Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wilson?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wilson, you need to earn at least $41,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,891, which means the typical resident is $5,251 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 47,767

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$729	$2,430	$29,160	$-17,731
1 Bedroom	$864	$2,880	$34,560	$-12,331
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,041	$3,470	$41,640	$-5,251
3 Bedroom	$1,270	$4,233	$50,800	+$3,909
4 Bedroom	$1,562	$5,207	$62,480	+$15,589

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,891

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,251

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wilson's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,172

Studio

$729/mo

1 BR

$864/mo

2 BR

$1,041/mo

3 BR

$1,270/mo

4 BR

$1,562/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wilson

Renting in Wilson, North Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $41,640/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $46,891, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($864/month) or studio ($729/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Wilson pushes the required income to $50,800.

For comfortable living in Wilson without financial stress, target a household income of at least $62,460 — 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 Wilson, North Carolina.

With a total population of 47,767, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 20,741 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,640 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

20,741

Active civilian employees in Wilson

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wilson

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wilson under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,640. The median household income in Wilson is $46,891.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wilson on $46,891?

The affordability verdict for Wilson is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.6%, meaning median earners have a $5,251 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wilson is $864/month. With a median household income of $46,891, residents spend approximately 26.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wilson?

A studio in Wilson rents for approximately $729/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,160 to afford this.

Is Wilson considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,251 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Wilson is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,640 to the local median household income.

How Wilson Compares

Other cities in North Carolina with salary requirements