo

2 BR

$916/mo

3 BR

$1,118/mo

4 BR

$1,374/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dunn

Renting in Dunn, North Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $36,640/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $41,843, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($760/month) or studio ($641/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Dunn pushes the required income to $44,720.

For comfortable living in Dunn without financial stress, target a household income of at least $54,960 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for North Carolina'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 Dunn, North Carolina.

With a total population of 8,549, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,473 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,640 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

3,473

Active civilian employees in Dunn

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dunn

What salary do I need to live in Dunn, North Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dunn under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,640. The median household income in Dunn is $41,843.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dunn on $41,843?

The affordability verdict for Dunn is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.3%, meaning median earners have a $5,203 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Dunn is $760/month. With a median household income of $41,843, residents spend approximately 26.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dunn?

A studio in Dunn rents for approximately $641/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,640 to afford this.

Is Dunn considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,203 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Dunn is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,640 to the local median household income.

How Dunn Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements