Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pembroke?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pembroke, you need to earn at least $33,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $23,107, which means the typical resident is $10,213 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,832

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$583	$1,943	$23,320	+$213
1 Bedroom	$691	$2,303	$27,640	+$4,533
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$833	$2,777	$33,320	+$10,213
3 Bedroom	$1,016	$3,387	$40,640	+$17,533
4 Bedroom	$1,250	$4,167	$50,000	+$26,893

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$23,107

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$33,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$10,213

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 43.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pembroke's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$578

Studio

$583/mo

1 BR

$691/mo

2 BR

$833/mo

3 BR

$1,016/mo

4 BR

$1,250/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pembroke

Renting in Pembroke is unaffordable for most median earners. The $10,213 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $833/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Pembroke, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $583/month, which requires $23,320/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$417/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable North Carolina city.

To live comfortably in Pembroke without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $49,980 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 Pembroke, North Carolina.

With a total population of 2,832, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 832 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $33,320 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

832

Active civilian employees in Pembroke

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pembroke

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pembroke under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $33,320. The median household income in Pembroke is $23,107.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pembroke on $23,107?

The affordability verdict for Pembroke is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 43.3%, meaning there's a $10,213 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Pembroke is $691/month. With a median household income of $23,107, residents spend approximately 43.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pembroke?

A studio in Pembroke rents for approximately $583/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $23,320 to afford this.

Is Pembroke considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $10,213 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Pembroke is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $33,320 to the local median household income.

How Pembroke Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements