Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Laurel Hill?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Laurel Hill, you need to earn at least $42,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $23,086, which means the typical resident is $19,554 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 869

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$746	$2,487	$29,840	+$6,754
1 Bedroom	$885	$2,950	$35,400	+$12,314
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,066	$3,553	$42,640	+$19,554
3 Bedroom	$1,301	$4,337	$52,040	+$28,954
4 Bedroom	$1,599	$5,330	$63,960	+$40,874

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$23,086

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$19,554

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 55.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Laurel Hill

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Laurel Hill's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$577

Studio

$746/mo

1 BR

$885/mo

2 BR

$1,066/mo

3 BR

$1,301/mo

4 BR

$1,599/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Laurel Hill.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Laurel Hill

Renting in Laurel Hill is unaffordable for most median earners. The $19,554 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,066/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Laurel Hill, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $746/month, which requires $29,840/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$533/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable North Carolina city.

To live comfortably in Laurel Hill without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $63,960 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for North Carolina's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Laurel Hill, North Carolina.

With a total population of 869, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 229 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,640 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

229

Active civilian employees in Laurel Hill

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Laurel Hill

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Laurel Hill under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,640. The median household income in Laurel Hill is $23,086.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Laurel Hill on $23,086?

The affordability verdict for Laurel Hill is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 55.4%, meaning there's a $19,554 income gap.

What is the average rent in Laurel Hill compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Laurel Hill is $885/month. With a median household income of $23,086, residents spend approximately 55.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Laurel Hill?

A studio in Laurel Hill rents for approximately $746/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,840 to afford this.

Is Laurel Hill considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $19,554 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Laurel Hill is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,640 to the local median household income.

How Laurel Hill Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements