Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hays?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hays, you need to earn at least $35,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $40,963, which means the typical resident is $5,123 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,389

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$627	$2,090	$25,080	$-15,883
1 Bedroom	$744	$2,480	$29,760	$-11,203
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$896	$2,987	$35,840	$-5,123
3 Bedroom	$1,093	$3,643	$43,720	+$2,757
4 Bedroom	$1,344	$4,480	$53,760	+$12,797

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$40,963

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,123

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hays's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,024

Studio

$627/mo

1 BR

$744/mo

2 BR

$896/mo

3 BR

$1,093/mo

4 BR

$1,344/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hays

Renting in Hays, North Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $35,840/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $40,963, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($744/month) or studio ($627/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Hays pushes the required income to $43,720.

For comfortable living in Hays without financial stress, target a household income of at least $53,760 — 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 Hays, North Carolina.

With a total population of 1,389, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 657 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,840 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

657

Active civilian employees in Hays

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hays

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hays under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,840. The median household income in Hays is $40,963.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hays on $40,963?

The affordability verdict for Hays is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.2%, meaning median earners have a $5,123 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Hays is $744/month. With a median household income of $40,963, residents spend approximately 26.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hays?

A studio in Hays rents for approximately $627/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,080 to afford this.

Is Hays considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,123 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Hays is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,840 to the local median household income.

How Hays Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements