Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Raeford?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Raeford, you need to earn at least $36,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $38,371, which means the typical resident is $1,891 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,570

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$638	$2,127	$25,520	$-12,851
1 Bedroom	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-8,091
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$912	$3,040	$36,480	$-1,891
3 Bedroom	$1,113	$3,710	$44,520	+$6,149
4 Bedroom	$1,368	$4,560	$54,720	+$16,349

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$38,371

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$1,891

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 28.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Raeford's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$959

Studio

$638/mo

1 BR

$757/mo

2 BR

$912/mo

3 BR

$1,113/mo

4 BR

$1,368/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Raeford

Raeford is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $1,891. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($757/month) or studio ($638/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Raeford pushes the required income to $44,520.

For comfortable living in Raeford without financial stress, target a household income of at least $54,720 — 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 Raeford, North Carolina.

With a total population of 4,570, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,741 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,480 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

1,741

Active civilian employees in Raeford

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Raeford

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Raeford under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,480. The median household income in Raeford is $38,371.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Raeford on $38,371?

The affordability verdict for Raeford is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 28.5%, meaning median earners have a $1,891 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Raeford is $757/month. With a median household income of $38,371, residents spend approximately 28.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Raeford?

A studio in Raeford rents for approximately $638/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,520 to afford this.

Is Raeford considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $1,891 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Raeford is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,480 to the local median household income.

How Raeford Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements