Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Smithfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Smithfield, you need to earn at least $29,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,000, which means the typical resident is $7,200 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 11,527

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$522	$1,740	$20,880	$-16,120
1 Bedroom	$618	$2,060	$24,720	$-12,280
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$745	$2,483	$29,800	$-7,200
3 Bedroom	$909	$3,030	$36,360	$-640
4 Bedroom	$1,118	$3,727	$44,720	+$7,720

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,200

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Smithfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$925

Studio

$522/mo

1 BR

$618/mo

2 BR

$745/mo

3 BR

$909/mo

4 BR

$1,118/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Smithfield

Living in Smithfield is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $7,200 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Smithfield typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Smithfield, a studio at $522/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $909/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $36,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $44,700 would position you well — though many residents in Smithfield 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 Smithfield, North Carolina.

With a total population of 11,527, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 4,117 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,800 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

4,117

Active civilian employees in Smithfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Smithfield

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Smithfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,800. The median household income in Smithfield is $37,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Smithfield on $37,000?

The affordability verdict for Smithfield is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.2%, meaning median earners have a $7,200 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Smithfield is $618/month. With a median household income of $37,000, residents spend approximately 24.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Smithfield?

A studio in Smithfield rents for approximately $522/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,880 to afford this.

Is Smithfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,200 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Smithfield is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,800 to the local median household income.

How Smithfield Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements