Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kenly?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kenly, you need to earn at least $37,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,250, which means the typical resident is $13,650 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,527

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$658	$2,193	$26,320	$-24,930
1 Bedroom	$780	$2,600	$31,200	$-20,050
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$940	$3,133	$37,600	$-13,650
3 Bedroom	$1,147	$3,823	$45,880	$-5,370
4 Bedroom	$1,410	$4,700	$56,400	+$5,150

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,650

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kenly's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,281

Studio

$658/mo

1 BR

$780/mo

2 BR

$940/mo

3 BR

$1,147/mo

4 BR

$1,410/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kenly

Living in Kenly is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,650 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Kenly typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kenly, a studio at $658/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,147/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $56,400 would position you well — though many residents in Kenly 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 Kenly, North Carolina.

With a total population of 2,527, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 968 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,600 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

968

Active civilian employees in Kenly

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kenly

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kenly under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,600. The median household income in Kenly is $51,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kenly on $51,250?

The affordability verdict for Kenly is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.0%, meaning median earners have a $13,650 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Kenly is $780/month. With a median household income of $51,250, residents spend approximately 22.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kenly?

A studio in Kenly rents for approximately $658/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,320 to afford this.

Is Kenly considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,650 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kenly is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,600 to the local median household income.

How Kenly Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements