Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Graham?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Graham, you need to earn at least $43,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,482, which means the typical resident is $7,562 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 17,136

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$769	$2,563	$30,760	$-20,722
1 Bedroom	$911	$3,037	$36,440	$-15,042
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,098	$3,660	$43,920	$-7,562
3 Bedroom	$1,340	$4,467	$53,600	+$2,118
4 Bedroom	$1,647	$5,490	$65,880	+$14,398

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,482

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,562

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Graham's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,287

Studio

$769/mo

1 BR

$911/mo

2 BR

$1,098/mo

3 BR

$1,340/mo

4 BR

$1,647/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Graham

Renting in Graham, North Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $43,920/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $51,482, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($911/month) or studio ($769/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Graham pushes the required income to $53,600.

For comfortable living in Graham without financial stress, target a household income of at least $65,880 — 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 Graham, North Carolina.

With a total population of 17,136, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 7,726 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,920 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

7,726

Active civilian employees in Graham

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Graham

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Graham under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,920. The median household income in Graham is $51,482.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Graham on $51,482?

The affordability verdict for Graham is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.6%, meaning median earners have a $7,562 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Graham is $911/month. With a median household income of $51,482, residents spend approximately 25.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Graham?

A studio in Graham rents for approximately $769/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,760 to afford this.

Is Graham considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,562 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Graham is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,920 to the local median household income.

How Graham Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements