Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Plymouth?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Plymouth, you need to earn at least $31,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $24,385, which means the typical resident is $6,895 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,315

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$547	$1,823	$21,880	$-2,505
1 Bedroom	$649	$2,163	$25,960	+$1,575
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$782	$2,607	$31,280	+$6,895
3 Bedroom	$954	$3,180	$38,160	+$13,775
4 Bedroom	$1,173	$3,910	$46,920	+$22,535

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$24,385

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$6,895

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 38.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Plymouth's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$610

Studio

$547/mo

1 BR

$649/mo

2 BR

$782/mo

3 BR

$954/mo

4 BR

$1,173/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Plymouth

Plymouth's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $782/month requires $31,280/year — about $6,895 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Plymouth, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($547–$649/month) unless your income exceeds $31,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $391/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Plymouth is approximately $46,920. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Plymouth, North Carolina.

With a total population of 3,315, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 881 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,280 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

881

Active civilian employees in Plymouth

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Plymouth

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Plymouth under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,280. The median household income in Plymouth is $24,385.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Plymouth on $24,385?

The affordability verdict for Plymouth is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 38.5%, meaning there's a $6,895 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Plymouth is $649/month. With a median household income of $24,385, residents spend approximately 38.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Plymouth?

A studio in Plymouth rents for approximately $547/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,880 to afford this.

Is Plymouth considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $6,895 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Plymouth is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,280 to the local median household income.

How Plymouth Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements