Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fairborn?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairborn, you need to earn at least $45,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,783, which means the typical resident is $8,623 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 34,494

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-22,183
1 Bedroom	$937	$3,123	$37,480	$-16,303
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,129	$3,763	$45,160	$-8,623
3 Bedroom	$1,377	$4,590	$55,080	+$1,297
4 Bedroom	$1,694	$5,647	$67,760	+$13,977

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,783

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$45,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,623

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fairborn's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,345

Studio

$790/mo

1 BR

$937/mo

2 BR

$1,129/mo

3 BR

$1,377/mo

4 BR

$1,694/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fairborn

Renting in Fairborn, Ohio is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $45,160/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $53,783, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($937/month) or studio ($790/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Fairborn pushes the required income to $55,080.

For comfortable living in Fairborn without financial stress, target a household income of at least $67,740 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Ohio'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 Fairborn, Ohio.

With a total population of 34,494, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,876 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $45,160 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

16,876

Active civilian employees in Fairborn

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fairborn

What salary do I need to live in Fairborn, Ohio?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairborn under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $45,160. The median household income in Fairborn is $53,783.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fairborn on $53,783?

The affordability verdict for Fairborn is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.2%, meaning median earners have a $8,623 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Fairborn is $937/month. With a median household income of $53,783, residents spend approximately 25.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fairborn?

A studio in Fairborn rents for approximately $790/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $31,600 to afford this.

Is Fairborn considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,623 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Fairborn is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $45,160 to the local median household income.

How Fairborn Compares

Other cities in Ohio with salary requirements